Class of 2024 Commencement
For our 115th Commencement, UMPI plans to host an in-person Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. in Wieden Gymnasium (it will also be streamed live on UMPI’s YouTube page, as well as a virtual graduation ceremony (to recognize those who are unable to join us in-person) to be made available on our YouTube page on Saturday, June 1.
Read on for more details from our Registrar about things you’ll need to do to prepare for our Commencement Ceremony in May. And should you have any questions, please reach out to the Registrar’s Office, 207-768-9540. We are very much looking forward to celebrating our graduating classes in person this May.
Soar on, UMPI Owls!
President Ray Rice
Schedule of events
Commencement Rehearsal
Friday, May 3, 2 p.m.
Wieden Gymnasium
Commencement line-up (assembly and robing)
Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.
Students: Kelley Commons (rain location: Gauvin Auditorium, Wieden Hall)
Platform Party: Center for Innovative Learning (rain location: Athletic Training classroom)
Faculty/Staff: Center for Innovative Learning (rain location: Athletic Training Room)
Commencement Exercises
Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.
Wieden Gymnasium
Tickets are required for entry.
Livestream will be available on UMPI’s YouTube page.
Commencement Reception
Saturday, May 4, immediately following the ceremony
Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room
Virtual Graduation Ceremony
Video will be available on UMPI’s YouTube page on Saturday, June 1
Other important items
- There are several locations available for parking. Please see our event parking map.
- Overflow seating is available in Wieden Auditorium.
- The Business Club will be selling flowers as a fundraiser ahead of Commencement Exercises in the Wieden Hall lobby.
- If Special Accommodation seating is needed, please reach out to Lydia Kieffer-Till at lydia.kieffer@maine.edu or Lisa Smith at lisa.smith@maine.edu
- A professional photographer will be taking photos during graduation. The purchase of graduation pictures is completely optional; more information coming soon.
- Spirit Store hours during graduation activities are: Friday, May 3 until 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 4 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cap and Gown Order
Cap and gown orders will ship to your home this year. Please complete this regalia order form in order to start the process. Orders MUST be placed by March 29! Please note that if you want a photo of you in your regalia featured in the virtual graduation slideshow (see below), you’ll need to order it by no later than April 5 in order to receive it in time (shipping time is 2 weeks).
Tickets
Tickets for Commencement will be available starting Wednesday, April 24 in the Registrar’s Office. Students who are marching may have up to six tickets for seating in Wieden Gymnasium. You must come in person, with an ID, to get your tickets. Overflow seating will be available in Wieden Auditorium with viewing on the big screen.
You can also contact the Registrar’s Office at 207-768-9540 or nola.belanger@maine.edu to make other pick-up arrangements.
Professional Portrait Photo Sessions
Graduating seniors have the special opportunity of getting free professional headshots taken with campus photographer Rowena McPherson on Thursday, April 18 and Friday, April 19. These headshots could be used for future job search efforts and other professional needs. Schedule an appointment here. Please select only one appointment time; a scheduled appointment is required.
Virtual Graduation Slideshow
For those NOT attending UMPI’s in-person Commencement, there will be a slideshow during the virtual graduation that will list your name, degree, and other commendations (these items will be read aloud), as well as a photo and personal quote if you’re able to provide it. Direction from you on how to pronounce your full name would be greatly appreciated. Please note: the virtual graduation ceremony is specifically for those graduating students who are unable to join us in-person. Please submit your photo/quote/name pronunciation no later than Friday, April 19 to be included in the slideshow.
Formal Commencement Announcements
Special formal graduation announcements will be available for you to send to family and friends. An electronic Commencement Announcement will be emailed to you as a PDF and JPG on Wednesday, April 17, 2023. Each member of the Class of 2024 will also receive one free printed announcement; these can be picked up in the Registrar’s Office when picking up your tickets.
Diploma Information
The Registrar’s Office uses a diploma platform service called Parchment, so UMPI diploma covers will be mailed to you in late June 2024. Directions for creating your Parchment account will follow once degrees have been conferred.
Class of 2024 Senior Class Gift
Want to be part of a new UMPI tradition? Every Senior who donates $20.24 in honor of their class year will receive a commemorative blue and gold philanthropy cord to wear at Commencement and keep after as a thank you for their gift. This is an opportunity to give back to our UMPI community and help support our current and future Owls. Scan the QR code to donate or visit: umpi.edu/seniorgift
University Merchandise
UMPI merchandise, including diploma frames and UMPI memorabilia, can be purchased at the online Spirit Store. The frames are a mahogany finish and the mat is imprinted with the University’s logo under glass.
#umpigrad2024
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