What is the difference between the All-University Commencement Ceremony and Metropolitan College’s Convocation Ceremony?

  • The Metropolitan College Convocation Ceremony will be held at the Agganis Arena on Saturday, May 17, 2025 and typically lasts two-and-a-half hours. Metropolitan College graduates will form a processional to begin this ceremony. A welcome by the dean and the commencement address by the guest speaker precedes the presentation of awards and diplomas. Each student is called by name and recognized at the podium. The recessional and reception conclude the ceremony. Graduation photos will be taken by professional photographers and will be made available for sale a few weeks after the ceremony.
  • The All-University Commencement Ceremony is held at Nickerson Field on the Sunday of Commencement Weekend and typically lasts one-and-a-half to two hours. The program includes the call to order, national anthem, invocation, student speech, conferring of honorary awards and degrees, the University address, and the presentation of candidates, concluding with the benediction and recessional.

Where is Nickerson Field?

Nickerson Field is located at 285 Babcock Street, Boston. Find directions here.

When and where will Metropolitan College’s Convocation Ceremony be held?

Metropolitan College’s ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 4 pm in the Agganis Arena, located at 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. Graduating students should arrive to the Three Court Gym at the Fitness & Recreation Center (915 Commonwealth Avenue) at 2:45 pm.

How many guests may I bring?

There is no limit on the number of guests that you may bring to the Metropolitan College Convocation Ceremony or the all-University Commencement Ceremony.

Are there tickets for either of the ceremonies?

No tickets are required for either the Metropolitan College Convocation Ceremony or the all-University Commencement Ceremony.

How long will each of the ceremonies last?

The Metropolitan College ceremony will last approximately two-and-half hours and is followed by a reception for all graduates and their guests.

Sunday’s All-University Commencement ceremony on Nickerson Field will last approximately two hours.

What if one of my guests requires individual accommodations, e.g., mobility, sign language, or has other special needs?

All such requests should be directed to Disability & Access Services at 617-353-3658. The deadline to request accommodations is Friday, May 10. Full details can be found here.

Do I have to go to the All-University ceremony if I only want to attend the one for Metropolitan College?

No. Both ceremonies are optional, and you may choose to attend one or both. Names will be read only at the Metropolitan College ceremony. Both ceremonies require graduates to wear a cap and gown.

Do I need to apply for graduation?

Metropolitan College students must apply for graduation.

Undergraduate information can be found here.
Graduate information can be found here.

Where and how do I get the cap and gown?

Visit the Commencement FAQ page for additional details.

When and how do I get my diploma?

All diplomas will be mailed to graduates by the Office of the University Registrar.

August 2024 graduates will receive their diplomas in September after successfully completing their final courses.

Where and how do I get a class ring?

Class rings are optional. If interested, learn about how you can order a class ring on the University’s Commencement website.

How do I get a yearbook?

Yearbooks are available to undergraduates. More information is available on the BU Yearbook website.

How do I keep in touch with Metropolitan College?

We do hope that you plan to stay in touch with us. Start by visiting the Metropolitan College Alumni website.

How do I keep in touch with fellow Metropolitan College and Boston University alums?

You may sign up for an email forwarding address at the Metropolitan College Alumni website. The Boston University Alumni website also features an Alumni Directory.