Parent Letter / Guest Info
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