Info on Convocation 2026

Boston University hosts two major graduation events for graduating students from May 16 to 19. The first of these is the Department of Economics Convocation on Thursday, May 16. The “traditional” All-University Commencement ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 19. For more details on the All-University Commencement, please go to https://www.bu.edu/commencement/.

Please carefully read and review the following, as it contains important information about the Economics Convocation Ceremony. There is only one Economics Convocation Ceremony every year in May for all January, May, and tentative August graduates. Students graduating with degrees from multiple departments (joint majors and double majors) can attend the convocation ceremonies for either or each of those departments.

January 2024, May 2024, and tentative August 2024 graduates are welcome to join us for the Economics Convocation on:

Thursday, May 16, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET
Walter Brown Arena
285 Babcock Street

All Graduates (current or walk-throughs) must arrive at Walter Brown Arena between 8:00 and 8:15 a.m. ET. Graduates will line-up outside in the tent on the tennis courts behind the arena.

Guests: There are no tickets or guest limits for the Economics Convocation or the All-University Commencement ceremony. Guests can enter Walter Brown Arena and begin seating themselves in the arena stands at 8 a.m. ET. A reception for family, friends, and graduates will immediately follow the ceremony in the Walter Brown Arena. The reception will end at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Phonetic pronunciations: The Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Todd Idson, will be reading undergraduate students’ names and wants to pronounce them correctly. Students can come to the Economics Department at 270 Bay State Road, Office 444, on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. throughout April to provide the pronunciation of their names, which will be noted on index cards.

ALL index cards with student names and degrees will be available for pickup at 8:15 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 16, at Walter Brown Arena. These are unofficial cards used solely for the purpose of calling out student names. Students are responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information on the card prior to the ceremony. Students will be seated for the ceremony by degree. At the appropriate time, students will be directed to the stage by row. When students step up to the stage, they will hand their index cards to Prof. Idson, who will read their names. Prof. Idson will read any phonetic pronunciations that are provided.

May 2024 Graduates: The Registrar’s Office will mail all diplomas. After your name is called, you will receive an empty diploma envelope when you walk on stage. More details are available at https://www.bu.edu/reg/calendars/diplomas/.

January 2024 and tentative August 2024 Graduates: You are considered ‘walk-throughs’ and may attend the Economics Convocation Ceremony. An empty diploma envelope will be handed out to you when you walk on stage after your name is called.

The All-University Commencement will be held on:

Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm ET
Nickerson Field (rain or shine)
https://www.bu.edu/commencement/ceremonies/

Academic Dress: If you are participating in the Economics Convocation Ceremony and/or the All-University Commencement you must wear the University-approved regalia. Graduates can purchase approved academic regalia at Barnes & Noble, which is Boston University’s approved supplier for caps and gowns. All caps and gowns should be ordered by March 25 for campus pick up. Any orders placed after March 25, but before April 15, will be shipped to you directly. Caps and gowns are not available for order after April 15. For more information, please visit https://www.bu.edu/commencement/for-students/caps-gowns/.

Master’s & BA/MA Academic Regalia:
Red Gown, Black Cap, Red Tassel, Master Hood

BA Academic Regalia:
Red Gown, Black Cap, Black Tassel, No Hood

Photos: BU is partnering with GradImages to provide graduate photos. Please visit https://www.bu.edu/commencement/for-students/photos-memorabilia/ for more information. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact their Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or by email at ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.

Security details: All students, faculty, staff, volunteers, guests, and vendors will be subject to screening when entering any Commencement Weekend venue, possibly with a metal-detecting wand or similar devices. Only small and average-size handbags, purses, and camera bags will be allowed (no large totes, oversized purses, backpacks, large diaper bags, or messenger bags). Bag size is limited to 12″ x 12″ x 6″. All bags will be physically inspected prior to entry. No other bags, gift bags, wrapped gifts, packages, briefcases, backpacks, or luggage will be allowed in a Commencement or Convocation venue, including Nickerson Field. If guests have packages or bags that are not permitted, they may leave them at a “self-check” area adjacent to the venues. Graduates should carry their robes into event venues and then dress in designated lineup areas.

Transportation on Commencement Day: We recommend using the MBTA or BU shuttle bus on the day of commencement. Parking on campus and throughout Boston is very limited. The closest parking lot for Walter Brown Arena is Langsam Garage on 142 Gardner Street. Permit holders with accessible parking placards or plates will continue to have access to accessible parking spaces in all lots and garages. Shuttle buses will operate along Commonwealth Avenue before and after the Nickerson Field ceremony and will stop upon request. For additional details, please visit https://www.bu.edu/commencement/visit/parking-transportation/.

We look forward to celebrating you and your accomplishments at the Economics Convocation Ceremony!