Convocation 2026

Graduation candidates will continue to receive email communication regarding Convocation. Event information can also be found below:

Arrival

• Students should arrive by 7:45am to line up at the Track & Tennis Center Field, 100 Ashford St. There will be staff and signage outside to direct everyone to the correct location.
• Students must check in at the check-in table upon arrival to receive their name cards.  This ensures your name is read correctly as you cross the stage.
• Reminder that regalia is REQUIRED to participate in Convocation. If you do not arrive with your cap and gown, you will not be able to participate in the event. Check out this guide for how to correctly wear your regalia.
• There is no storage for student belongings so please do not bring unnecessary items with you to lineup. There will be water and granola bars available, and a restroom on site.
• The ceremony begins promptly at 9:00am. Students who arrive after 8:30am may not be able to process in with the other graduates so please make every effort to arrive on time. Students may not leave the ceremony early.
• Students should not bring backpacks, large bags or expensive items. Any student who brings a bag will be expected to place it in a storage tub prior to entering the arena and it will be returned to them after the ceremony. Students are allowed to keep phones with them as long as they are on silent mode.

After the Ceremony

• The when the ceremony concludes the students and faculty will process out of the Track and Tennis Center behind the faculty into the Reception
• Families will meet graduates out at the post-ceremony reception. Light breakfast refreshments will be served.

Additional Notes

• No tickets required and you may invite any number of guests to attend. We are collecting guest numbers in the above survey simply to estimate a headcount.
• Diplomas will be mailed to you directly. No diplomas are distributed at the ceremony.
• While there is no accessibility parking, accessible seating is available at the ceremony. In order to arrange accessible seating for your family member or guest, fill out this form between April 1-May 1st.

The Ceremony takes place in the George Sherman Union, Metcalf Ballroom, on May 14th, 2026 at 5:30pm.

Please refer to the information provided on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Page for the PhD candidate hooding ceremony. Please contact the event coordinator Kristen Shannon O’Connor at grsgs@bu.edu if you have any additional questions.

PhD students must follow and complete GRS’s PhD graduation requirements and deadlines.

Arrival
Families and guests must proceed directly to the Track and Tennis Center to be seated. Families and guests will not be permitted in the student lineup area.

Transportation
Per the Commencement website, parking will be limited and all faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to take public transportation: The MBTA, BU shuttle, or walking for example. Those who need parking or may have members in their party with accommodations are recommended to arrive early. Unfortunately, there is no designated accessibility parking.

Accessibility
While there is no accessibility parking, accessible seating is available at the ceremony. In order to arrange accessible seating, have your graduate fill out this form between April 1-May 1st.

Reception
There will be a short reception immediately following the ceremony. Light breakfast refreshments will be served.
Once the ceremony concludes, you will be instructed to recess back to the reception where you can reconnect with your families/guests

Live Stream
A live stream of the event will be available on this page on the day of the event. Please check back at 9am on Friday, May 16, 2025.

No Tickets
No tickets required and you may invite any number of guests to attend. We are collecting guest numbers in the above survey simply to estimate a headcount.