Commencement
Class of 2022
Dear Families of the class of 2022,
We look forward to welcoming you to Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s 179th Commencement Exercises on Saturday 18 June 2022. The ceremonies will be held on the Parade Field, beginning at 1000 and are expected to last approximately two hours. Guests will be seated under a large tent facing the patio of the Mess Deck; please note there will be no reserved seating. The Commencement Exercises will also be live-streamed for those unable to join us in-person. (See www.maritime.edu/commencement for additional information.)
Since the campus will be heavily trafficked during Commencement weekend, and parking will be at a premium, we offer the following information to assist you: 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’s family may request one parking pass for each lot. For those requiring accessible parking, passes are available for spaces inside the campus gate (closest to the Parade Field) to enable easier access. Please note that entry to this area will be closed at 0845 for safety reasons. For those 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. Campus Security will be shuttling guests throughout the day.
The early-Summer weather on Cape Cod is notoriously variable; as such a light sweater or jacket is suggested. We also suggest comfortable walking shoes, as you may encounter wet pavement or soft turf. Since we will be well into the tourism and vacation season by the 18th, please plan early if you need to make lodging arrangements. (For assistance with lodging or travel, please check the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce website, www.capecodchamber.org, and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Parents Association website, www.mmapa.org.)
We have also shared the following information with your graduate (but you may also find helpful):
- Invitations—In early May, graduating seniors who have RSVP’s for their guests will be notified to pick up Commencement invitations and confirm their diploma name and hometown for the Commencement Program. 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.
- Uniform—Graduates from the Regiment will wear Full Dress Whites; those needing uniform items should contact the MMA bookstore at 508-830-6488 by the first week in May. All non-regimental commuter students will order a cap and gown directly from University Cap & Gown at https://buildagrad.com/maritime prior to 22 May 2022.
- Eligibility—We invite all students with two or fewer graduation requirements to participate in the Commencement Exercises. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact our Registrar, Mrs. Wendy Maynard, via e-mail at wmaynard@maritime.edu to verify graduation status.
- Rehearsal—A Commencement rehearsal will be held on 7 June 2022 at 1600. Those that are intending to graduate are required to be present.
We are enthusiastically getting ready for Commencement 2022, and we are grateful that we will be able to welcome the family and friends who have assisted the members of the class of 2022 in completing this momentous achievement. The best is yet to come!
Best Regards,
Captain Brigid Pavilonis, Ph.D., USCG (Ret.)
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Commencement Details
Important 2022 Dates for Graduates:
March 10: 100 Days to Commencement Countdown Begins
April 15: Deadline to submit Graduate Application- degree candidates must contact registrar@maritime.edu by this date if they have not yet done so
April 15: Caps and Gowns for Commuter Undergraduate and Master's students are available to purchase Build-a-Grad
May 20: Deadline for to reserve Invitations and parking
May 25: Deadline to confirm Diploma Name
June 1: Deadline to pick up parking and invitations.
June 18: Commencement Day
All non-regimental commuter students will order a cap and gown directly from University Cap & Gown at https://buildagrad.com/maritime prior to 22 May 2022.
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.
2022 Commencement Schedule
Graduates, Families & Friends
Date |
Function |
Time |
Place |
Uniform |
Attendance |
|
TBD |
Army and Coast Guard Commissioning | TBD | TBD | Cadets - service appropriate | Graduating Cadets receiving military commissions, Parents, Guests, Faculty and Staff |
| TBD | Navy Commissioning Marine Commissioning |
TBD | TBD | Cadets - service appropriate | |
| Friday, June 17th | Sunset Reception | 1800-2030 | Pande Dining Hall | Cadets – tropical white long Non-regimental students - business attire |
Graduating Class, Parents, Faculty, Staff & Platform Party |
| Saturday, June 18th | Continental Breakfast (Complimentary) |
0830-0920 | Pande Dining Hall | Cadets - service dress white Non-regimental students – business attire |
Bachelor of Science Graduates, Families, Guests, Faculty & Staff |
| Continental Breakfast (Complimentary) |
0830-0920 | Bay State Conference Center | Students - business attire | Master of Science Graduates, Families, Guests, Faculty & Staff |
|
| Form Up | 0920 | Academy Drive, along the Canal side of Bresnahan Hall | Cadets - service dress white Non-regimental graduates – cap & gown |
Class of 2022 | |
| Commence Processional | 0945 | Academy Drive to Nantucket Way to Commencement Walkway and the Parade Field | |||
| Commencement | 1000 | Parade Field – regardless of weather |
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. See www.maritime.edu/commencement
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 Class of 2022, 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 prior to 22 May 2022.
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