Do my guests need tickets?
No tickets are needed. The event is general admission, arena seating.
How do I request accessible seating and/or parking?
Students and/or guests attending any of these events who require reasonable accommodations for ADA-related needs please contact Elms College’s Student Accommodations and Support Services (SASS) at 413-265-2333 or sass@elms.edu by April 1. This includes, but is not limited to, an American Sign Language Interpreter, assistance with walking long distances, crossing the stage, and/or with stairs, as well as accessible seating.
How long is the ceremony?
The length of the ceremony varies from year to year based on the speakers and the number of graduates. Please plan on the ceremony lasting approximately 3 hours. It should be concluded by 1:00 p.m.
How many guests can attend?
There is no limit to the amount of guests that can attend commencement. It is non-ticketed open seating event.
If I cannot make it to commencement, when do I receive my diploma?
If you are a Spring graduate and cannot attend commencement, you can pick up your diploma from the registrar’s office any time after commencement has taken place. If you need additional arrangements or have any questions, you may contact the registrar’s office at registrar@elms.edu.
Is the ceremony being live streamed?
Yes, the ceremony will be live streamed on the Elms Commencement webpage starting at 9:30 a.m. with the Processional into the MassMutual center.
When should I arrive at the MassMutual Center?
Graduates should arrive in the staging area of the MassMutual Center no later than 8:30 a.m. This allows the graduates time to line up in for the Processional into the arena that begins promptly at 9:30 a.m.
Where can I park?
- Free parking is available at the MGM Springfield Parking Garage.
- Other options are available with https://www.springfieldcarpark.com/.
- View Google Map of the Springfield Parking Authority parking options.
Graduate Checklist
- Apply for graduation with the registrar’s office https://www.elms.edu/academics/academic-resources/registrar/graduation-terms-conferral-dates/
- Order cap and gown from the bookstore. The deadline to have your regalia in time for the May commencement is February 23, 2026.
- Attend Countdown to Commencement. Watch your emails for additional information.
- Pay any balances with Student Accounts office.
- Complete student loan exit counseling on www.studentaid.gov.
- Order co-curricular stole online or apply to wear a stole. Deadline to order or apply to wear a stole is April 1, 2026. See commencement website for further instructions and information about wearing stoles https://commencement.elms.edu/student-information/#stoles.
- Consider applying to be a Gonfalon Carrier at commencement. Deadline is April 1, 2026. For more information, please visit Application for Gonfalon Carrier and fill out the application form.
- If you are a U.S. Veteran consider applying to carry the American Flag at commencement. Deadline is April 1, 2026. For more information, please visit Application for Flag Bearer and fill out the application form.
- Request accommodations, if needed, from Student Accommodations and Support Services by emailing sass@elms.edu by April 1, 2026.
- Confirm with Health Center that you do not have any holds and request copy of immunization records.
- Return all books to both the library and bookstore after finals are completed.
- Pick up honors cords from registrar’s office, if applicable, the week before
- commencement. Please see commencement website for further information on honors cords.
- Pick up honors society cords from Academic Affairs Office, if applicable, the week before commencement. Please see commencement website for further information on honors society cords.