Yes. The ceremony is combined for undergraduate and graduate students.

Yes, there will be a stage for you to cross!  Every graduate will have the opportunity to cross the stage and be recognized.

The CDC recommends that unvaccinated individuals wear masks at all times when they are unable to maintain six foot social distancing. We will continue to monitor the most up to date health information and make the most informed recommendations closer to the date of Commencement.

Yes. A professional photographer will be at the ceremony to take pictures of each graduate.

Please contact the Bookstore as soon as possible.   Speak with the Bookstore about ordering necessary uniform Items.  (508) 830-6488

There are no rehearsals for commencement exercises. Students will be sent a "Rehearsal Video" to review the week before the ceremony.  This virtual rehearsal will cover the instructions for the procession, seating arrangements,  Uniform of the Day, and dress code for masters candidates and non regimental students.

No. Your graduation will be processed once your final grades are received. You would have a degree completion date of May 20th (last day of the semester). Any employer verifying your degree will receive notification that you have graduated. Your diploma will be dated June 26th, which is the date of the commencement ceremony and also the date your degree is conferred.

A Ring Ceremony will be held on the Pande Dining Hall patio at 1730 prior to the opening of the Sunset Reception. 

The Academy will host the Sunset Reception on Friday, 25 June 2021 from 1800-2000 in the Pande Dining Hall.  

The Ring Ceremony will be held at 1730 where the class of 2021 will honor the tradition of dipping their class rings into the waters of the seven seas and joining the ranks of all Massachusetts Maritime Academy alumni. Cadets should muster at 1715 on the parade field in preparation for the ring ceremony.

Guests are encouraged to watch the ceremony from the parade field and then join the reception in the mess deck.

• UOD: Summer/Trop Whites for 1/C cadets (you are strongly encouraged to wear your rank if applicable and your class ring).

• Guests: Graduates and immediate family members are welcome to attend (business casual suggested).

• Food & Drink: Hors d'oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available for anyone over the age of 21.

The University is following the new commencement guidelines issued by the state to plan the extensive public health protocols for these events, including:

• The state guidelines suggest that “the ceremony must be kept as brief as possible,” so our event will be shorter than a traditional commencement. Nevertheless, each graduating senior will have the opportunity to be recognized and walk across the stage.
• To ensure that all of our guests can appropriately enjoy celebrating this special day with their graduate we can accommodate a maximum of six guests per graduate.  Families will be seated appropriately spaced groupings on the football field. Graduates will be seated by major on the field in front of the platform.
• All graduates and guests will be required to register and obtain tickets in advance. Guests can only be admitted into the site with a ticket.
• The academy supports the current recommendations of the Massachusetts department of public health.  We recommend  that unvaccinated graduates and guests wear masks at Commencement   This recommendation is based on Governor Baker’s  COVID-19 Order #67 (issued April 29, 2021) requiring all persons to wear face-coverings when in indoor public places and when attending events and gatherings in public locations. Face-coverings required in public outdoor places when unable to maintain 6 feet of distance, or as otherwise specified by Sector-Specific COVID-19 Safety Rules.
• The state guidelines prohibit communal gatherings and receptions on campus before and after the ceremony itself. 
• For contact tracing reasons, you and your guests will be required by Massachusetts law to inform the university if you test positive for COVID in the days after the event.

Governor Baker’s  COVID-19 Order #67 

Commencement Guidelines Issued by the State

Yes,  to maintain the venue’s capacity and comply with contract tracing recommendations graduates will need to register and reserve a ticket for themselves.

While we wish all your family and friends could be with us on campus, to comply with the venue capacity, each graduate will be able to have six guests for the in-person ceremony.

Yes. According to health and safety protocols, all individuals of any age count towards your guest limit.

Yes. We will livestream the ceremony so family and friends can watch.

Livestream
(available on day of ceremony)

All graduating students will be seated in front of the platform by major. Family and friends will be seated in family pods that are distanced from other family pods.  

This event will be held rain or shine, and all seating is uncovered outdoors.  This is New England - be prepared!  We recommend sunscreen, personal water bottles and a raincoat in the event of inclement weather. Please refrain from using umbrellas as they block others view.

The SGA will have water bottles available for purchase. 

Yes. All graduates and guests will be required to register and obtain tickets in advance. Graduates will be sent a personalized invitation to reserve tickets for family and friends.  All tickets are non- transferable. Attendee emails will be required to reserve tickets, and tickets are non-transferable. 

Unfortunately, we cannot assist with transferring unused tickets between graduates.

Yes. All graduates and guests will be required to register and reserve tickets in advance. To make sure we have a seat for everyone, people can only be admitted into the site with a ticket. Graduates will be sent a personalized invitation to reserve tickets for family and friends. All tickets will be delivered via email and will be activated using contactless technology, so please charge your phone before you come to campus.  Guests will receive an email confirmation with a QR code to ensure a smooth check-in on June 26th.

For details on Massachusetts travel restrictions please visit the Massachusetts Travel Advisory.

Massachusetts Travel Advisory

Parking is available in the main lot next to the Clean Harbors Athletic Center, the lot at the Beachmoor, and the satellite parking on Academy Drive are available for Graduates and their guests. Parking past Harrington Hall will be utilized by faculty and staff during Commencement weekend. Buc Vans will be available to shuttle Guests from parking areas to the commencement ceremonies, please  allow extra time to get to the venue. 

Limited parking will be available for Guests with mobility issues.  Guests with a state-issued ADA placards or license plates should proceed to the Bay State Road Gate for ease of access to the venue. Small golf carts will be available to help guests with mobility issues who can not be accommodated in the ADA accessible parking area. 

We ask all attendees to be considerate of our neighbors on Taylors Point.  Please do not park on the residential streets in the neighborhood.  Cars parked on the residential streets of Taylors Point are subject to towing. The Taylor's Point Marina is also not part of the Academy Parking lots, cars parked here are also subject to ticketing and towing.

Suggested parking areas: 

• Clean Harbors Athletic Center Parking Lot
• Lot C
• Beachmoor Parking Lot
• The Army Corp of Engineers Canal Parking lot

There will be a marked drop-off location at the venue entrance for guests with mobility issues. Guests with a state-issued ADA placard Guests with a state-issued ADA placard or license plates should proceed to the Loop Road entrance for ease of access to the venue. Small golf carts will be available to help guests with mobility issues who can not be accommodated in the ADA accessible parking area.

No. Once a guest enters the Athletic Field, they cannot leave and come back.

The Ceremonies will occur rain or shine. However, in the case of heavy weather, the ceremony will be postponed until Sunday, June 27th. An announcement of the postponement will be posted on the Academy Website and guests will be notified via email. 

Massachusetts Maritime Academy respects your decision. The event will be livestreamed, and your name will still be read during the ceremony. 

Call the Bookstore for hours the week of June 21. (508) 830-6488

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate pets on campus. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Please use the restrooms in the Clean Harbor Gymnasium before you enter the field and take your seats.  Access to facilities in Harrington Hall will be available during the ceremony.