Commencement
2025 Commencement
The President, Trustees, Faculty, Staff, and Graduating Class of Maine College of Art & Design Announce the 2025 Commencement Ceremony
- Friday, May 9, 2025, 10am
- Merrill Auditorium
20 Myrtle St, Portland, Maine
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Commencement?
Friday, May 9th 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
Information forthcoming.
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:
- 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
Exhibition #1: April 18–26
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 18, 5:00–7:00pm
Exhibition #2: May 9–May 17
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 8, 5:00–7:00pm
BFA
On view at the Porteous Building, May 2–16
Opening Reception: May 2 during the First Friday Art Walk, 5–8pm
Commencement Reception: May 9, following the ceremony
Exhibiting BFA Thesis artists may bring guests in to view their work daily, 9:00am–5:00pm.
