Graduation

Boston University has three graduation dates per academic year. The dates for the 2019-2020 school year are as follows: September 25, 2019, January 25, 2020 and May 17, 2020.

There is one COM Graduate Convocation (Hooding Ceremony) and one All-University Commencement Ceremony held each year in May. Please read this page in full before registering to participate/attend the COM Graduate Convocation (Hooding Ceremony). 

  • Application for Graduation: Complete and email an application for graduation to kbring10@bu.edu. If you would like to attend the COM Graduate Convocation (Hooding Ceremony), you also need to complete the online form below. See second bullet. 
  • Registration: Scroll to the bottom of this page to register to attend the COM Graduate Convocation (Hooding Ceremony). You do not need to register for the All-University Commencement.
  • Diplomas: See the schedule for mailing diplomas. September and January graduates who would like to pick up their diplomas need to apply in advance with the University Registrar.
  • Ceremonies: See the graduation ceremonies page for additional information. Keep in mind that you NEED TO REGISTER (scroll to the bottom of this page) for the COM ceremony but not the All-University Commencement ceremony. 
  • Regalia Cap & Gown: If you’re participating in ceremonies during Commencement Weekend, you’ll need the University-approved regalia. Barnes & Noble at Boston University is the approved supplier for caps and gowns to graduates. It is recommended that all students purchase regalia online. This link will update in the spring semester when online ordering begins.
  • Guest Tickets and Limited On-Campus Lodging: There is no limit on the number of guests permitted to attend the COM Graduate Convocation (Hooding Ceremony) or the All-University Commencement Ceremony. No invitations or tickets are required. The university is happy to offer limited on-campus lodging to families and friends during Commencement Weekend.

Additional Details

Who can attend the May 2020 Graduate Convocation (Hooding Ceremony)?

Students who will officially graduate on September 25, 2019 Students who will officially graduate on January 25, 2020 Students who will officially graduate on May 17, 2020 Students who will complete their degree by September 25, 2020.

These programs include:

  • Emerging Media Studies
  • Media Ventures
  • Graduate Mass Communication in London

*Students who plan to complete their degree by January 25, 2021 will be invited to the May 2021 ceremonies next year.

The COM Graduate Hooding Ceremony is exclusive to COM graduate students.

Please read the information below in detail. Other information about commencement and special events can be found on Boston University’s Commencement Website.

Where: Walter Brown Arena (285 Babcock Street)

When: Friday, May 15, 2020 – Students must arrive at 2 P.M. for lineup. Guests should arrive no later than 3 P.M. for the ceremony.

Length of Ceremony: The ceremony will be approximately two hours.

Hooding: All students will be hooded by the program director and department chairman.

Caps, Gowns and Announcements: Please order your cap and gown from the Boston University Bookstore. When you receive your order, open the bag to make sure you have a 1. Gown, 2. Cap + Tassel, 3. Hood. No additional regalia will be available at the ceremony.

Parking: All university lots will be open and free for graduates and guests. There will also be shuttle service and public transportation all along campus.

Guest Tickets and Limited On-Campus Housing: There is no limit on the number of guests permitted to attend. No invitations or tickets are required. The university is happy to offer limited on-campus lodging to families and friends during Commencement Weekend.

Disability Accommodations for Students and Guests: Should you or any member of your party have particular accessibility issues which require accommodations (i.e., accessible parking, seating, and individual services), you can alert both our office and the Office of Disability Services through submission of the Accommodations Request Form.

Reception: A reception will immediately follow the Graduate Hooding Ceremony in the Walter Brown Arena. Appetizers and drinks will be served.

Diplomas: Diplomas for May 2020 graduates will be available for pick up with Kayla Ring after the ceremony. September 2019, January 2020 and September 2020 graduates must have the diploma mailed.

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University-Wide Commencement Ceremony

Where/When: Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 1 P.M. Rain or Shine. *All degree candidates will line up on Harry Agganis Way prior to the procession onto Nickerson Field. Graduates must line up by 12:15 p.m.*

Commencement Ceremony

The University Commencement Ceremony will be on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Nickerson Field. This is a ceremony available to all graduating students at Boston University. Undergraduate and graduate students will attend. Please also visit the Commencement website for information. You do not need to register for this event.