Graduation FAQs at MCC

MCC will be celebrating Commencement at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

Grads should plan to arrive to the LMA at 8:30 a.m. for line up wearing their cap and gown.
You can also follow along with a live stream on our YouTube page.

You need to arrive at the auditorium no later than 8:30 a.m. Please come with your rented gown, cap and any stoles or cords you were awarded. We will NOT have extras available at the auditorium. Once you check in, you will be given a card with your name, degree, and any awards or special distinctions listed on it. You need to keep this card. Staff will then direct you to your line-up area.

MCC staff will lead you to the auditorium stage in groups according to your academic program. You will then climb a set of stairs before handing the card you were given at check in to the staff member on stage. You will then walk on the stage, be handed a diploma case and then walk across the stage to shake hands with the College President. At that time, a picture will be taken. You then will return to the seats for the remainder of the ceremony. Please note: you may not be sitting in the same seat after crossing the stage that you sat in before, so please do not leave any personal items behind.

The auditorium opens for guests at 9 a.m. Please note: for safety reasons, large bags, backpacks, gift bags and balloons are not allowed inside of the auditorium.

Each graduate can bring three guests to the ceremony.

For the safety and comfort of our guests, backpacks and other large bags (including gift bags) will not be permitted into the auditorium.

All other bags are subject to voluntary inspection.

In Lowell, parking is available at selected municipal parking garages near campus.

See Lowell Campus parking map for details.

• Lower Locks Garage — 90 Warren St., Lowell, MA 01852
• Davidson Street Lot — 5 E. Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01852 (rear)
• Downes Garage — 75 John St., Lowell, MA 01852

Accommodation requests for both students and guests can be made by calling MCC's Student Access and Support Services at 978-656-3251 or emailing SASS.

We want you to be as relaxed as possible so we encourage you to wear comfortable clothes (business casual). You will be standing for hours the day of the ceremony so wear comfortable shoes. You will also be wearing the gown on top of your clothes and the auditorium can sometimes get warm under the stage lights so please take this into consideration when picking your outfit.

On Commencement day, graduates who walk will recieve a keepsake blue and gold embossed diploma cover. Official diplomas will be sent to the graduate's address on file during the summer semester.

The ceremony is typically two hours long, but the exact time varies. Immediately following the ceremony, you and your guests are invited to the Cowan Center for a reception. At the Cowan Center, you can return your gown, sign up for the Alumni Association, see faculty and staff, and snap a selfie with MCC’s mascot Swoops!

Caps and gowns will be available May 6 through May 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the locations listed below.

You cap and gown can be picked up during the following times:

Bedford Campus
Enrollment Center - EC113
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, May 6 – Thursday, May 9

Lowell Campus 
Cowan Center - LC303
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, May 6 – Thursday, May 9

All gowns and hoods must be returned immediately following the ceremony. You will be held financially responsible for unreturned gowns and hoods.

Please return to:

• Auditorium – outside by the canal
• MCC Cowan Center – outside the building or inside the lobby

A professional photographer will take pictures as you receive your diploma. Order forms and information will be sent directly to your home. Please do NOT take pictures during the awarding of diplomas.

If you have questions about your order, contact Commencement Photos, Inc. at or 978-851-5924.

MCC's Alumni Association is FREE for anyone who has taken a class at Middlesex. By joining, alumni have access to special benefits, can connect and network with other alumni, volunteer and give back to the College, and keep informed about college events. Visit MCC's Alumni Association page for more information and to sign up for membership.

As a graduation gift to the class of 2024, the Alumni Association invites graduates to participate in the LinkedIn and social media headshot enhancement tool MySocial Headshots.

You can create and share your branded headshot across all social media channels by visiting MCC's MySocial Headshots webpage.

Students must complete a Graduation Application to be eligible to graduate. You can apply to graduate online or email the Registrar's Office for assistance.

Please note that there is no fee to apply for graduation.