{"id":32551,"date":"2017-06-28T15:13:24","date_gmt":"2017-06-28T19:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/?page_id=32551"},"modified":"2026-06-02T12:31:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T16:31:28","slug":"graduation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/resources\/current-msw\/student-services\/graduation\/","title":{"rendered":"Commencement"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Congratulations graduates!<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/bussw-commencement-2026-photo-gallery-recap\/\">photo gallery and recap story here.<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Check our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/busocialwork\/\">Instagram feed<\/a> to see highlights from the day.<\/li>\n<li>Access the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/files\/2026\/05\/2026-BUSSW-Commencement-Program.pdf\">digital program here.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For event questions, please contact commencement coordinators: <a href=\"mailto:junipena@bu.edu\">Junior Pena,<\/a> <a href=\"mailto:sabj@bu.edu\">Susan Brostrup-Jensen<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:kleinb@bu.edu\">Beth Klein.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For graduation requirement questions: please contact your program&#8217;s student services administrator.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Accessibility<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Requests for accessible seating and individual services are managed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/commencement\/visit\/disability-access\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Disability &amp; Access Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The event will be live streamed with closed captioning for those who cannot attend.<\/p>\n<p><span>For the in-person ceremony, live captioning via CART broadcasting (<span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">speech to text)\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">is accessible on your personal phone or tablet at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.streamtext.net\/player?event=BU-WBA\" target=\"_blank\" draggable=\"false\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none\">go.bu.edu\/wba<\/a><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Arrival, Security &amp; Schedule<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Doors will open at 3:00PM.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>BUSSW staff will be present to guide guests to their destination.<\/p>\n<p>Please note that bag size will be limited to 12&#8243; x 12&#8243; x 6&#8243; for all guests, graduating students, faculty and staff, and all bags will be physically inspected prior to entry. Additional information about BU security protocols <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/commencement\/security\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">is available here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Ceremony Roles<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<h5>MSW Faculty Hooders<\/h5>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Sr. Lecturer Rick Cresta<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Lecturer Kim Hokanson<\/div>\n<h5>PhD Faculty Hooders<\/h5>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Professor Margaret Lombe<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Professor Ruth Paris<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Professor Renee Spencer<\/div>\n<h5>Faculty Marshals<\/h5>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Professor Luz Lopez<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Professor Dawn Belkin Martinez<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<h5 class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-center para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Awarding of Prizes &amp; Gifts<\/span><\/h5>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Professor Ashley Davis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Professor Jorge Delva<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Assistant Dean &amp; Professor, Kanako Okuda<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h5>Staff Marshals<\/h5>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Susan Brostup-Jensen<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Carmen DeCristofaro<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Elizabeth &#8220;Beth&#8221; Klein<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Meg Matthews<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Junior Pena<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Katherine Sparks<\/div>\n<div>Diane Zipoli<\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Diplomas &amp; Transcripts<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h4>Diplomas &amp; Transcripts FAQ<\/h4>\n<p>Will I receive my actual diploma at Commencement?<\/p>\n<p>On May 14 you&#8217;ll receive a diploma folder.\u00a0 The actual completed diploma will be mailed to you in July once balances are paid and exit counseling has been completed,<\/p>\n<p>When will the transcript show that I graduated?<br \/>\nFor 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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/reg\/calendars\/graduation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">View the graduation calendar here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>When can I request a certificate of completion?<br \/>\nOnce you are designated an official graduate by the Registrar\u2019s 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&#8217;ll be able to order a certificate of graduation.<\/p>\n<p>How do I request a certificate of completion?<br \/>\nA certificate of completion can be ordered by emailing or calling the BU Office of the Registrar at <a href=\"mailto:registrar@bu.edu\">registrar@bu.edu<\/a> or 617-353-3612. As soon as you see all your grades posted on MyBU Student under transcript preview, contact the School of Social Work Registrar at <a href=\"mailto:swreg@bu.edu\">swreg@bu.edu<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p>When can I request a certificate of graduation?<br \/>\nA 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/reg\/graduation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">found here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>I have questions regarding ordering my transcript and\/or my diploma. Who should I contact?<br \/>\nQuestions regarding ordering transcripts should be directed to the Office of the University Registrar at <a href=\"mailto:registrar@bu.edu\">registrar@bu.edu<\/a> or 617-353-3612. Transcripts can also be ordered in the MyBU Student portal. Those with questions regarding diplomas should email <a href=\"mailto:diploma@bu.edu\">diploma@bu.edu<\/a> or call 617-353-3604 or <a href=\"mailto:diploma@bu.edu\">diploma@bu.edu<\/a>. For more information, visit the University Registrar&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/reg\/graduation\/diploma-graduation-faqs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Diplomas &amp; Graduation webpage<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/reg\/academics\/transcripts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ordering a Transcript webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>When will my diploma be mailed?<br \/>\nFor information on when your diploma will be mailed or when you can pick it up, please check the University Registrar\u2019s Office for their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/reg\/calendars\/diplomas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Diploma Ordering\/Mailing Schedule<\/a>.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/files\/2022\/03\/Graduation-Diploma-and-Transcript-Details-FAQs-2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Guests<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>The Walter Brown Arena is a large venue, so no tickets are needed for guests. Doors to the arena will open at 3:00pm.<\/p>\n<p>Please note, when graduating students proceed across the stage to receive their diploma, it is in random order, not alphabetic.<\/p>\n<p>If you and\/or your guests need hotel accommodations, visit BU&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/commencement\/visit\/where-to-stay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Accommodations webpage here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Please be sure to book your stay as soon as possible \u2013 overnight accommodations in Boston and surrounding areas fill up quickly due to high demand.<\/p>\n<p>Questions about where to stay? Contact <a href=\"mailto:commencement@bu.edu\">commencement@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Photography<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>There will be two types of photography taking place at the event:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Handshake photos of students receiving their diplomas are handled by Geskus Studio and managed by the University (not BUSSW). These are available for purchase by graduates.\u00a0 You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/commencement\/for-students\/photos-memorabilia\/\">find all necessary details and contact info here.<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Promotional images by a separate photographer are managed by the BUSSW Marketing team and are used for the website, social media, etc. These are not available for purchase or sharing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Pre-Commencement Reception for Online, Off Campus, and Hybrid Programs<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>There will be a Pre-Commencement Reception held before the commencement ceremony at the 808 Gallery on 808 Commonwealth Avenue from 12:00-2:00 PM EST.<\/p>\n<p>This reception is for graduates of the Online Program, Off Campus Program, and Hybrid Program, as well as their guests. If you are a graduate of those programs and haven&#8217;t received emails about this reception, please reach out to <a href=\"mailto:sswolp@bu.edu\">sswolp@bu.edu<\/a> (Online Program), or <a href=\"mailto:sswocp@bu.edu\">sswocp@bu.edu<\/a> (Off-Campus and Hybrid Programs).<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Regalia<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Student regalia is handled by the University. A selection of items will be available for purchase (or rental, if doctoral) through BU.<\/p>\n<p>Go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/commencement\/for-students\/caps-gowns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">University regalia webpage<\/a>\u00a0to order your cap and gown and find the most up-to-date information on deadlines, prices, pickup, and more.<\/p>\n<p>Please contact <a href=\"mailto:regalia@bu.edu\">regalia@bu.edu<\/a> with any questions.<\/p>\n<p>Please note BUSSW does not apply Latin Honors to graduate student records but students are welcome to wear their own cords at the ceremony.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Speakers<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Guest Speaker<\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/bussw-alum-danielle-ferrier-chief-executive-officer-of-heading-home-named-2026-commencement-speaker\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Danielle Ferrier (SSW&#8217;99), Chief Executive Officer of Heading Home<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h5>MSW Student Speaker<\/h5>\n<p>Marcus Shaw, On-Campus (Boston-CRC)<\/p>\n<h5>PhD Student Speaker<\/h5>\n<p>Yibin Yang<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Student Line Up<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Graduating students will line up in random order under the tent behind the arena. After going through the bag check in the lobby, proceed straight through the lobby to the tent located behind the venue. Follow the guidance of the student services staff once you enter the tent.<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">How to Hold Your Hood<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Hold hood in front by point<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Black material facing out<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Velvet trim on right side<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Drape over left arm<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Wide end on outside<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Transportation &amp; Parking<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>For public transportation and parking information, please visit BU&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/commencement\/visit\/parking-transportation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">transportation page here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Information specific to 2026 commencement activities \u2013 including available parking lots, accessible parking, BU Shuttle service and more \u2013 will be posted here.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>2026 BU All-University Commencement<\/h3>\n<p>Please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/commencement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BU Commencement webpage<\/a> or email <a href=\"mailto:commencement@bu.edu\">commencement@bu.edu<\/a> for information about the 2026 BU All-University Commencement. BUSSW graduates are welcome to attend the event, but are not required.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/students\/current-msw-student-resources\/bussw-student-services\/\" class=\"cta-button\">Back to Student Services<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Congratulations graduates! Check out the photo gallery and recap story here. Check our Instagram feed to see highlights from the day. Access the digital program here. For event questions, please contact commencement coordinators: Junior Pena, Susan Brostrup-Jensen, Beth Klein. For graduation requirement questions: please contact your program&#8217;s student services administrator. 2026 BU All-University Commencement Please [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10799,"featured_media":67229,"parent":70103,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32551"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10799"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32551"}],"version-history":[{"count":57,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32551\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":82441,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32551\/revisions\/82441"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/70103"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67229"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32551"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}