Commencement
Class of 2023
June 16th - UPDATE
Families, Friends and the Class of 2023,
Like you, we are incredibly excited for Commencement tomorrow, June 17th at 10AM. Our entire campus community is looking forward to celebrating with you all and we will move forward with the ceremony--rain or shine. Because the latest weather picture indicates that rain is very probable, we encourage you to plan accordingly with appropriate weather gear. Please also consider whether there are any members of your group who may be more comfortable remaining at home and joining the ceremony via Livestream.
Our Facilities team will be closely monitoring the weather for the duration of the event. Should thunder and lightning occur or approach, we will announce inclement weather plans from the podium. Academy staff members will be available to assist you in moving to designated locations around campus to shelter in place while the storm passes. If we are forced to take this action, unfortunately, we will not reconvene the ceremony as a group and will instead complete the program with just the graduates at their shelter in place location while family and friends follow via Livestream.
Please continue to watch our Commencement page for any further updates.
As members of the maritime community, we are accustomed to adaptations and can't wait to celebrate with you, regardless of Mother Nature.
See you tomorrow under the big tent!
- Your Commencement Team
Commencement Details
Important 2023 Dates for Graduates:
Please call Wendy Maynard, at 508-830-5036 or wmaynard@maritime.edu, if you have any questions or a guest in need of handicapped assistance.
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.
2023 Commencement Weekend Schedule
Graduates, Families & Friends
|
Thursday, June 15th |
Navy & Marine Corps Commissioning | 1800 | USS Constitution Charlestown, MA | Cadets - service appropriate |
Cadets receiving military commissions Families and Invited Guests, Faculty and Staff |
Friday, June 16th |
Army Commissioning | 1600 | TBD | Cadets - service appropriate |
Cadets receiving military commissions Families and Invited Guests, Faculty and Staff |
Class of 2023 |
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 2023, Friends of the Academy, Families, Guests, Faculty and Staff | |
Saturday, June 17th |
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 2023, Families, Guests, Faculty and Staff |
Master’s Candidates- Continental Breakfast (Complimentary) | 0830-0920 | Bresnahan Patio |
Graduates –business attire |
Master of Science Class of 2023, Families, Guests, Faculty and Staff | |
Form Up |
0845 | 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 2023 | |
Commencement Procession | 0945 | Academy Drive to Nantucket Way to Commencement Walkway and the Parade Field | |||
Commencement |
1000 | Parade Field – regardless of weather |
Please contact Registrar’s Office, at 508-830-5036 or commencement@maritime.edu with any concerns regarding accessibility for visitors or general questions.
Students with no more than two outstanding graduation requirements are eligible to participate in Commencement Exercises. Students with questions regarding eligibility should contact Wendy Maynard at wmaynard@maritime.edu.
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 mailed an invitation through Eventbrite 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?
Rehearsal will be held on 7 June 2022 at 1600. All students intending to participate are required to be present. Masters Degree Candidates are welcome to attend.
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 mailed an invitation through Eventbrite to RSVP for Commencement Weekend events. This invitation also includes an option to request accessible parking. Students with questions may email commencement@maritime.edu.
Where can my student pick up the invitations?
In early May, graduating seniors who have submitted their RSVP may pick up Commencement invitations at the Registrar’s Office or the Academic Resource Center. 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 will order a cap and gown directly from University Cap & Gown at https://buildagrad.com/maritime .
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