Frequently Asked Questions About Commencement
FAQ
What is the Baccalaureate Service at Marsh Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on commencement day?
It is the non-denominational religious service for those interested. Attendance is not required. For more information on this and other Commencement Weekend worship services, please visit
BU’s Commencement Web site.
Is it necessary to attend the main ceremony on Nickerson?
Do I need tickets to attend the BU Law Commencement ceremony?
At this time, there are no tickets needed for the ceremony.
Does my family need wristbands to attend?
The wristband policy for Commencement 2023 was introduced due to additional requests from the community to attend. As of now, we will not be distributing wristbands for Commencement 2024, but will update should anything change. Families should have no issue attending and finding seats without the wristbands.
Will there be a virtual watch party or other gathering for current students?
Commencement is being
livestreamed and a recording of the speeches will be available soon after the ceremony. At this time, there are no plans for a virtual watch party or other gathering at the law school. Should this plan change, we will be in touch with the community to share the details.
How long is the BU Law Commencement ceremony?
The BU Law Commencement ceremony will be approximately two hours long (9 a.m. – 11 a.m.) and is immediately followed by a reception for graduates, their guests, and faculty outside of the Track and Tennis Center.
How early should guests arrive?
Doors open at 8:00am and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
How should guests with disabilities enter the arena?
Guests with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments should enter the arena through the main entrances. Those with mobility impairments will be escorted to their seats in a designated seating areas on the concourse level. An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided for those with hearing impairments. Please fill out the accommodations request form on the
BU Commencement page by
May 12 to request accessible parking, seating, and other services.
Do I need a cap and gown to participate in the commencement exercises?
All students are required to wear the appropriate regalia to participate in Commencement exercises.
Can I cover the crosses on my robe?
Purple ribbon and pins will be available during Commencement procession line-up if you wish to cover the crosses on your regalia. Please note there will be a fee if robes are damaged.
How do I put on my robe and hood?
Please do not put on your regalia until after you arrive at the Track and Tennis Center. For more information, please visit the
Regalia section of our Web site.
Is there a dress code for the ceremony?
There is no formal dress code for the ceremony. The only pieces of advice are not to wear white under the JD robes as the red color has been known to bleed and to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a fair amount on different surfaces, including grass.
How hard will it be to find parking?
Due to the anticipated traffic on Commonwealth Avenue during Commencement Weekend, you are urged to use public transportation. Free shuttle buses will be operating continuously along Commonwealth Avenue. For more information, please visit the
Parking & Public Transportation section of the website.
How can I get photos that were taken of me receiving my diploma?
GradImages will take photographs of students shaking hands with the Dean on stage, and once they leave the stage to receive their diploma. GradImages will be contacting students directly with information about purchasing their photos.
Photos from our other photographer, Professional Event Images will be available as well.
When do I get my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed following the ceremony. This is contingent on the student having met all degree requirements and financial obligations.
How does the line-up work?
Line-up: By 8:00 a.m. (the earlier you arrive, the better) you will follow signs to the “Student Line-Up” outside of the Track and Tennis Center. Check-in is alphabetical by your last name. Upon check-in you will receive a name card; please write the phonetic spelling on your card so the name reader pronounces it correctly. Find your place in line based on the number on your card.
Note: Guests are not permitted in the line-up area, as space is very limited.
What is the procession order?
Procession Order: LLM candidates and JD candidates enter together, platform party follows.
Do we have cords for academic distinction? When will we find out if we get one, and where do we get them?
The law school does not use honor cords for the ceremony. However, if you graduate with honors this will be mentioned at the ceremony and will also be printed next to your name in the commencement program booklet.
What is the layout of the arena for Commencement?
I have a question not on this page. What do I do?
If you have a question not listed on this page, please email
lawevent@bu.edu.