SPH Convocation Student Information.
Congratulations Graduates!
This guide has been prepared in an effort to anticipate as many questions as possible regarding 2023 BUSPH Commencement Exercises. As Commencement weekend approaches, graduates will receive additional and more specific information via email through our newsletter. Please check this website regularly as we continue to update.
The BUSPH Convocation in May is the only event where student names will be called by Degree Programs. Students graduating in January, May, and August are eligible to participate in the May Convocation. Please check the FAQs below for details.
BUSPH Convocation
Saturday, May 20, 9:30 am EST
Track & Tennis Center
100 Ashford Street
Map
Register for BUSPH Convocation
For all SPH Convocation FAQs, please click here.
Important Reminders & Deadlines
All-University Commencement
Sunday, May 21, 2023
1 pm
Nickerson Field
Rain or shine
Duration: Approximately two hours
The All-University Commencement Ceremony will take place on Nickerson Field on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 1 pm EDT.
For more information, visit the BU Commencement Website.
Federal Direct Loans/Exit Counseling
Federal Direct Loan borrowers must complete Exit Counseling. This can be done electronically at www.studentaid.gov. This is a federal and Boston University requirement. If you have questions following your online Exit Counseling, you can schedule an online appointment with SFS at 617-358-6550 or email osfs-sph@bu.edu.
Student Financial Services is working remotely. For immediate questions, Ask BUzz! an interactive tool allows you to inquire about financial aid-related questions 24/7. Start your conversation in the Questions tab at the bottom of the page.
Important note: Diplomas not be mailed out until your Exit Counseling is completed.
Data Release
Make sure you’re aware of the restrictions you have placed on your data with the University. This can be updated in the Student Link under the Personal tab. You will need to lift relevant restrictions to be included in Commencement activities. Make sure to release “Degrees, honors and awards received” as well as “Commencement Program”
Ordering Academic Regalia
In order to participate in ceremonies during Commencement Weekend, you will need University-approved regalia. Barnes & Noble at Boston University is the approved supplier for caps and gowns to graduates. Bachelor’s and master’s candidates purchase their keepsake regalia sets and doctoral candidates rent theirs.
ORDERING BN & BU REGALIA 2023
All orders must be placed online. Ordering options include home delivery and campus pickup options. It is highly recommended that all orders are placed as soon as possible to avoid processing and transit delays. Orders placed before April 1st will receive free domestic standard shipping!
DEADLINES
March 24: Order your Cap & Gown by March 24 for campus pickup option. Campus pickup orders will be available beginning May 8 at Barnes & Noble at Boston University on the second floor.
April 1: Order your Cap & Gown by April 1 for free domestic shipping. (Shipping charges will apply for all bachelor and master regalia orders after April 1.)
Doctoral Candidates: All Cap & Gown orders must be placed by April 1. (Rental Cap & Gowns will not be available to order after April 1.)
April 15: Bachelor & Master Candidates: Order your Cap & Gown by April 15 to receive for Commencement Weekend. (Cap & Gowns will not be available to order after April 15.)
MISS THE DEADLINE? A limited selection of regalia will be available for purchase (or rental if doctoral) at the bookstore beginning May 8. While every attempt will be made to provide walk-ins with the regalia appropriate for your degree, sufficient inventory cannot be guaranteed.
PRICING
| BACHELOR’S | MASTER’S | DOCTORAL (RENTAL)* |
$64 Includes:
|
$109 Includes:
|
$99 Includes:
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*All rented doctoral regalia must be returned by May 30 to avoid replacement charges.
Campus pickup rental regalia needs to be returned to Barnes & Noble at BU by May 30, after which they must be returned by mail to Herff Jones.
Home shipped rental regalia comes with a return label to return directly to Herff Jones by June 5.
CUSTOM REGALIA
Custom-made gowns, hoods, and caps/tams are also available for purchase; pricing is based on requirements. Custom orders may be placed at any time, but to ensure arrival by Commencement, orders must be made by Friday, March 31. Order Custom BU Regalia
QUESTIONS
For further information regarding academic dress and announcements, contact Barnes & Noble at BU.
MPH Loaner Regalia Program
The School of Public Health has a limited supply of Master’s academic regalia for students to borrow who find it a financial burden and would be unable to attend commencement otherwise. You will receive an auto-confirmation email once your regalia request has been received.
- To request loaner regalia complete this Academic Regalia Loaner Agreement Form. Please note that filling out this form does not guarantee that you will receive loaner regalia, as these items are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Loaner regalia will be available on a first come first serve basis. We will begin distributing on Tuesday, March 14 starting at 1:00 pm from Talbot 211 East.
- After March 14, students can visit the Graduate Student Life Office at the Talbot Reception desk Mon-Fri between 8:30am-5pm, for loaner regalia.
- Loaner regalia can be returned immediately following the ceremony in the reception tent or to Graduate Student life, Talbot Reception Desk by Monday, June 5.
- A friend/classmate can pick-up regalia for you.
- Loaner regalia must be returned to Graduate Student life, Talbot Reception Desk by Monday, June 5.
- A full set includes a cap, gown, tassel, and hood
- We often run out of tassels and hoods first, these can be purchased separately from the Barnes & Noble bookstore after May 9 while supplies last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there guest limits/tickets required for commencement exercises?
No, tickets are not required for either the SPH Convocation or the All University Commencement Ceremony. Seating is on a first come, first served basis and there is plenty of seating. Although, we do not limit the number of guests at any commencement event with the exception of the SPH Awards/Multicultural Graduate Reception Ceremonies, that may change due to health & safety protocols, do check the COVID-19 Information website periodically for updates.
What are the COVID-19 safety requirements for students and guests?
We will continue to assess and adjust our protocols and will always make compassionate, respectful decisions in consultation with public health authorities, epidemiologists, and other experts at BU and around the world. For Health & safety protocol/measures for commencement weekend, check here and COVID-19 Information sites for regular updates.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Vaccination is strongly encouraged for all guests.
Where will the convocation take place?
Track and Tennis Center, 100 Ashford Street
Saturday, May 20, 2023 9:30am. The ceremony will be followed immediately by a tented reception in the adjacent lot from 11:30pm-1:30pm
Students should arrive by 8:00am to the tent for line up!
Guests can arrive to the arena starting at 8:30am
Tickets are not required to attend convocation ceremonies.
How long is the ceremony?
The convocation ceremony is approximately 2 hours long, followed immediately by a 2-hour tented reception in the adjacent lot. There will be plenty of guidance offered on how you and your family will get to the reception area. We hope you and your loved ones will join us to celebrate your success and allow us all the opportunity to meet the people in your life that made this all possible! There will be department signs placed throughout the reception area to make it easier to find faculty and staff in your department.
Is there anywhere to purchase flowers/water?
Star Market across the lot located at 1065 Commonwealth Ave. Open 24 hours.
I am graduating in August. Am I able to participate in the Convocation in May?
Yes. If you are graduating in August, you can participate in the May Convocation. Your name will be called during the ceremony, and you are eligible to walk on the stage. Please note that your diploma will be sent to you in the mail after your official graduation.
Diplomas/CeCredentials will only be released to official graduates who have settled all University financial obligations. You will receive a confirmation email with tracking information once your diploma has shipped via USPS and when your CeCredential is available for download. Review Diploma order/mailing schedule here.
Anyone who hasn’t provided a diploma mailing address and/or resolves a hold as of the final order date will be required to email diploma@bu.edu to request the release of their diploma/CeCredential.
Delta Omega Honors Society, Alpha Beta Chapter
Founded in 1924, Delta Omega is the honorary society for graduate studies in public health.It celebrates excellent academic achievement, devotion to public health principles, andoutstanding service in public health.
Eligibility
Election to membership in Delta Omega is bestowed upon students in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, graduating in thetop 10% of their class, and for their dedication to the field of Public Health. Induction into the Alpha Beta chapter of Delta Omega is intended to not only recognize merit, but also to encourage and further excellence in and devotion to public health work.
To commemorate student honors. Alpha Beta Chapter Inductees receive a certificate, academic stole, and lifetime membership to the honor society. More on membership benefits can be found here.
*Please note students are informed of inductioninto Delta Omega after graduation.
Chapter Co-presidents:Nancy Scott and TriciaAkins Elliott
For more information visit the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health website.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas/CeCredentials will only be released to official graduates who have settled all University financial obligations. You will receive a confirmation email with tracking information once your diploma has shipped via USPS and when your CeCredential is available for download. Review Diploma order/mailing schedule here.
Anyone who hasn’t provided a diploma mailing address and/or resolves a hold as of the final order date will be required to email diploma@bu.edu to request the release of their diploma/CeCredential.
Can I borrow regalia?
The School of Public Health has a limited supply of Master’s academic regalia for students to borrow who find it a financial burden and would be unable to attend commencement otherwise. You will receive an auto-confirmation email once your regalia request has been received.
- To request loaner regalia complete this Academic Regalia Loaner Agreement Form.
- Loaner regalia will be available on a first come first serve basis. Completing this form does not guarantee that you will obtain a set from the loaner regalia program. The only way to confirm your loaner regalia is when you arrive to pick up beginning Tuesday, March 14 starting at 1:00 pm from Talbot 211 East.
- We will begin distributing on Tuesday, March 14 starting at 1:00 pm from Talbot 211 East.
- After March 14, students can visit the Graduate Student Life Office at the Talbot Reception desk Mon-Fri, between 8:30am-5pm for loaner regalia.
- Loaner regalia can be returned immediately following the ceremony in the reception tent or to Graduate Student life, Talbot Reception Desk by Monday, June 6th.
- A friend/classmate can pick-up regalia for you.
- Loaner regalia must be returned to Graduate Student life, Talbot Reception Desk by Monday, June 5th.
- A full set includes a cap, gown, tassel, and hood
- We often run out of tassels and hoods, these can be purchased separately. Please see regalia ordering for more details.
When will my name be called?
Graduates will have their name called at the SPH Convocation ceremony on Saturday, May 20. This is the only event where student names will be called by Degree Programs. Regalia is required for this event. If you would like to purchase regalia, visit the Caps, Gowns & Announcements page.
Parking & Transportation Information
Information regarding parking & transportation recommendations for commencement weekend can be found here.
Disability & Access Services
Boston University strives to be accessible, inclusive, and diverse in our facilities, programming and academic offerings. Your experience at Commencement is important to us. We are planning the following:
- Closed captioning: Available at on-site All-University Commencement, as well as virtually for all School/College Convocations and All-University Commencement.
- ASL Interpretation: Provided for the All-University Commencement ceremony and the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development Virtual Convocation.
Beginning Friday, March 31, requests for accessible parking, seating, and individual services may be requested here.
Resources for Celebrations
Decorate and Celebrate at Home
Download and print graduation posters to share your success.
8.5×11″ Poster
11×8.5″ Poster
18×24″ Poster
Graduate Frame
Graduate Zoom Background Frame BU Red
Graduate Zoom Background Frame Purple
Print Approval Letter
If you intend to have any of the above materials professionally printed, you will be asked to provide an official letter of approval from the University.
Post Graduation
Alumni Benefits
With a robust network of over 10,000 alumni working across sectors and industries in 50 states and 115 countries, you are part of a worldwide network committed to the health of all.
When you graduate, you became a member of the BU Alumni Association, providing access both to a dynamic alumni network and to career and lifelong learning support. BUSPH’s alumni have access to alumni resources and benefits for life.
Whether you are looking to reconnect or give back to support the next generation, we are here to support you. We are committed to providing opportunities for alumni to pursue their passions, careers, and lifelong community. Through alumni and career programming, networking events, regional groups and mentoring, the next generation of your public health practitioners benefit from your experience and engagement.
We encourage you to reach out, get involved, stay connected and be proud to BU!
Check out Alumni benefits here!
Contact Us
Registration and event details available here. We welcome your questions and comments, contact us at sphgsl@bu.edu.