Commencement

2024 Commencement

Rebecca Sugar playing guitar in graduation regalia

Students and their families celebrating graduation

2024 Board of Trustees during Graduatation

Photos from Commencement

The President, Trustees, Faculty, Staff, and Graduating Class of Maine College of Art & Design Announce the 2024 Commencement Ceremony

Friday, May 10, 2024, 10am
Merrill Auditorium
20 Myrtle St, Portland, Maine

Watch the Recording

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Commencement?
Friday, May 10th 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

The Westin Portland Harborview

157 High St, Portland
Phone: (207) 775-5411

Maine College of Art & Design has reserved a small block of rooms for friends and family of our 2023 graduates at the Westin Portland Harborview. Rooms in this block are being held at the group rate of $185 a night (plus tax) for a one-night or two-night stay beginning on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Click here to book at the group rate for MECA&D Commencement 2023 or call Marriott Reservations at (207) 775-5411 and identify yourself as part of the Maine College of Art & Design Commencement 2023 group.

Holiday Inn by the Bay

88 Spring St, Portland
Phone: (207) 775-2311

Maine College of Art & Design has reserved a small block of rooms for friends and family of our 2024 graduates at the Holiday Inn By the Bay. Rooms in this block are being held at the group rate of $199 a night (plus tax) for a one-night or two-night stay beginning on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Parking at the hotel is available to overnight guests at a rate of $15 per vehicle per night.

Additionally, friends and family of Maine College of Art & Design graduates are eligible to receive a 15% discount from the Hotel’s “Best Flex Rate” at the time their reservation is made. Use this link to automatically receive MECA&D’s special rate: MECA&D Holiday Inn by the Bay Room Discount.

The Press Hotel

119 Exchange St, Portland
Phone: (207) 808-8800

Friends and family of Maine College of Art & Design graduates are eligible to receive a preferred partner discount on the hotel’s best available rate at time their reservation is made. Guests can secure a reservation by calling (207) 808-8800 or emailing reservations@thepresshotel.com and request the MECA&D preferred partner rate.

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: