Policy on Participating in Commencement
Students who have completed all degree requirements may participate in the College’s annual Commencement exercises.
Merrimack College holds Commencement ceremonies in May of each year. Degrees are conferred three times each year: August 31, December 31 and May (date varies). The degree will not be awarded or posted until the conferral date has passed. Students are required to complete the Declaration of Intent to Graduate form during their last semester by the date published by the Office of the Registrar.
Students who have completed all degree requirements may participate in the College’s annual Commencement exercises. Students who have not satisfactorily completed all academic requirements for graduation at the time of Commencement may also participate if they meet or exceed the criteria described below. They will receive a blank diploma. They may also opt out, and choose to participate at a subsequent Commencement. Students may only participate in Commencement once. Requirements for participation in Commencement are not subject to appeal.
The determination of eligibility occurs at the end of the drop/add period in the spring semester or other final academic term preceding Commencement. Students may participate in Commencement if they are within 16 credits of graduation at the end of the spring semester and have submitted the Declaration of Intent to Graduate form by the date published by the Office of the Registrar.
In all cases, the credit count will be based on the official record in the Office of the Registrar.
No diploma will be awarded until the student has been certified by their major department(s) as having completed all academic requirements.