Steps to Graduation

1. All fees and other financial obligations to the College must be paid in order to receive a diploma or transcript.
2. Graduation is authorized after your passing grades are received in all required courses; you are able to view any outstanding holds on MassArt Self Service. If your hold begins with the letter ‘O’ and you cannot see your balance due on Student Self Service, contact the Bursar’s Office at bursar@massart.edu.
3. Contact the library at library@massart.edu about lost library items.
4. If you borrowed a federal student loan while attending MassArt, you must complete loan exit counseling on-line at studentaid.gov/exit-counseling prior to graduating. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at financialaid@massart.edu if you have any questions about this requirement.
5. Transcripts with degrees posted will be available 8-10 weeks after Commencement.

Commencement Day Details

ARRIVing and LINING UP

All candidates must report to the Student line-up tent at the LeaderBank Pavilion at 12:00 PM, when the doors open to the venue. The tent can be accessed via the designated student entrance. Clear signage and Commencement event staff will guide you to the correct location. Please remain in this area until the ceremony begins.

Please avoid bringing purses or other non-essential items with you to the line-up, as they cannot be carried during the procession.

Please see Information for Guests for additional information.

Name Pronunciation

To ensure your name is pronounced correctly, you are encouraged to contact Student Development in advance:

• Visit the Student Development Office on the second floor of Kennedy.
• Leave a voicemail at (617) 879-7700 to review your name pronunciation.

On the day of the ceremony, you will have the opportunity to spell your name phonetically on your name card.

Conferring of Degrees

During the conferring of degrees, candidates will:

1. Rise one row at a time as directed.
2. Exit your seating row to the left with your name card.
3. Hand your name card to the designated staff member at the stage stairs.
4. Walk across the stage when your name is announced, shaking hands with the President and members of the Platform Party.

After crossing the stage, you will receive a proxy diploma and diploma cover. Final diplomas will be mailed by late summer 2025.

Post-Commencement Celebrations

Following the ceremony, you are free to continue celebrating with family and friends. Our ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours, and will end around 3:00pm. We encourage you not to make any plans until after 4:00pm to allow time for photos and for all guests to exit the venue. Congratulations on your achievement!

Graduation Week Activities

GRADUATING SENIOR EXHIBITION

Details about the Graduating Senior Exhibition and reception times will be announced during the Spring semester. Stay tuned for updates!

GRADUATION BRUNCH

Celebrate your MassArt accomplishments with friends over brunch, mimosas, and more. Sign up for the MassArt Alumni Community and get your alumni swag!

Dates and times for the Graduation Brunch will be announced mid-Spring semester.

Graduate Photos

A professional photographer will be on site during the Graduation Brunch to capture your MassArt memories. Solo and group photo sessions will be available and each graduate will receive one FREE digital download of a solo or group photo of their choice. Additional photo downloads and extended session options will also be available.

Details about scheduling your photo session will be provided during the Spring semester.