Merrimack College Commencement

Commencement 2024

Commencement events will take place principally on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17. There will be five individual school-based ceremonies over two days, and the community will come together to celebrate Baccalaureate Mass.

Commencement Schedule of Events

Friday, May 3

  • 4:30 p.m. – Honors Convocation

Thursday, May 16

  • 9 a.m. – Nursing Pinning, Lawler Arena
  • 12 p.m. – Nursing and Health Sciences Commencement, Lawler Arena
  • 4:30 p.m. – Baccalaureate Mass, Lawler Arena
  • 6 p.m. – President’s Reception

Friday, May 17

  • 9 a.m. – School of Arts and Sciences Commencement, Lawler Arena
  • 12 p.m. – School of Engineering and Computational Sciences Commencement, Lawler Arena
  • 3 p.m. – Girard School of Business Commencement, Lawler Arena
  • 6 p.m. – Winston School of Education & Social Policy Commencement, Lawler Arena
 

Student wearing round sunglasses holding up Merrimack diploma at Commencement. Friday, May 17, 2024

Arts & Sciences, Engineering & Computational Sciences, Girard School of Business and Winston School of Education & Social Policy Commencement Ceremonies

Please note these details are subject to change. We will continue to make updates to the weekend’s activities as they become available.

Schedule of Events 

  • 9 a.m. – School of Arts & Sciences Commencement, Lawler Arena
  • 12 p.m. – School of Engineering & Computational Sciences Commencement, Lawler Arena
  • 3 p.m. – Girard School of Business Commencement, Lawler Arena
  • 6 p.m. – Winston School of Education & Social Policy Commencement, Lawler Arena
 

Honors Convocation

Honors Convocation will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 4 p.m.

Students at Commencement smiling for camera.Thursday, May 16, 2024

School of Nursing and Health Sciences Pinning and Commencement | Lawler Arena 

9 a.m. – Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Noon – Nursing and Health Sciences Commencement

Info for Students

For the Nursing Pinning Ceremony details students will be sent specific information.

For Commencement, graduating students should report to line up at 10:30 a.m. All graduating students should wear their regalia.

Info for Guests

Parking lots will open one hour before each ceremony. Tickets are not required for any Commencement events. Lawler Arena will open for guests 45 minutes prior to each ceremony at the following times:

8:15 a.m – Nursing Pinning Ceremony

11:15 a.m. – School of Nursing and Health Sciences Commencement

Seating is available at a first-come, first-served basis. 

During the Ceremony

Students and guests should remain seated throughout the events. Events will last approximately 90 minutes. Restrooms during the ceremony are located in the Merrimack Athletic Complex.

Baccalaureate Mass
4:30 p.m.| Lawler Arena

Lawler Arena will open for guests at 3:45 p.m. for Baccalaureate Mass.

Seating is available at a first-come, first-served basis.

During the Ceremony

Students and guests should remain seated throughout the events. Baccalaureate Mass will last approximately one hour.

President’s Reception
6 p.m. | O’Brien Plaza

Following Baccalaureate Mass, all are invited to a reception on O’Brien Plaza.

Student wearing round sunglasses holding up Merrimack diploma at Commencement. Friday, May 17, 2024

School-based Commencement Ceremonies
Lawler Arena

Merrimack College will hold five school-based Commencement ceremonies for graduating students and their guests. All ceremonies will take place at Lawler Arena. These ceremonies will take place throughout the day at the following times:

  • 9 a.m. – School of Arts and Sciences 
  • Noon – School of Engineering and Computational Sciences  
  • 3 p.m. – Girard School of Business
  • 6 p.m  – Winston School of Education and Social Policy

At these ceremonies each student will cross the stage, have their name read and receive a diploma cover.

Info for Students
Line Up Times

Graduating students should report 90 minutes prior to the start of their individual school ceremony in their regalia. Please arrive at the following times:

7:30 a.m. – School of Arts and Sciences

10:30 a.m. – School of Engineering and Computational Sciences

1:30 p.m. – Girard School of Business

4:30 – Winston School of Education and Social Policy

Info for Guests

Parking lots open one hour before each ceremony. Tickets are not required for Commencement events. Lawler Arena will open for guests 45 minutes before each ceremony at the following times:

8:15 a.m. – School of Arts and Sciences

11:15 a.m. – School of Engineering and Computational Sciences

2:15 p.m. – Girard School of Business

5:15 p.m. – Winston School of Education and Social Policy

Seating is on a first-come; first-served basis.

During the Ceremony

Each ceremony will last for approximately 90 minutes. Restrooms during the ceremony are located in the lobby of the Merrimack Athletic Complex. Students and guests should remain seated throughout the events.

Commencement FAQs

If you have Commencement questions that are not answered in our frequently asked questions below, please email commencementoffice@merrimack.edu.

Do I need tickets for Commencement events?

No tickets are required for any Commencement events.

Is there assigned seating for guests?

No, there is no assigned seating for guests. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Lawler Arena will open 45 minutes prior to each ceremony.

If you are in need of accessible seating please speak with the Commencement staff who can direct you.

What time does Lawler Arena open for guests?

Lawler Arena will open 45 minutes before each ceremony.

Is there accessible seating for guests?

Accessible seating will be available in Lawler Arena. Ushers will direct guests to the designated areas.

Please note: There will be Commencement staff members available throughout campus to assist guests with questions.

Do you have a wheelchair for someone in my party to borrow?

We have a limited number of wheelchairs to loan. They are located in Lawler Arena.

I was a remote student this year, can I attend Commencement in person?

Yes, all students who are eligible to graduate can attend.

When is Commencement?

Commencement events will take place principally on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17.

There will be five individual school-based ceremonies over two days, and the community will come together to celebrate Baccalaureate Mass. All of these ceremonies will take place in Lawler Arena.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

9 a.m. – Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Lawler Arena
Noon – Nursing and Health Sciences Commencement, Lawler Arena
4:30 p.m. – Baccalaureate Mass, Lawler Arena
6 p.m. – President’s Reception, O’Brien Plaza

Friday, May 17, 2024

9 a.m. – School of Arts and Sciences
Noon – School of Engineering and Computational Sciences
3 p.m. – Girard School of Business
6 p.m. – Winston School of Education and Social Policy

When is Baccalaureate Mass?

The Merrimack community will gather at on Thursday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m. in Lawler Arena for Baccalaureate Mass. All members of the Merrimack Community are invited to attend. No tickets are necessary and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Baccalaureate Mass is a service in celebration of and thanksgiving for lives dedicated to learning and wisdom. The baccalaureate service derives from the medieval European custom of presenting the candidates for the degree of Bachelor (bacca) with laurels (lauri) of sermonic oration. All students and their guests, regardless of religious affiliation, are invited.

How long will the ceremonies last?

We anticipate that the individual school ceremonies will last approximately 90 minutes.

Will students walk across the stage?

Yes, all graduates will walk across the stage and their names will be read aloud at the individual school ceremonies on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17. 

When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to each student’s home address at the beginning of June. If there have been any changes to your mailing address, students should make sure their current address is on file with the Warrior One Stop. Merrimack has partnered with Parchment this year to provide digital diplomas as well. Students will get an email from Parchment directing them to the website to set up an account. Once logged in, students can access their digital diploma.

Will there be Commencement program books?

Commencement program books listing graduates’ names will be distributed digitally this year. Please check the Commencement homepage before the ceremony for links to the digital programs.

Will Commencement be live-streamed?

Yes, Commencement will be live-streamed on merrimack.edu. A link and additional information will be shared closer to the event.

Will the event happen even if it rains?

Commencement will take place indoors at Lawler Arena.

Can I bring... a baby stroller; balloons; food; pets?
Baby Strollers

While strollers are allowed in Lawler Arena.

Balloons

We do not allow balloons in Lawler Arena.

Food & Drink

Food and drink are permitted in Lawler Arena during Commencement. Light concessions will be available for purchase.

Pets & Service Animals

Service animals, not pets, are allowed in Lawler Arena. Learn more about service animals at ada.gov.

Where can I find... bathrooms; first aid; flowers for purchase?
Bathrooms

The bathrooms are located in the lobby of the Merrimack Athletics Complex.

First Aid Stations

EMTs are stationed at the back of Lawler Arena.

Flowers for Purchase

Flowers can be purchased in the lobby of the Merrimack Athletic Complex.

How do I order my regalia?

Students participating in Commencement events do not need to pre-order their cap and gown. Students will be able to purchase their cap and gown at the Grad Fair on Wednesday, April 24, from 12-7 p.m. in the MPR. Students who are unable to attend the Grad Fair can order their cap and gown through the Merrimack Bookstore. Students can call the bookstore at (978) 837-5431 or visit the bookstore in person during their normal business hours.

2024 Package pricing are:
Undergraduate – $56.99
Graduate – $64.99

What is the Grad Fair and when is it?

All undergraduate and graduate students participating in Commencement events should plan to attend the Grad Fair:

Wednesday, April 24
Noon – 7 p.m.
MPR in the Sakowich Campus Center.

At the Grad Fair students can purchase their cap and gown and pick up Commencement parking passes. There will also be a number of tables with information about Commencement and completing your time at Merrimack including: Financial Aid, Registrar, O’Brien Center for Career Development, Merrimack Bookstore, Josten’s and more.

How do get my cords?

Students who have qualified for academic honors will be sent information on how to get cords from the College.

How and when do I pick up my cap and gown/regalia?

All students participating in Commencement should plan to attend the Grad Fair on Wednesday, April 24, from 12-7 p.m. to pick up their cap and gown/regalia. Students who are unable to attend can contact the Merrimack Bookstore to order their regalia.

When and where will we get our diplomas?
Diplomas will be mailed to each student’s home address at the beginning of June. If there have been any changes to your mailing address, students should make sure their current address is on file with the Warrior One Stop. Merrimack has partnered with Parchment this year to provide digital diplomas as well. Students will get an email from Parchment directing them to the website to set up an account. Once logged in, students can access their digital diploma.
Is there parking available on campus?

Each student will receive one parking pass for themselves and up to two parking passes for guests. Only those with parking passes will be permitted to park on campus during Commencement events.  Parking passes are valid for all Commencement events. Parking lots will open one hour prior to each ceremony.

Additional parking for Commencement will be available at Andover Landing, Haverhill St. (Rt. 133) Andover, MA. Shuttle service will be provided to and from Andover Landing.

Is there accessible parking?

Those with handicap placards and a guest parking pass will be directed by the Merrimack College Police Department and parking attendants to park. Guests can also be dropped off at the Ash Centre circle.

How do I get to Merrimack College?

Merrimack College is located at 315 Turnpike St. in North Andover, Massachusetts.

Visit our Maps, Directions & Parking page 

How many parking passes does each student get for Commencement?
Each participating graduate will receive a parking pass for themselves and up to two parking passes for guests which can be used for all Commencement events.
Will there be a professional photographer taking photos?

Yes, all graduates will have their photograph taken after walking across the stage at the individual school ceremonies on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17. 

Photos will be available approximately one week after your ceremony:

  • Go to www.barksdalephoto.com
  • Scroll over “What are you looking for?”
  • Click “Commencements”
  • Find Merrimack College
  • View and order your prints
Can I get closer to the stage to take my own photographs of my graduate?

All personal photos must be taken from your seating location. Professional photography will be available for purchase.

Can I watch last year's Commencement?

Please visit Merrimack’s Commencement Archive page to see past live streams of the event, digital programs and more.