Commencement
Dear Family,
We are eagerly anticipating your graduate’s participation in Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s Commencement Exercises on Saturday, June 22nd 2024. It marks a tremendous accomplishment in the life of your graduate, and we look forward to celebrating with you. As you begin preparing for this momentous day, please consider the following information in making your plans.
Timing—Commencement will begin promptly at 1000 on Saturday, June 22nd. We anticipate it will last a little more than two hours.
Location—You will be seated under a large tent facing the patio of the Mess Deck, where the platform will be located. Seating is first come, first served.
Parking—Parking will be located in three main areas on campus, including pier and canal parking for those with accessibility placards, the gym parking lot, and C-lot. Each family may request up to two parking passes and will receive one C-lot pass, along with a canal or gym pass. Graduates will be invited to request parking passes when they confirm their attendance. Parking passes will be mailed to students. For those families intending to arrive in more than two vehicles, a town lot is located just off campus near the train station. Campus security will be running golf carts throughout the day to help shuttle guests.
Uniform/Gowns—Uniform of the day for Regimental graduates is Full Dress Whites; those needing uniform items should contact the MMA bookstore at 508-830-6488 by the first week in April. All Non-Regimental commuter students must order a cap and gown directly from Rose Therese Cap & Gown Company. Ordering information can be found here: www.maritime.edu/regalia or by calling 1-888-266-4696 (Toll free). Please place orders by June 1st to ensure they arrive on time.
Remote Participation—For those guests unable to join us in-person on June 22nd the Commencement Exercises will be live streamed. For more information go to www.maritime.edu/commencement.
Invitations—Formal Commencement invitations will be mailed to students in early May to share with family and friends. While these invitations will not be required for entry to the ceremony, we have found that many families cherish them as mementos of the occasion. There is no limit on the number of guests per family; however, we ask graduates to confirm their attendance and share with us how many guests will attend so we can plan for this special day.
Lodging/Travel—Because the Cape is such a lovely place in early summer, we attract many tourists. Please plan early if you need to make lodging arrangements. If you need assistance with lodging or travel, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce website www.capecodchamber.org contains information on nearby accommodations.
Eligibility—We invite all students with two or fewer graduation requirements to participate in the Commencement Exercises. If you or your graduate have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact Wendy Maynard, via e-mail at wmaynard@maritime.edu to verify graduation status.
Photos—Commencement Photos, Inc. will take a photo as each graduate crosses the stage. While you are not required to purchase these photos, please watch your email in the weeks following the ceremony for information on purchasing this keepsake. You may contact them directly at 978-851-5924 if you have any questions.
We have a couple exciting months ahead as we get ready for Commencement 2024. If you have any questions as this important day approaches, please feel free to contact the Registrar’s Office at 508-830-5036 or commencement@maritime.edu. I look forward to meeting you and celebrating the great Class of 2024!
Best Regards,
Commodore Brigid Pavilonis, Ph.D., USCG (Ret.)
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Commencement Details
Important 2024 Dates for Graduates:
Please contact the Registrar’s Office, at 508-830-5036 or commencement@maritime.edu with any concerns regarding accessibility for visitors or general questions.
The Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduation policy permits students who are delinquent in not more than two courses, Sea Term or Co-op to participate in June graduation exercises.
Commencement Weekend Schedule
Graduates, Families & Friends
TBD | Coast Guard Commissioning | TBD | TBD | Cadets - service appropriate |
Cadets receiving military commissions Families and Invited Guests, Faculty and Staff |
Thursday, June 20th |
Navy & Marine Corps Commissioning | 1830 | USS Constitution Charlestown, MA | Cadets - service appropriate |
Cadets receiving military commissions Families and Invited Guests, Faculty and Staff |
Friday, June 21st |
Army Commissioning | 1600 | TBD | Cadets - service appropriate |
Cadets receiving military commissions Families and Invited Guests, Faculty and Staff |
Class of 2024 |
1700 | Maritime Conference Center |
Cadets – tropical white long Non-regimental students - business attire |
Award Recipients, Friends of the Academy, Families, Guests, Faculty and Staff | |
Sunset Reception | 1800-2030 | Pande Dining Hall |
Cadets – tropical white long Non-regimental students - business attire |
Class of 2024, Friends of the Academy, Families, Guests, Faculty and Staff | |
Saturday, June 22nd |
Bachelor’s Candidates- Continental Breakfast (Complimentary) | 0830-0920 | Pande Dining Hall |
Cadets – service dress white Non-regimental students – business attire |
Bachelor of Science Class of 2024, Families, Guests, Faculty and Staff |
Master’s Candidates- Continental Breakfast (Complimentary) | 0830-0920 | Bresnahan Patio |
Graduates –business attire |
Master of Science Class of 2024, Families, Guests, Faculty and Staff | |
Form Up |
0845 | Cadet muster -Academy Drive, along the Canal side of Bresnahan Hall | Cadets – service dress white. Non-regimental graduates (Bachelor’s and Master’s)- cap & gown |
Class of 2024 | |
Commencement Procession | 0945 | Graduates, faculty and honored guests step off at 9:45 | |||
Commencement |
1000-1200 | Parade Field – rain or shine! |
Please contact the Registrar’s Office, at 508-830-5036 or commencement@maritime.edu with any concerns regarding accessibility for visitors or general questions.
FAQs
Is the Commencement ceremony for both undergraduate and grad students?
Yes. The Ceremony is combined for undergraduate and graduate students.
Will graduates need to reserve tickets for their guests?
While tickets are not required for guests, we ask that graduates RSVP to indicate their intent to participate and indicate how many guests will accompany them.
All eligible degree candidates have been emailed an invitation through RSVPify to RSVP for Commencement Weekend events. This invitation also includes an option to request accessible parking. Students with questions may email commencement@maritime.edu.
What if I want to change the number of guests that I submitted with my RSVP?
Please email commencement@maritime.edu with the additional number of guests and we will update your RSVP. We ask that you indicate which events you are adding for your guests.
When does the Ceremony Begin/end?
Graduates will need to be ready to step off at 9:45. Commencement begins promptly at 10 a.m. and will conclude at approximately noon. Graduates and their guests are expected to remain in their seats until the conclusion of the ceremony.
Where do I park?
The campus will be heavily trafficked during Commencement weekend, and parking will be at a premium. Graduating cadets may reserve two (2) parking permits. Limited parking will be available in the Gymnasium Lot and Lot “C“ (a parking map can be found at www.maritime.edu/commencement); each graduate may request one parking pass for each lot.
For families intending to arrive in more than two vehicles, additional parking will be available in the municipal parking lot located just off-campus adjacent to the train station.
For those requiring accessible parking, passes are available for spaces inside the campus gate (closest to the Parade Field) to enable easier access. An accessible parking pass counts towards one of the cadet’s two parking passes. Please note: Entry to this parking area will close at 0845 for safety reasons.
Campus Security will be shuttling guests throughout the day between the lots and campus.
Will there be special parking and seating for individuals with disabilities or health concerns?
Parking for guests with mobility issues will be located inside the campus gates, along the sides of the Parade Field. A special parking pass is required to park here; graduates can request an accessible parking pass for their guests. An accessible parking pass counts towards one of the cadet’s two parking passes.
Please note: Entry to this parking area will close at 0845 for safety reasons.
Small golf carts will be available to assist guests with mobility issues who can not be accommodated in the ADA accessible parking area.
In addition to the main seating area, a second tent with flexible seating able to accommodate wheelchairs will be located adjacent to the ceremonies. Guests with mobility issues may choose to sit there with family members.
Will there be a commencement rehearsal?
There will be no official dress rehearsal this year due to the nature of this year's schedule.
May we bring the family pet?
No. Please do not bring pets to campus! However, service animals will be welcomed.
Will pictures of graduates be taken during the commencement ceremony?
Yes. We share in your excitement, and have retained Commencement Photos, Inc. to capture that special moment when your graduate crosses the stage. While purchase is optional, please watch your email in the weeks following the ceremony for further information. Commencement will provide information to each graduate prior to commencement.
Family members and guests are not allowed access to the stage to take individual photos.
Will the ceremony be live streamed?
Yes. We will livestream the ceremony on the Academy website so family and friends not able to attend can watch.
Will the number of guests per graduate be limited ?
No. You may include as many people as you wish. HOWEVER, we are asking that graduates RSVP to indicate their intent to participate and indicate how many guests will be attending with them.
Do we need tickets to attend?
While tickets are not required for guests this year, we are asking that graduates RSVP to indicate their intent to participate and indicate how many guests will be attending with them.
All eligible degree candidates have been emailed an invitation through RSVPify to RSVP for Commencement Weekend events. This invitation also includes an option to request accessible parking. Students with questions may email commencement@maritime.edu.
How will we receive our invitations?
Graduating seniors who have submitted their RSVP will have their Commencement invitations package mailed to the address they provided. While these invitations will not be required for entrance to the ceremony, we have found that many families cherish them as mementos of the occasion.
Will there be a Sunset Reception on Friday Night?
Yes! Graduates and Families are welcome to share an evening with the graduating Class, Faculty and Staff. The Sunset Reception will be from 1800 to 2030 in the Pande Dining Hall. Cadets should RSVP and indicate how many guests will accompany them. Cadets will wear their Tropical Whites.
What if it rains?
The Ceremonies will occur rain or shine. Guests should dress appropriately.
What if I still need to order my Dress Whites?
Please contact the Bookstore as soon as possible. Speak with the bookstore about ordering necessary Uniform Items. (508) 830-6488
What if I still need to order a Cap and Gown?
All non-regimental commuter students and Masters degree candidates will order a cap and gown directly from Rose Therese Cap & Gown Company at http://www.maritime.edu/regalia or call 1-888-266-4696.
What’s the Difference Between “Graduation” and “Commencement”?
Graduation is the date you are awarded your degree/certificate after you have completed all the requirements for your program.
Commencement is the ceremony held every June, where eligible students may “walk” across the stage. The Academy has four official graduation dates every year: August 31, December 31 and February 28th and June (actual day varies), and one commencement ceremony in June.
I have a question not answered here!!
If you still have questions, write to commencement@maritime.edu