We are excited about and look forward to celebrating our 2020 and 2021 graduates and their guests at the in-person UNH Manchester commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 23. Guests will be required to show proof of full vaccination (including two weeks post-vaccine) OR a valid negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the ceremony in order to gain access to the event.). Guests and students not participating in the UNH Manchester testing program should plan to bring a hard copy of either their vaccination card or their test results with a valid ID. Please see some additional FAQs here.
2020 Commencement May 23, 2021 at 2PM
2021 Commencement May 23, 2021 at 5PM
Location: UNH Manchester, 88 Commercial Street
NOTE: Our planning for commencement is based on the best information we have today about the prevalence of the virus in the state and in our community. That said, we must recognize that conditions may be different as we approach May 2021. Our final plans will be dictated by the most accurate information we have and we will continue to consult public health officials with the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services about our plans. Please continue to check back as we continue to set and finalize plans.
As both a college and a campus of the University of New Hampshire, we host an annual commencement ceremony for our students here in Manchester.
The ceremony is a very special occasion for students and families. It's also very important to the faculty and staff who have mentored and supported the students along the way.
The personal attention students receive here is carried through graduation as each student's name is called and they walk across the stage to accept their University of New Hampshire diploma.
Covid-19 Testing and Proof of Vaccine Information
Guests and students who are not currently in the UNH Manchester testing protocol will be required to show proof of full vaccination (including two weeks post-vaccine) OR a valid negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the ceremony in order to gain access to the event. Guests should plan to bring a hard copy of either their vaccination card or their test results with a valid ID. If you are currently a student in the UNH Manchester Covid-19 testing program, you can show your Wild Cat Pass for entry.
Please see some additional FAQs here.
What do attendees need to bring with them to show proof of vaccination, OR, a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of attending a ceremony?
- A vaccine card. Please bring the actual card to the ceremony for screening – attendees will not be admitted into the ceremony without proof of being fully vaccinated. OR;
- A hard copy of negative Covid test results. Attendees will not be admitted into the ceremony without a hard copy of test results taken within 72 hours of the ceremony (see testing window dates below).
|
Ceremony attending |
Date of ceremony |
Testing window |
Negative test results accessible by |
|
Class of 2020 |
Sunday, May 23, 2PM |
Thursday, May 20 – Saturday, May 22 |
Saturday, May 22 |
|
Class of 2021 |
Sunday, May 23, 5PM |
Thursday, May 20 – Saturday, May 22 |
Saturday, May 22 |
Seating
Seating will be spaced 6 feet apart, to keep social distancing. Guests are asked to not move chairs and adhere to social distancing policies. In order to maintain these safety guidelines, we must limit capacity. The ceremony will be live-streamed for those not able to attend.
Face Masks
Face masks are required for all attendees. We will have spare masks available. If you are unable to wear a face mask, please consider watching the live stream.
Travel
We ask that you follow travel protocols and restrictions as issued by the CDC. Please see the CDC travel recommendations here. If you are traveling from outside of NH, we encourage you to follow the NH DHHS travel guidance here.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Any student or guest experiencing COVID-related symptoms should not attend the ceremony. Please see symptoms here.
2020 COMMENCEMENT MAY 23, 2021 AT 2PM
Location: Outdoor ceremony at UNH Manchester, 88 Commercial Street
Registration to participate in the ceremony has now closed. Please contact Dana Pierce at dana.pierce@unh.edu if you have any questions.
2021 COMMENCEMENT MAY 23, 2021 AT 5PM
Location: Outdoor ceremony at UNH Manchester, 88 Commercial Street
Registration to participate in the ceremony has now closed. Please contact Dana Pierce at dana.pierce@unh.edu if you have any questions.
REQUIREMENTS
Caps and Gowns (regalia) are required for all faculty and graduates participating in the commencement ceremony.
Gown styles differ for Bachelor, Masters and Ph.D. candidates. The cap and gown vendor know what is required and will provide you with the appropriate regalia.
How to Order Caps and Gowns
Cap and gowns must be ordered by May 2, 2021 and will be shipped directly to your home.
Order here: https://www.buildagrad.com/unhm
PRICING
Shipping Price-$15.00
- Bachelor (Gown, Cap & Tassel included) Price: $17.00
- Master/Ph.D. (Gown, Cap, Hood & Tassel included) Price: $33.40
QUESTIONS
If you have questions or concerns about your order, please contact our vendor University Cap and Gown at 1(844)-711-6100.
The Commencement Fair is an opportunity to:
- Pick up Commencement tickets
- Pick up honors tassels (if applicable)
- Take shoutout photos with friends
- Take headshot photos for your LinkedIn profile
- Clear account holds (exit loan counseling)
- Ask last-minute questions about graduation requirements
- And more!
Tuesday, May 4, 2021 (rain date: Wednesday, May 5)
2:00-6:00 pm
UNH Manchester (back parking lot)
88 Commercial Street
Manchester, NH 03101
If you are unable to attend the Commencement Fair please contact Dana Pierce dana.pierce@unh.edu to arrange pick up of your commencement tickets.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
1:00 PM - Class of 2020 students and guests arrive.
2:00 PM - Class of 2020 ceremony begins.
3:30 PM - Class of 2020 ceremony concludes, and students and guests are asked to depart.
3:30 PM - Staff will clean and reset chairs/stage.
4:00 PM - Class of 2021 students and guests arrive.
5:00 PM - Class of 2021 ceremony begins.
6:30 PM - Class of 2021 ceremony concludes, and students and guests are asked to depart.
GUEST TICKETS
Guest seating will be limited—the number of tickets available will depend on the number of students who register to attend. Please stay tuned for additional information on how to obtain your tickets. The ceremony will be live streamed for those not able to attend.
GUESTS WITH Accessibility needs
Students are asked to provide us with information regarding special accommodations for themselves and their guests. Please contact Dana Pierce at (603) 641-4348 or Dana.Pierce@unh.edu at least two weeks before the ceremony so we can best assist you.
UNH Security Officers and ushers will be available during the ceremony to offer additional assistance.
PARKING
Please stay tuned for additional information on parking.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown
Loyalty Program 2021 Rate: 15% off the best available rate
Corporate ID: 3205161
PARTICIPATION
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, we have limited faculty seating this year. Faculty MUST register if they plan to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. Please NOTE: Faculty who do not register or arrive late for the procession cannot be guaranteed seating in the faculty section.
Regalia
Formal academic regalia, as determined by your highest degree and the institution at which it was earned, is required for Commencement Ceremony. Faculty members must bring your own regalia or order a rental.
If you do not own regalia, it may be rented or purchased by visiting the Faculty Regalia Registration Home Page. Faculty are responsible for all charges associated with the rental, purchase and shipping of regalia.
Contact Dana Pierce if you have questions at dana.pierce@unh.edu.
PARKING
Please stay tuned for additional information on parking.
Diplomas are mailed 8-12 weeks after the graduation certification process.
Diploma covers are given at Commencement.
Will appear exactly as indicated on your Intent to Graduate form.
For changes contact the UNH Manchester Registration Office, 603-641-4136 or unh.diploma@unh.edu.
Diplomas are mailed to the address provided on your Intent to Graduate form. Do not provide a campus mailing address. Verify mailing address, in WEBCAT and select Personal Information.
Please NOTE: International addresses may delay receiving diploma.
Contact unh.diploma@unh.edu for more information.
GradImages® is the official photographer for Commencement. A proof of student photos will be available after the ceremony. To view your proofs online, please visit the GradImages site.
Pictures may be ordered online, by phone, or by mail.
If you have any questions please contact Customer Service at 1-800-261-2576 or via email at giservice@gradimages.net.
We will be live streaming both the 2020 and 2021 Commencement Ceremonies on Sunday, May 23.
Click here to access the live stream