Commencement
2026 Commencement
The President, Trustees, Faculty, Staff, and Graduating Class of Maine College of Art & Design Announce the 2026 Commencement Ceremony
- Commencement Exercises
- Friday, May 8, 2026, 10am
- Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St, Portland, Maine
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Commencement?
Friday, May 8th at 10:00am
What time do graduates need to arrive at the Merrill Auditorium?
Graduates are asked to arrive at the Auditorium at 8:30am for check-in and photos. Please arrive in regalia, ready for photos.
What time do doors open for families?
9:15am at Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street, Portland.
Assistance is available.Please Note: Merrill Auditorium policy requires all event attendees pass through metal detectors upon entry.
Do I need a ticket to attend?
No, tickets are not required to attend the Ceremony.
A member of my party requires seating accommodations, who do I ask for assistance?
Please email registrar@meca.edu with your request.
Will there be an ASL interpreter available during the ceremony?
Yes, there will be an interpreter present on stage.
How long is the Graduation Ceremony?
2 hours (10:00am–12:00pm)
Will the Ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes, a link to the livestream will be available at the top of this page on the day of the event.
Is there a Reception?
Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony in the Porteous Building, 522 Congress St.
How do I see the Thesis Exhibitions?
The BFA & MFA Thesis Exhibitions will be open during the post-Commencement Reception.
Going out to lunch following the event?
Plan to make a reservation for 1:00 or 1:30pm. This gives you time to view the Thesis Exhibitions and get to your reservation.
More Information
Accommodations
Holiday Inn by the Bay
88 Spring St., Portland
The Holiday Inn by the Bay is offering a discounted rate to guests of MECA&D graduates. Book through the MECA&D Hotel Discount Link.
The Press Hotel
119 Exchange St., Portland
The Press Hotel is offering a limited number of rooms at a discount to guests of MECA&D graduates. Interested parties should book their reservations through the MECA&D Booking Link or by contacting Rachel Spellman, Reservations Coordinator, and ask for the MECA&D Graduation Rate. Call 207.808.8800 to inquire.
NOTE: Guests must book by March 23, 2026 to guarantee this rate.
The Westin
157 High St., Portland
The Westin is offering 20% off the regular rate. Rate will vary so booking early is advised. Book through the MECA&D-Westin Discount Link or call Lynn at The Westin Sales Office: 207.775.8822.
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown
433 Fore St., Portland
The Hyatt is offering a refundable discounted booking rate. See booking details below.
Hyatt Booking Information
- Follow this link to book
- Click "Book" or "All Rooms & Suites"
- In the pop-up window, select your dates and number of guests
- In the "Special Rates" dropdown, select "Corporate or Group Code"
- Enter code 03017
- Room options will be shown below (ignore the initial message that says "no matching rooms" and scroll down)
- Select the room of your choice
- From the "choose your rate" drop down, select "Maine College", for the discounted, refundable rate
Additional accommodations details will be posted here as they become available.
Parking
There is no designated parking at Merrill Auditorium. There is street parking in the neighborhood around the venue, as well as several local parking garages:
- 75 Chestnut Street - Discounted rate to MECA&D graduates and guests. Book through the MECA&D Discount Link
- 119 Pearl Street - Top of the Old Port Parking
- 21 Elm Street Parking Garage
- 11 Temple Street Parking Garage
- 45 Spring Street Parking Garage - Cross Arena
- 60 Spring Street - Holiday Inn by the Bay
- 157 High Street - Westin Harborview Hotel
- 84 Oak Street parking lot
View the Exhibitions
MFA
On view at the Institute of Contemporary Art , May 7–16
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 7, 5:00–7:00pm
Commencement Reception: May 8, following the ceremony
BFA
On view at the Porteous Building, May 1–15
Opening Reception: May 1 during the First Friday Art Walk, 5–8pm
Commencement Reception: May 8, following the ceremony
Exhibiting BFA Thesis artists may bring guests in to view their work daily, 9:00am–5:00pm.
Additional questions?
2025 Commencement
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
- Commencement Exercises
- Friday, May 9, 2025, 10am
- Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St, Portland, Maine