Families watch the 2022 Commencement ceremony and take photos from the stands at McGuirk Alumni Stadium

University News

Public Advised to Plan Ahead for Heavy Traffic, Street Closures During Move-Out and Commencement at UMass Amherst

The public should plan ahead and expect heavy traffic, some delays and road closures getting to and from the University of Massachusetts Amherst due to student move-out and Commencement activities Wednesday, May 24 through Saturday, May 27.

Move-out for students is planned for Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25, and the combined undergraduate and graduate Commencement Ceremony at McGuirk Alumni Stadium is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, May 26. Commonwealth Honors College will hold its celebration event on Thursday afternoon, and various schools and colleges across campus will hold their individual senior recognition ceremonies throughout both Friday and Saturday.

Throughout the week, all drivers should be aware of pedestrians and observant of all crosswalks, and they are asked to follow the direction of police officers posted in high-volume areas to control traffic.

The campus will officially be closed for general business on Friday, May 25. Essential personnel reporting to campus that morning should plan to arrive by 7 a.m. due to street closures and the heavy traffic expected for Commencement.

Visitor Parking and Shuttle Bus Information May 26-27

Visitors to campus on Friday and Saturday for Commencement and senior ceremonies are asked to park upon arrival. Parking will be directed by the UMass Police based on nearest available parking lots. Shuttle buses will operate from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and all buses will stop at all ceremony locations throughout the two days of events. It is strongly recommended that visitors arrive as early as possible, allowing at least 45 minutes upon arrival on campus to park and travel by bus or walk to the stadium.

Local Road Closures May 24-27

On Wednesday and Thursday, Hicks Way will be one-way heading eastbound (uphill) from Commonwealth Avenue; Sunset Avenue will be one-way southbound from Massachusetts Avenue to Fearing Street; and Fearing Street will be one-way eastbound (uphill) from University Drive to Sunset Avenue. Fearing Street will remain closed to westbound (downhill) traffic through Saturday.

On Friday, North Pleasant Street will be closed between Massachusetts Avenue and Governor’s Drive from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

University Drive will be closed between Massachusetts Avenue and Amity Street from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

On Saturday, from 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Commonwealth Avenue will be closed to all traffic except university buses and disability vehicle parking for ceremonies at the Recreation Center and Mullins Center.

More information about student move-out can be found at https://www.umass.edu/living/move-out.

More information about 2023 Commencement can be found at https://www.umass.edu/commencement.