GRADUATION 2023

Mercyhurst will celebrate the accomplishments of our Class of 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

Schedule of Events

Friday, May 12, 2023

  • Senior Class Gift Check Presentation, 1 p.m., Christ the King Chapel

  • ROTC Commissioning, 2 p.m., Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (invitation only)

  • Senior Awards Ceremony, 4 p.m., Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (livestream)
    • Students receiving awards will be notified in mid-April. Award recipients may invite as many guests as they wish and the ceremony is open to the entire Mercyhurst Community. 

  • Master’s Degree Student Commencement, 7:30 p.m., Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center 
    • Toast to Graduates, immediately following Commencement, Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center

Saturday, May 13, 2023

  • Baccalaureate Mass, 9:30 a.m., Christ the King Chapel
  • Associate and Baccalaureate Degree Student Commencement, 3 p.m., Erie Insurance Arena (approximate length of ceremony is 2 hours) 
    • New Alumni Welcome Reception, immediately following Commencement, Mercyhurst Athletic Center
      All Associate and Baccalaureate graduating students will be invited via email and are welcome to bring as many guests as they like. Registration is now open! Questions? Please contact Meaghan Hubert at mhubert2@mercyhurst.edu or 814-824-2379.

Associate and Baccalaureate Ceremony Livestream

Master's Ceremony Livestream

General Ceremony FAQs

Will commencement be livestreamed? 

Yes, it will. You may access the livestream on the day-of the ceremony on this webpage.

When can I pick-up my cap and gown? 

Students will receive an email (to their Mercyhurst email) indicating when their cap and gown is ready for pick up. Graduates place the gown on a hanger immediately; if after several days there are still wrinkles, press it with a cool iron.

What COVID-19 guidelines that will be followed? 

We will follow state and local public health guidelines at the time of graduation.  

Undergraduate Ceremony FAQs

When is graduation?

The commencement exercises for associate and baccalaureate candidates will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 3 p.m., at the Erie Insurance Arena. (approximate length of ceremony is 2 hours)

What is the time and location of graduation mass?

Graduation mass is being held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. in Christ the King Chapel.

Are tickets required for graduation?

No, tickets are not required for the undergraduate ceremony at the Erie Insurance Arena.  Graduates may bring as many guests as they like. We will be monitoring COVID-19 guidelines and if restrictions are put in place in May, we will notify the graduates and update the guest policy accordingly. General seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 

What time do the doors open for guests to be seated?

Doors will open at 1:30 p.m

What time do the graduates arrive for line-up?

The graduates must arrive by 1:30 p.m. for line up and assistance with academic attire.

What about parking?

Parking is available at the Erie Insurance Arena Ramp on East 8th Street between French and Holland Streets. (parking fee is $5, cash only). Handicap parking is available on the north side of the Arena.

Is handicap seating available?

Handicap seating is available for families attending commencement at the Erie Insurance Arena. Once inside someone will direct you to the handicapped seating area. Handicap parking is available in the northwest lot of the Arena. Questions regarding handicap accommodations may be addressed to the Erie Insurance Arena at 814-453-7117.

What can't I bring inside the Erie Insurance Arena?

  • All patrons are subject to security screening as a condition of admission.
  • Bags & purses are subject to an additional screening slowing the entry process. Bring only essential items.
  • Bottles, cans, flasks, noise makers, selfie sticks, weapons of any kind, dangerous and unlawful materials are prohibited.
  • Outside food and beverage is prohibited.
  • Additional items may be prohibited as requested by teams, leagues, promoters or artists.

Graduate Ceremony FAQs

When is graduation?

The commencement exercises for master's candidates will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on the Mercyhurst University campus.

Are tickets required for graduation?

Yes. Graduates will receive 4 guest tickets each. Tickets will be included in with graduates’ cap and gown. We will be monitoring COVID-19 guidelines and if restrictions are put in place in May, we will notify the graduates and update the guest policy accordingly. General seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

What time do the doors open for guests to be seated?

Doors to the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center will open at 6:45 p.m.

What time do the graduates arrive for line-up?

The graduates must arrive by 6:30 pm for line-up. Please remember to bring your attire.   

What about parking?

Parking is available in the Mary D’Angelo parking lot, which is Lot #8 on the campus map.

What can I bring inside the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center?

  • Bottles, cans, flasks, noise makers, selfie sticks, weapons of any kind, dangerous and unlawful materials are prohibited.
  • Outside food and beverages are prohibited.

Contact Us

Betsy Frank
Executive Director, Conferences and Events
Phone: 814-824-3848
Email: bfrank@mercyhurst.edu