Graduation Update, Regalia & Diploma Info for Class of 2020
Dear Class of 2020,
We are writing today with a brief update regarding Commencement, as well as to address some of your questions about diploma delivery, regalia, cords, medals and sashes.
Merrimack College will hold a graduation event for all graduates of the Class of 2020 when it is safe to do so either later this fall or in the Spring. Per the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it is still unsafe to bring large groups together due to the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus. For context, a large Merrimack graduation event that includes families would draw a crowd closer to approximately 4,000 individuals, and it would be difficult to properly social distance at the size of an outdoor event. The health and safety of our community remains our number one priority and as such, the College has chosen caution before bringing our community together in what could be an unsafe gathering at this time. As state mandates continue to change, hopefully they will continue to do so in a positive way two months from now and allow us to hold a graduation ceremony of significance. We are very sorry that this remains the case for your graduation and we are looking forward to when we can bring you back to campus to celebrate with your friends and families. The College will be in touch in late August with more information about an in-person graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020.
Additionally, many of you have been asking about your diplomas, regalia, cords, medals and sashes. Below you will find important information regarding each of these items and how you can obtain them. Should you have any questions about the below, please reach out to the Task Force.
Diplomas
The Office of the Registrar has begun to mail diplomas home to all graduates. All diplomas will be mailed by the end of July. Please be patient as mail may be delayed in some areas. If you do not receive your diploma by mid-August, please reach out to the Task Force.
Cords, Medals and Sashes
With a couple of exceptions, cords, medals and sashes earned by students are being mailed with diplomas. Students will find these items in the same package their diploma arrives in. Students who graduate from the honors program will receive their medals in a separate mailing, as will recipients of the school-specific academic medals. If you have any questions, please email the Task Force.
Regalia (Cap, Gown, Hood and Tassel)
Many of our students have asked about receiving regalia so that they may take pictures with their cap and gown to memorialize this important time in their lives. Students who rented or purchased regalia and selected their items to be delivered at their home addresses should have received their regalia. If this is not the case, please contact the Task Force. Please note: Students with regalia rentals that have already been received do NOT need to return rented regalia due to COVID-19 precautions.
For those who purchased or rented regalia and selected “pick up on campus,” please review the following:
Due to COVID-19 concerns, many vendors will no longer rent regalia to graduates as there is risk of transmission upon return. This includes the vendor that supplies Merrimack’s regalia. Instead of rental options, regalia is now available for purchase to any student who would like to obtain a cap, gown and tassel. If you would like to purchase your regalia and have it shipped home, you may do so on the Build-A-Grad website through the links provided below.
Master’s and CAGS Students: Order Here
The order deadline for changes or new orders is July 31; expected delivery is the end of August. If you wish to wait, regalia will be available in advance of a future Commencement ceremony. At that time, information about regalia will be shared with graduates.
Graduates who PURCHASED regalia and selected “pick up on campus:”
You will be contacted by Balfour, the vendor supplying the regalia, asking for your current shipping address. If you have not been contacted, please email Jim O’Keefe at jim.okeefe@balfour-rep.com.
Questions?
Email Balfour representative, Jim O’Keefe: jim.okeefe@balfour-rep.com
Email the Commencement Office: commencementoffice@merrimack.edu