Congratulations graduates!

For more information on the ceremony, including the addresses by Pulitzer prize-winning columnist Ellen Goodman and USM student Paige Emily Eclov, Honorary Degrees and Distinguished Awards, Emeriti Faculty, Special Honors and Commencement Photos to to
http://www.usm.maine.edu/pres/commencement/

What?     Commencement!
 

Please Note:  Graduation is NOT automatic.  You must file an application with the Registrar by
Feb. 27, 2009    DO THIS EARLY!  For more information visit www.usm.maine.edu/reg
 

Caps and Gowns  
This is a solemn occasion. Caps and gowns must be worn by all degree candidates attending the ceremony. Caps and gowns will be available to be purchased at the Bookstore on each campus.  The cost of regalia for bachelors is $20.00 and masters is $35.00. They may be purchased at the bookstore starting May 6, 2009

The Lewiston-Auburn Bookstore will stock regalia for LAC majors only. 
Non-LAC majors who wish to purchase their caps and gowns in Lewiston must contact Pauline Pierre at 753-6552. 

If you are unable to pick up your regalia before commencement, the Bookstore will be at the Civic Center for you to purchase your caps and gowns on that day.

Directions
The Civic Center is located at 45 Spring St., Portland, ME 04101. Phone is (207) 775-3481

I-295 to Portland. Take Exit #7, Franklin Street. Go through 4 sets of traffic lights. Turn right at the 5th light, onto Middle Street. The Civic Center is 3 traffic lights ahead on the right.

For patrons using internet direction websites please use 45 Spring St. as your end location. Or you may enter the intersection of Spring St. and Center St.    Get Directions
 

Parking  
Parking is available at the nearby Spring St. Parking Garage and other lots in the area.  Carpooling is encouraged as nearby lots will fill up quickly.

This year guests may park in the USM parking garage for FREE on Saturday for commencement. There will be a shuttle that runs continuously from 7-8:30am to the Civic Center. The shuttle will also run after the ceremony to return you to the garage.

USM Portland campus directions and map are available here for your information.
 

   Packages
Due to our concern for the safety of all of our  graduates, their families, and the University Community, do not  bring packages/presents for the graduates with you either on the  bus or to the Civic Center as you will not be permitted to bring  those into the building.
 

Hotels
Coming into town early or staying an extra day or two? Check out  Portland Area Hotels  for a list of nearby hotels for your stay. If you mention USM, you'll receive a discount from the following hotels. If you choose another hotel, ask for a discount rate anyway.

The Eastland Park Hotel
207-775-5411, or toll free 1-888-671-8008.

Clarion Hotel Portland 
207-774-5611
1230 Congress St,,  Portland ME.   

LaQuinta Inn & Suites (207) 871-0611.
340 Park Avenue, (near Denny's, outer Congress Street) 

Comfort Inn Airport of South Portland  
775-0409 x408 or 1-800-368-6485 x 408

Seating
Check out the map of the Civic Center for seating and this guide to Civic Center seating which will help you with reading the map.

Ordering Announcements
Order your graduation announcements to share with friends and family. You will receive your school's custom announcement while supplies last. If school's custom announcement is not available, a generic announcement substitution will be made.
 

Diploma Frame: Our 23K "Signature" Diploma Frame features a 23K school seal medallion, embossed black museum mat and Signature cherry frame with a black bead accent. Give the symbol of your hard work and efforts a place of honor within this frame or choose one of our other quality diploma frames.
 

COMMENCEMENT
QUESTIONS  

A number of people have stopped by the office to ask about Commencement.  Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers:

I sent in my application for graduation. Am I all set to graduate?

If you want to check to be sure there is nothing else you need to do to graduate, contact the department of your major.

Commencement is over, but I haven't received my diploma.

If you have finished all your required classes, you should check to be sure that you don't have an outstanding balance on your University account. Unpaid tickets, library fines, etc. can hold up your diploma. Call the Business Office at 207-780-5200.

If you are taking a summer session class to complete your requirements, diplomas & transcripts will be available approximately 4-8 weeks after grades are posted. Please check MaineStreet for degree status or  contact either Meredith Adams at 207-780-5101, meredith@usm.maine.edu , Ellie Hague (Education) at 207-780-5541, ehague@usm.maine.edu, or Lori Gallant (Applied Science) at 207-780 5105  lgallant@usm.maine.edu if you have any questions.

Are there any limits on the number of people I can invite to Commencement and where do I get the tickets?

Commencement is held at the Cumberland County Civic Center which holds over 6000 people.  For that reason, there are no limits to the number of people you can invite and no tickets are distributed.  A word to the wise however: Tell your family and friends to arrive early for the best seating.  The ceremony starts at 9:00 and many people arrive with their graduating student (you have to be there at 8:00).

Any other questions, please email Diane Hoyt at dohoyt@usm.maine.edu or call her at
(207) 780-5230.