May Commencement
Congratulations Class of 2024!
We’re excited to celebrate your graduation in May! This page is your one-stop shop to find information about your Commencement ceremony. We’ll be making updates to the information listed as details become available.
Students will receive email updates for the most recent information about our May Commencement.
*If you do not receive email communication about the 2024 May Commencement, you may not be eligible at this time. Please check with your advisor on your eligibility status.
As you prepare for your visit to Portland, Maine for the commencement ceremony, take the time to get to know the details for when, where, and what to do during your stay.
Don’t miss out on the festivities even if you are celebrating remotely!
Eligibility
All students—Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master’s—are eligible to walk during Commencement after they meet all academic requirements for their degree OR are within six (6) hours of completing their degree. For more information about eligibility, refer to our university-wide Commencement Policy.
Event Information
When: Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 2pm
Where: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St, Portland, ME 04101
RSVP Opens: February 12, 2024
Registration Deadline: March 31, 2024
Important To-Do List for May Graduates
Step 1 – Apply to Graduate: Your name will not appear in the Commencement program if you do not apply to graduate by April 19th. Please click here or contact your advisor to complete the Application for Degree. This is not the same as indicating that you are attending Commencement which you will do in Step 3.
Step 2 – Pay the graduation fee: A $100.00 graduation fee is due upon applying to graduate. You can pay this fee by logging into your student portal.
Step 3 – RSVP & Reserve Guest Seats for Commencement: Fill out this simple form to confirm that you are attending commencement, and also indicate the names of up to 4 guests you are bringing by March 31st.
Step 4: Order Regalia: Baccalaureate and master’s regalia orders must be placed online. Only students who have applied to graduate will be able to order regalia. Orders must be placed by March 31st, in order to receive it in time for the ceremony. Regalia will be delivered to your provided address.
Note: Please check your email for further instructions for ordering regalia.
Step 5: Check out the Unity Store. This is your one-stop shop for Unity Environmental University apparel and more. You can also order announcements and frames through Balfour!
Step 6: Tell your hometown newspaper you are graduating. Download the template.
Diplomas, Transcripts, and Graduation
Participation in a Commencement ceremony does not presume graduation from the University. Students who do not apply for graduation before the published deadline for any term must apply for graduation during the next term. Students who have applied for graduation but fail to meet the requirements must reapply for graduation by the published deadline for the term in which they will fulfill the requirements.
Note: Degree candidates will not earn degrees nor be graduated from the University until they have completed all degree requirements.
Plan Your Stay
Looking for things to do and places to stay while you’re in town for Commencement? Check out our Fun Things to Do While Visiting page!
What to Do and Expect on the Day of Commencement
The ceremony will begin with a procession of all graduates followed by greetings and speeches, the conferring of degrees, the tassel-turning ceremony, and the recessional. The ceremony lasts around 2 hours.
Quick Facts
The event will be held on Saturday May 11, 2024 at 2pm. Located at Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St, Portland, ME 04101.
The venue opens at 1pm for students and their guests. The ceremony starts at 2pm.
Seating is only available for graduates and their 4 registered guests.
In an effort to reduce waste and support our mission of environmental sustainability, Commencement programs will be provided in a digital format on the day of commencement. Names of all May 2024 graduation candidates who have completed the application for degree, will be included in the program.
Only the names of graduates who are in attendance will be read aloud.
Please note that participation in the ceremony does not presume graduation from the University. Degrees are conferred only after all academic requirements are met and the Board of Trustees has taken official action. We congratulate you on your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you at the ceremony!
Unity Environmental University Lincoln Park Celebration
We are thrilled to invite you to join us for a special celebration following the commencement ceremony at Merrill Auditorium.
After the ceremony, we will be gathering across the street at Lincoln Park for an informal celebration. There will be delicious cupcakes and a photo booth set up for you and your guests to enjoy. This will be a wonderful opportunity to gather, celebrate your accomplishments, and capture memories of this special day.
The celebration will begin as soon as the commencement ceremony finishes and will continue until 4:30 PM. We hope you can join us for this joyous occasion!
*In case of inclement weather, the park gathering will be canceled. However, the photo booth will remain available in Merrill Auditorium for photos, and cupcakes will still be provided.
When:
May 11th, 2024
Where:
Lincoln Park, Congress St &, Pearl St, Portland, ME 04101
Time:
3:00-4:30 pm
Checking In
All graduates and guests must check in at the registration table. Your name will be on a list that we verify upon your arrival. Only those who have registered in advance will be allowed into the venue.
Note: Masks are optional but encouraged for anybody who is unvaccinated.
For Graduates
Make sure to bring your regalia to commencement. Regalia is required to walk at commencement and must be ordered by March 31st.
Master’s degree recipients must bring their regalia and hood.
Honors and military cords will be distributed upon arrival.
Take a moment to sign the Green Pledge.
Make sure to check your email for information regarding instructions for the ceremony.
For All Registered Guests
All backpacks, bags, and purses will be subject to visual inspection upon entry to the venue. In order to speed entry into the event, please consider leaving any bags at home or in your vehicle.
Any items deemed inappropriate or disruptive by Unity Environmental University or Merrill Auditorium staff will not be allowed inside.
Animals are not permitted at Merrill Auditorium, with the exception of service animals.
What Can I Bring With Me?
Permitted Items
Cameras
Video recorders
Small handbags
Cell phones (set to silent)
Strollers that can be stowed at your seat
Umbrellas
Items to Leave at Home
Alcohol
Coolers
Backpacks
Large handbags
Metal folding seat cushions
Seats that clamp onto bleachers
Noise-making devices
Mace, pepper spray, aerosol cans or similar substances
Signs
Banners
Balloons
Sticks or poles
Weapons or items that mimic weapons
Any item deemed dangerous or inappropriate
Wrapped gifts or packages
Outside food
Accommodations
Restricted Mobility
Wheelchair accessible seating will be available to registered guests who require accommodations. Please make sure to request this accommodation when registering.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Reserved seating for guests who read American Sign Language will be available. Please make sure to request this accommodation when registering.
Parking
Graduates and guests can park at the Top of the Old Port Parking lot. Upon entry, tell the parking attendant that you are here for the Unity Environmental University commencement for a $20 day rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch if I can’t attend?
Throw a watch party from the comfort of your home! The ceremony will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend the in-person ceremony and want to watch it in real time!
How can I join in the celebration from home?
No matter where you are, we want to bring the celebration to you! Take and share photos your regalia to show off your achievement. Don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag #UNITYGRAD2024 to join in on the online celebration!
How can I contact Unity if I have other questions?
If you have any questions or would like to be featured in a social media spotlight congratulating our graduates, please reach out to marketing@unity.edu.
What is the COVID-19 Commencement Policy?
The health and safety is a top priority to Unity Environmental University. We strongly suggest all attendees be fully vaccinated including a recent booster. Each attendee should consider their personal health situation in deciding whether or not to attend commencement. We follow CDC safety guidelines and directives of the Governor of Maine. Graduates and guests should be aware that COVID-related safety concerns may cause commencement events to be updated, canceled, or rescheduled at any time.
Code of Conduct
All members of the Unity Environmental University student body must be responsible for their actions and make sure that these actions do not adversely affect other community members. The University has the authority and responsibility to establish rules and standards that may require academic, moral, and ethical behavior that is considered above the standards of society at large. The principal responsibility for proper conduct rests with students. They are encouraged to resolve conflicts of individual rights and responsibilities themselves. The University will become involved, however, when students cannot resolve conflicts themselves; when local, state, or federal laws have been broken; when there could be or there is a potential for personal harm or property damage; or when University regulations have been violated. Unity Environmental University requires students to obey local, state, and federal laws. The University also has regulations that it expects students to follow. Each student is expected to follow the Code of Conduct from acceptance to the University through graduation and commencement.
Celebrating Remotely?
Celebrate your achievements, even if you can’t join us in person for the May 2024 commencement in Portland, Maine! We’ve got you covered with digital swag to help you mark this momentous occasion. Use our Instagram AR filter to share your unique story and pride.
Looking for more ideas to make your celebration memorable? Dress up in your graduation regalia and host a party with your family and friends to make the day truly special.
Don’t forget to document
Note: The information on this page is subject to change.
