Commencement: the congratulatory ceremony in which students are publicly and formally recognized. Graduation: the process of being awarded a degree after completing required credit hours and other degree requirements. What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Students can update the name that is displayed on their diploma, mailing address, and phone number right up until the date of graduation. Log into the MyBU Student Portal Navigate to: My Profile > Contact Info > Diploma Mailing Address. Edit, Add, or confirm your diploma information including Diploma Name, Diploma Address, and Diploma Phone number How do I update MyBU for my diploma Name and/or address?
Diplomas are not distributed at commencement; however, diplomas will be in the queue for processing once commencement has occurred and the following requirements have been met: Diplomas will be ordered automatically and mailed out throughout June and July. If the above requirements are met, there is nothing else for you to do. Please visit the graduation website for more details Will I receive my diploma at graduation?
CeCredential will become available once the diploma order is executed. Students will receive an email notification, via the BU email address, that the CeCredential is available. For information regarding CeCredentials, please review our site, here: https://www.bu.edu/reg/graduation/certified-electronic-diploma-ced/ When will my CeCredential (digital diploma) become available?
What do I do if I have moved since I submitted my diploma information?
Students can update their address within MyBU right up until the date of graduation. Once that date has passed and diplomas are ordered, updates can no longer be accepted. The diploma will be mailed to the address on file at the time of ordering. In most cases the diploma will not be auto forwarded; in that case, the student will need to submit a diploma re-order request. Orders can be requested by visiting Diploma Replacement | Office of the University Registrar
What happens if I do not meet the graduation requirements?
Students must meet all degree requirements to graduate. If a student participates in the commencement ceremony and has outstanding requirements for their degree, those must be completed during the Summer and/or Fall terms immediately following. Diplomas will not be available until all degree requirements are completed.
While it’s strongly recommended to resolve any holds before participating in commencement, you can still walk in the ceremony. To check for holds, log in to MyBU and review any issues listed. If you find a hold, please contact the appropriate office (e.g., Business Office, Registrar, etc.) to resolve it. However, please be aware that if you have any outstanding holds, you will not receive your diploma until they are cleared, even if you participate in the ceremonyAre there any holds on my account that could prevent me from graduating?
Summa Cum Laude 5% Each academic year, the “break points” (GPA ranges corresponding to each of the honors categories) are determined individually for each school or college based on the total cumulative GPA of all coursework, including the final semester of grades. Honors are awarded based on the graduate’s GPA at the time they are applied. For more information around departmental and school honors, please visit Awards and Achievements | Office of the University Registrar Honors
Magna Cum Laude 10%
Cum Laude 15%
What information is on the diploma? Will I get two diplomas if I have two majors? Will I get two diplomas if I have two majors? Diploma sizes: What is content and format of my diploma?
No. If students choose not to take part in any ceremony and their university academic requirements are met, graduates will receive their diplomas in the mail Do students need to participate in the commencement ceremony to graduate
Students should expect a 6–8-week processing time. If you have not received your diploma 8 weeks after commencement, please contact diploma@bu.edu When should students expect to receive diplomas?
In most cases, we strongly advise students to have their diplomas shipped directly to the address on file as this is faster than having their diploma shipped to the university. However, students may have their diplomas delivered to the Registrar’s office by setting their diploma mailing address to the address below. The tracking information included with their diploma order will inform them when their diploma has been delivered to the university. The student should email diploma@bu.edu to set up an appointment for pick up. Valid ID is required. Unfortunately, picking up on the weekend is not an option. BU Diploma Office. 2nd Floor 881 Commonwealth Ave. Boston MA, 02215 Is it possible for my friend pick up my diploma for me? Yes, although this is not common practice, BU will release a diploma to a pre-approved designee. The student should email diploma@bu.edu to set up an appointment for pick up. Valid ID for the approved person is required. Unfortunately, picking up on the weekend is not an option. Can diplomas be picked up on campus
There are a variety of ways that students can verify the awarding of a degree. Is there a way to verify that I earned my degree while the diploma is being processed
The diploma office will automatically process diplomas for all eligible graduates for a period of 8 weeks from graduation date. If a student clears a hold, after the diploma run process period, and becomes eligible to receive their diploma they should contact diploma@bu.edu directly to discuss next steps. How do I request my diploma once I have cleared the hold that prevented its release?
Questions about the commencement ceremony can be directed to commencement@bu.edu. Where can I find out more about the actual commencement ceremony?