Steps to Graduation

Before Commencement, make sure you’ve completed all of the following:

1. Clear all holds on your account. Visit MassArt Self Service. Questions about financial holds? Email bursar@massart.edu.
2. Return library items. Contact library@massart.edu if you have questions.
3. Complete loan exit counseling if you received federal student loans at studentaid.gov/exit-counseling.
4. Check your MassArt email regularly for updates and announcements.
5. Backup your Google Workspace account. Your MassArt Google account & NetID will be deactivated 90 days after your official degree completion date. Learn how to Backup your Google Data.
   
6. Update your contact information with a non-MassArt email and sign up for the Alumni Community.
7. Transcripts with degrees posted will be available 8–10 weeks after Commencement.

Commencement Day Details

Arrival & Line-Up

• All candidates must arrive by 12:00 PM and check in at the Student Line-Up Tent (look for signage). Please remain in this area until the ceremony begins.
• Use the student entrance to access the tent.
• Don’t bring bags or purses—these can’t be carried during the procession.

Name Pronunciation

Make sure your name is pronounced correctly when you walk across the stage!

• Visit Student Development (Kennedy, 2nd floor)
• Or call (617) 879-7700 and leave a voicemail with your name pronunciation.
• You’ll also be able to write your name phonetically on your name card on Commencement Day

Conferring of Degrees

When it is your turn, candidates will be prompted to rise one row at a time and exit your row to the left, as directed by staff.

Be sure to have your name card with you. When you reach the stairs to the stage, hand your name card to the staff member collecting them. Once your name is announced, you will cross the stage and shake hands with the President and members of the Platform Party.

After exiting the stage, you will receive your diploma cover and a proxy diploma. Official diplomas will be mailed in late summer.

After the Ceremony

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

May 14-22, 2025 | Tower Galleries
Reception: May 21, 2025, 6:30pm, Design and Media Center Atrium

This exhibition will feature one piece per graduating student from the MassArt Class of 2025.

GRADuates BRUNCH

May 21, 2025, 10am

Enjoy brunch, mimosas, and good vibes with friends! Sign up for the MassArt Alumni Community and receive your alumni swag.

Register

Twilight at MAAM: Community celebration!

Thursday, May 22, 6pm-8pm

Celebrate Commencement evening with Twilight at MAAM, a free community celebration featuring two powerful new exhibitions and complimentary refreshments—part of the first-ever Boston Public Art Triennial.

Register Now