Commencement
(updated 2/15/19)
The Class of 2019 Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 11, 2019, 11:00 a.m.
Congratulations graduates! New England College’s Commencement Ceremony begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. and lasts approximately two hours. All graduates in attendance walk on stage and are acknowledged by name. The College looks forward to making your commencement a truly memorable event!
Schedule of Events & RSVP Form Accommodations
SPECIAL NOTE TO GRADUATES
On Commencement Day, any student arriving after the platform party has been seated will NOT be allowed to march, or sit with the graduating students, therefore it is imperative that any student wishing to participate arrives at the covered bridge (#29 on campus map) by 10:00 a.m.
Guest Speaker | Honorary Degree Recipient
There will be information forthcoming. Please check back.
Can’t be there? Watch Commencement live: Online Streaming Is Available
New England College is pleased to offer live online streaming of the 2019 Commencement Ceremony. No special equipment, software, or downloads are needed. All you need is internet access. The live stream will be available 15 minutes prior to the start of Commencement by clicking here: http://athletics.nec.edu/watch
Regalia | NEC Bookstore | 603.428.2220
Regalia includes cap, gown, hood, and tassels. Regalia will be available the first week in April.
Saturday, May 11, the NEC Bookstore will be open 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (no regalia will be sold after 10:00 a.m.)
Diploma frames
Beautiful frames for diplomas are offered through the NEC Bookstore. Choose one at the Bookstore or order online for shipment to your home.
Non-framed diplomas will be mailed following Commencement.
Welcome Alumni!
Enjoy a 10% discount at the NEC Bookstore on clothing and gifts.
Commencement Announcements and Memorabilia
Please go to NEC’s Jostens online store to order plain or customized graduation announcements, class or deluxe rings, or collegiate tags.
Regalia | EdD Doctoral Gowns
EdD students purchase their doctoral gowns directly from University Cap and Gown, at https://buildagrad.com/neceddc, and not through the NEC Bookstore. These are hand sewn, so please do not wait until the last minute to order your regalia. Additionally, it also takes a few weeks to ship. Please contact UCG directly at buildagrad@universitycapandgown.com for delivery estimates and other questions.
Graduating Student Name Pronunciation
As a graduating student, one of the most memorable moments is being recognized by the College, your classmates, and your family and friends as your name is read aloud and you walk across the stage. Please provide how-to-say-it instructions with this online Name Pronunciation Form.
Flowers
Henniker’s own HollyHock Flowers will be selling a variety of floral items near the Commencement site. Pre-orders are welcome, call 603.529.6447.
Safety and Sight Lines
To ensure guests can see and hear event activities and be assured of our campus safety, we will have bag checks at event entry points. The following items are not permitted: signs, banners, beach balls, horns, balloons, or noise makers.
Parking
Members of Campus Safety will be available to direct you to the nearest parking facilities once you arrive at the event. Should you or a guest require handicapped parking, please contact commencement@nec.edu so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Accommodations
Directions and a list of area motels, hotels, and inns can be found here.
Service Animals and Sign Language Interpreter
Only service animals will be admitted to the Commencement Ceremony. No other dogs will be given access. Leaving a pet in a hot vehicle is unacceptable so please make other arrangements. Learn more about service animals.
If you are graduating, and plan to have your service animal accompany you to Commencement, please give us advanced notice so we may make seating accommodations. Please email commencement@nec.edu.
Interpreters for those deaf, and hard of hearing, will be available during the Commencement Ceremony.
Photography
The College has engaged a professional photographer who will take photographs of all graduates as they receive their diplomas. Information on how to download those photos will be forthcoming. Please check back.
Those wishing to take their own photographs may do so from their seats or from the designated photography area to the left of the stage. Please make your visit to this area brief so that others may enjoy the same opportunity.
Live video streaming of the Commencement will be available for those family and friends who will not be able to attend.
Seating
Fair weather – no tickets necessary
Commencement is traditionally held outdoors on NEC’s beautiful Simon Green. There’s plenty of space and no tickets are necessary. Seating is first come, first served, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Only if rain/inclement weather – tickets are required
In the event of inclement weather, the Commencement Ceremony will be held in the Lee Clement Arena. Seating capacity is limited and tickets are required. Each graduate is estimated to receive 2 guest tickets for the Arena location. Additional seating will be available at the nearby Field House for live video streaming.
The decision on the Commencement location will be made 48 hours prior to the event and communicated through the College’s website and email.
Rain Tickets – if necessary, rain ticket pick-up process information will be forthcoming.
Eligibility to Graduate
You must fill out and submit your Intent to Graduate Form at the Registrar’s Office. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your eligibility to graduate please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrarsoffice@nec.edu, or Student Financial Services at SFS@nec.edu.
A Student Financial Services Reminder to Students
Please clear any account holds. Outstanding balances must be paid in full.
Federal loan borrowers:
- You must complete mandatory loan exit counseling at studentloans.gov.
- It is also advisable for you to attend an on-campus Exit Counseling Session so we may provide you important information about your loans and repayment. Check back for detailed information and to RSVP.
Contact Us
Other Commencement questions can be directed to 603.428.2225 or commencement@nec.edu.
