May 25 – Commencement Ceremony

We are so excited to celebrate all of your many accomplishments and perseverance this May in an in-person Commencement ceremony!

When and where is this year's Commencement ceremony happening?

A: MCC will be celebrating Commencement at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

Grads should plan to arrive to the LMA at 8:30 a.m. for line up wearing their cap and gown.

The ceremony will also be live-streamed on LTC’s website and cablecast on Lowell channel 8.

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What time do I need to arrive at the auditorium?

A: You need to arrive at the auditorium no later than 8:30 a.m. Please come with your rented gown, cap and any stoles or cords you were awarded. We will NOT have extras available at the auditorium. Once you check in, you will be given a card with your name, degree and any awards or special distinctions listed on it. You need to keep this card. Staff will then direct you to your line-up area.

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What happens when I cross the stage?

A: MCC staff will lead you to the auditorium stage in groups according to your academic program. You will then climb a set of stairs before handing the card you were given at check in to the staff member on stage. You will then walk on the stage, be handed a diploma case and then walk across the stage to shake hands with the College President. At that time, a picture will be taken. You then will return to the seats for the remainder of the ceremony. Please note: you may not be sitting in the same seat after crossing the stage that you sat in before, so please do not leave any personal items behind.back to top

What time can my guests arrive at the auditorium?

A: The auditorium opens for guests at 9 a.m. Please note: for safety reasons, large bags, backpacks, gift bags and balloons are not allowed inside of the auditorium.  back to top

How many guests can I have at the ceremony? 

A: Each graduate can bring three guests to the ceremony. back to top

Are guests allowed to bring bags into the auditorium?

A: For the safety and comfort of our guests, backpacks and other large bags (including gift bags) will not be permitted into the auditorium.

All other bags are subject to voluntary inspection.

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Where can I park the day of graduation?

A: In Lowell, parking is available at selected municipal parking garages near campus.

See Lowell Campus parking map for details.

  • Lower Locks Garage — 90 Warren St., Lowell, MA 01852
  • Roy Garage — 100 Market St., Lowell, MA 01852
  • Ayotte Garage — 1 Post Office Square, Lowell, MA 01852
  • Davidson Street Lot — 5 E. Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01852 (rear)
  • Downes Garage — 75 John St., Lowell, MA 01852
  • Early Garage — 135 Middlesex St., Lowell, MA 01852
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What if my guest has a disability and needs a special accommodation?

A: Accommodation requests for both students and guests can be made by calling MCC's Student Access and Support Services at 978-656-3251 or emailing StudentAccess@middlesex.mass.edu.back to top

What should I wear?

A: We want you to be as relaxed as possible so we encourage you to wear comfortable clothes (business casual). You will be standing for hours the day of the ceremony so wear comfortable shoes. You will also be wearing the gown on top of your clothes and the auditorium can sometimes get warm under the stage lights so please take this into consideration when picking your outfit.back to top

Do I get my diploma that day?

A: On Commencement day, graduates who walk will recieve a keepsake blue and gold embossed diploma cover. Official diplomas will be sent to the graduate's address on file during the summer semester.back to top

How long will the ceremony last?

A: The ceremony is typically two hours long, but the exact time varies. Immediately following the ceremony, you and your guests are invited to the Cowan Center for a reception. At the Cowan Center, you can return your gown, sign up for the Alumni Association, see faculty and staff, and snap a selfie with MCC’s mascot Swoops! back to top

What if I applied to graduate after April 28?

A: If you applied after April 28, you can still participate in the ceremony, but your name will not appear in the printed program.

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How do I get access to the picture taken of me on stage?

A: MCC partners with GradImages for the stage photos. GradImages will contact you directly once the images are ready for purchasing.

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How do I sign up for the MCC Alumni Association?

A: MCC's Alumni Association is FREE for anyone who has taken a class at Middlesex. By joining, alumni have access to special benefits, can connect and network with other alumni, volunteer and give back to the College, and keep informed about college events. Visit MCC's Alumni Association page for more information and to sign up for membership. back to top

How will the photos taken at graduation be sent to me?

A: Photo proofs have already been sent. Each graduate for whom the company had an email and/or mailing address should have received a copy of their proofs.

For more information, contact GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. back to top

Last Modified: 8/4/23