Commencement FAQs

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

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.

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. 

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.
 

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.

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.  

There will be no official dress rehearsal this year due to the nature of this year's schedule. 

No. Please do not bring pets to campus!  However, service animals will be welcomed.

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.

Yes. We will livestream the ceremony on the Academy website so family and friends not able to attend can watch.  

Livestream Link

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.

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.

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.

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.  

The Ceremonies will occur rain or shine.  Guests should dress appropriately.  

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

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.

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.

If you still have questions, write to commencement@maritime.edu