Maine College of Art & Design believes that commencement is a degree-granting ceremony. Therefore, commencement in most of our programs is strictly reserved for students who have completed all degree requirements. This policy applies to all degree programs, except for the Online Master of Arts in Education. Though MECA&D informs students about their status through annual degree audits, ultimately it is the student who is responsible for identifying requirements and completing necessary courses. Students are responsible for the selection of courses, the completion of all degree requirements, and familiarization with all regulations pertaining to their degree status. Students who have not completed all degree requirements cannot walk at commencement.
Formal commencement ceremonies are held every year at the end of the spring BFA semester, typically in early May. Only BFA, MFA, MAT and MAEd students participate in commencement. Students who complete all of their degree requirements after the spring semester can obtain their diploma from the Registrar’s Office and may participate in commencement the following year. Exceptions to this policy will only be made in extreme circumstances that are clearly beyond the student’s control. Appeal for an exception should be made in writing to the Dean of the College no less than ten days before commencement.