Dear Students,

Congratulations on completing your final law school exam! As you look back at the Orientation 2023 photo above, you should feel extremely proud of how far you have come!

Ceremonies to mark the conclusion of your time in law school will begin with a Class of 2026 Celebratory Toast on Tuesday, May 12, at 5:30 pm and will conclude with the conferral of degrees at the Maryland Carey Law Hooding Ceremony on Friday, May 15, at 11:30 am. Additional celebratory events will take place in-between.

Please be sure to complete the tasks below this week. Next week’s Newsletter will focus on Graduation Week events and provide additional information about the Hooding Ceremony for you and your guests.

If you opted to have your regalia shipped to the bookstore, in-store pickup is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 6. Please watch for an email from the bookstore with additional information.

 Please inspect your regalia to confirm that all items are included and correct.

Friday, May 8 is the last day to pick up tickets for the Hooding Ceremony. Pickup hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you are unable to pick up your tickets in person, you may designate someone you trust to do so on your behalf. You must notify Marilyn Jones and Shari Christie in the Office of Student Services of the individual authorized to pick up your tickets. 

During the Hooding Ceremony, your name will be announced as it appears on your Application for Diploma when you walk onto the stage. In order to ensure that your name is pronounced correctly, please record your name EXACTLY as you would like it pronounced at graduation in the Graduation 2026 Blackboard Page. 

Dean Renée Hutchins Laurent, members of the Maryland Carey Law School Club (MCLSC), and the Office of External Relations will host a toast in Westminster Hall to celebrate and welcome all Class of 2026 graduates to the Maryland Carey Law alumni community. This event will feature brief remarks with light refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, and a toast. Class of 2026 graduates are welcome to bring up to one (1) guest. Register to attend the Celebratory Toast.

Please make sure to clean out your locker and remove your lock on or before Friday, May 15. If your lock remains on your locker after Friday, May 22, it will be cut off and all contents inside will be discarded. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to retrieve their belongings, prior to lockers being reassigned to the incoming class.

“Look back on the journey that brought you here. What moments challenged you most? When were you asked to step outside of your familiar territory in order to rise to the occasion of your potential? I want you to remember those moments because they will embolden you.” 

Think back to Orientation, the Pinning Ceremony, and the notecard you wrote to yourself. Reflect on the incredible journey you have completed and the professional identity you have built.

We would love to see images that capture meaningful moments from your time at Maryland Carey Law.   Submit Your Photos Here. The Maryland Carey Law Class of 2026 Shared Album allows you to view, add photos and videos, and comment.

Graduates who have borrowed federal loans will be sent an email with information on completing Exit Counseling. Students are encouraged to monitor the Federal Student Aid website and the University Student Financial Aid's webpage for Graduating Students, which will be updated with the changes to the loan repayment plans, once final regulations are published. The AccessLex Student Loan Calculator is also a useful tool for students to explore different repayment options.

During the Hooding Ceremony, Dean McClain will indicate that you are receiving an additional degree along with your law degree. Please email Ms. Amanda Barnes, Office Manager for Student Services, the following information:

If there is something missing from the Weekly Student Services Newsletter that you would like to see added, please let us know.