Tips for attending UMaine, UMaine Machias commencement ceremonies

The University of Maine’s 2022 commencement ceremonies and celebration are May 6–8 in Alfond Sports Arena.

The University of Maine at Machias commencement is 11 a.m. May 6 in the Performing Arts Center, with a parade to follow down Main Street. 

At UMaine, the Graduate School commencement for the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 begins at 4 p.m. May 6.

Commencement ceremonies for 2022 bachelor’s degree students are at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. May 7. The Saturday ceremonies are ticketed events.

A commencement celebration for alumni in the classes of 2020 and 2021 is at 9:30 a.m. May 8.

Motorists in the Orono area will encounter heavier traffic than usual Friday afternoon, throughout Saturday and Sunday morning. Those attending any of the ceremonies should plan to arrive early.

For the Graduate School commencement, doors open at 3 p.m. On Saturday, Alfond Arena doors open at 8 a.m. for the morning ceremony; 1 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony. Sunday, doors open at 8 a.m.

The University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias follow civil and University of Maine System COVID-19 health and safety guidance. All those attending UMaine and UMaine Machias commencement ceremonies in May, including graduates, will be asked to show evidence of vaccination, or documentation of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test within 72 hours of arrival, or documentation of a positive COVID test within 90 days of arrival, including the required five-day isolation. Face coverings are recommended, but are optional. 

Guests and graduates who are COVID-19 positive on the day of the ceremonies are asked not to come to campus. Anyone who is positive on-site will be asked to leave campus for the health and safety of the UMaine community.

On Saturday, people attending commencement ceremonies are urged to park in the Collins Center Lot on campus, where three shuttle buses will transport them to the arena. The Collins Center Lot is easily reached by traveling on Rangeley Road and following signs. Shuttle buses also will provide transportation to Alfond Arena from the following parking lots: the Steam Plant Lot on College Avenue, Belgrade Lot on Belgrade Road, Hilltop Lot on Rangeley Road and Buchanan Alumni House at College Avenue and Munson Road.

Backpacks and large bags of any type cannot be brought to Alfond Arena during commencement ceremonies. People are strongly encouraged to leave large bags and any unnecessary items in their vehicles; all bags will be searched. Strollers may not be set up in the aisles of Alfond Arena. 

Alfond Arena is a no-reentry venue; guests who leave the facility during the ceremonies will not be allowed to reenter.

UMaine and UMaine Machias are tobacco-free campuses.

Only professional photographers hired by the university with proper credentials are permitted to photograph the ceremonies from the Alfond Arena floor.

Students and guests are asked to remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.

Vehicles with accessible plates or placards can be parked in the Satellite Lot behind Alfond Stadium. There will be an accessible drop-off area on the south side of Alfond Arena. The entry point will be plainly marked from College Avenue at Tunk Road, on the north side Alfond Stadium.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, nagle@maine.edu