This page will be updated as information about the 2026 PhD Hooding Ceremony is made available.
2026 PhD Hooding Ceremony & Reception
The Dean and the Faculty of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences invite you and your guests to attend the Hooding Ceremony for all August 2025, January 2026, and May 2026 Doctor of Philosophy degree recipients and candidates that have successfully defended and submitted their theses.
The purpose of this Hooding Ceremony is to bring together graduates, their families and friends (no more than 6 guests per graduate) with their advisors, the Deans, and other Faculty of the Graduate School to celebrate their fine achievement in earning the highest degree offered by Boston University. Congratulations!
August 2025, January 2026, and May 2026 graduates are invited to attend the PhD Hooding Ceremony in the George Sherman Union, Metcalf Ballroom, on May 14th, 2026 at 5:30pm.
It is not required, but many graduates who attend the ceremony want to help us with their name pronunciation. If that describes you, please Record Your Name and upload the file in the PhD Hooding Response Form below. Thank you.
PhD Hooding Response Form 2026
Regalia
Order your regalia here!
You must order your regalia by April 1st in order to be able to attend this ceremony. This is a firm deadline so please be sure to order by 4/1/26. Information on ordering Academic Regalia can be found here.
CUSTOM ORDERING
Custom-made gowns, hoods, and cap/tam are available for purchase through Barnes & Noble; pricing is based on requirements. Custom orders may be placed at any time, but to ensure arrival by Commencement, orders must be made months in advance. Please contact the BU Barnes & Noble to request an online order form.
For further information regarding academic dress and announcements, contact the BU Barnes & Noble.
Schedule of Events and Instructions 2026
The PhD Hooding Ceremony will take place in the George Sherman Union, Metcalf Ballroom, on May 14th, 2026 at 5:30pm.
Students will be contacted via email by grsgs@bu.edu with instructions for the day of the ceremony, but should plan to be in the GSU East Balcony between 4:30-4:45pm.
Guests will be able to enter the GSU Metcalf Ballroom starting at 5pm. If students or guests require accessible seating, please contact Disability and Access Services to coordinate.
Immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates, guests, and faculty are invited into the Ziskind Lounge for hor’dourves and a champagne toast.
PhD Hooding Ceremony Live Stream
A live stream of the event will be available on the day/time of the hooding ceremony, and will only be available for viewing for a limited time after the ceremony.
Diplomas
Diploma Information
Diplomas are not dispersed during the ceremony, or any Boston University ceremony. All diplomas will be mailed to you after graduation. Please be sure to update your address information to receive your diploma. Here is some helpful information regarding diploma mailing.
More information on Boston University’s Commencement weekend can be found here.