Commencement

Requests for accessible seating and individual services are managed by Disability & Access Services. Information about how to submit a request will be shared in the spring.

The event will be live streamed with closed captioning for those who cannot attend. 

For the in-person ceremony, CART services (live captioning) will be accessible on your mobile device. Details will be shared closer the ceremony.

Please enter Walter Brown Arena from the 285 Babcock Street entrance unless you have discussed an alternate accessible entry plan with the BUSSW planning team.

BUSSW staff will be present to guide you to your destination.

Please note that bag size will be limited to 12″ x 12″ x 6″ for all guests, graduating students, faculty and staff, and all bags will be physically inspected prior to entry. Review additional information about BU security protocols at bu.edu/commencement/security.

Additional details will be sent to graduating students, faculty, and staff via email in the spring.

PLEASE NOTE: The dates and calendars below are based on the 2024 Commencement schedule. Dates for 2025 will be shared soon!

Diplomas & Transcripts FAQ

Will I receive my actual diploma at Commencement?

On May 15 you’ll receive a diploma folder.  The actual completed diploma will be mailed to you in July once balances are paid and exit counseling has been completed,

When will the transcript show that I graduated?
For those graduating in January, it will appear on your transcript around 1/25, for those graduating in May it will appear around 5/20 and for those graduating in August, it will appear around 8/25 of the year you graduate. View the graduation calendar here.

When can I request a certificate of completion?
Once you are designated an official graduate by the Registrar’s Office, you can request a certificate of completion which states that you have completed all the requirements for the degree and your official graduation date. Once the graduation date has passed, your graduation information will appear on your transcript and you’ll be able to order a certificate of graduation.

How do I request a certificate of completion?
A certificate of completion can be ordered by emailing or calling the BU Office of the Registrar at registrar@bu.edu or 617-353-3612. As soon as you see all your grades posted on the Student Link under transcript preview, contact the School of Social Work Registrar at swreg@bu.edu to ensure that your degree requirements have been met. Then the SSW Registrar can approve your request for a certificate of completion to the University Registrar.

When can I request a certificate of graduation?
A certificate of graduation can only be obtained after the graduation date has passed. More information on how to order a certificate of graduation can be found here: bu.edu/reg/graduation/certificates-of-graduation/

I have questions regarding ordering my transcript and/or my diploma. Who should I contact?
Questions regarding ordering transcripts should be directed to the Office of the University Registrar at registrar@bu.edu or 617-353-3612. Transcripts can also be ordered on the Student Link. Those with questions regarding diplomas should email diploma@bu.edu or call 617-353-3604 or diploma@bu.edu. For more information, visit the University Registrar’s Diplomas & Graduation webpage and the Ordering a Transcript webpage.

When will my diploma be mailed?
For information on when your diploma will be mailed or when you can pick it up, please check the University Registrar’s Office for their Diploma Ordering/Mailing Schedule.

The Walter Brown Arena is a large venue, so no tickets are needed for your guests.

If you and/or your guests need hotel accommodations, visit BU’s Accommodations webpage here.

Student regalia is handled by the University. A selection of items will be available for purchase (or rental, if doctoral) through BU.

Go to the University regalia webpage, bu.edu/commencement/for-students/caps-gowns, to order your cap and gown and find the most up-to-date information on deadlines, prices, pickup, and more.

Deadlines (as posted on BU Regalia webpage, 2/13/25)

MARCH 24: On-Campus Pickup | Order your Cap & Gown by March 24 for the on-campus pickup option. Campus pickup orders will be available beginning May 5 at the BU Campus Store at 910 Commonwealth Ave.

APRIL 1: Doctoral Final Deadline | Cap & Gown orders must be placed by April 1, including rental.

APRIL 15: Master (MSW) Final Deadline | Cap & Gown orders must be placed by April 15 to receive them for Commencement Weekend. They will not be available to order after this date.

Please stay tuned for email communications with further information, and contact regalia@bu.edu with any questions.

For public transportation and parking information, please visit BU’s transportation page here. Information specific to 2025 commencement activities – including available parking lots, accessible parking, BU Shuttle service and more – will be posted in the spring semester.

If you and/or your guests need hotel accommodations, go to BU’s Accommodations webpage here for a list of recommendations.

Please be sure to book your stay as soon as possible – overnight accommodations in Boston and surrounding areas fill up quickly due to high demand.

Questions about where to stay? Contact commencement@bu.edu.