Official Start and Graduation Dates

Although the Law School Commencement exercises will occur on May 24, please note that Monday, May 20, 2013 is your official date of graduation for purposes of Bar applications (or at any time your official date of graduation is required). Boston College’s Board of Trustees formally confers degrees to all students graduating from Boston College on May 20, 2013.
 
Our commencement ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2013, at 10:30 am, celebrates the presentation of diplomas, awards and honors to our Law School graduates.

Also please note that your official start date is August 30, 2010.

Bar Certification

Massachusetts bar certifications will be submitted electronically. Out-of-state bar certifications must be submitted to Theresa Kachmar in Academic Services (Stuart 308) for completion. Email: kachmar@bc.edu.

For more information on the various state bar admission procedures, requirements, and deadlines, please visit our Career Services Website.

Official Commencement Events

• Class Picnic
  Tuesday, May 21, 1:00-3:00 pm
  Alumni House Lawn, Newton Campus Map
  Barbecue, faculty and staff welcome
  Rain location: Stuart House Snack Bar
• Commencement Eve Celebration For Family & Friends
  Thursday, May 23, 5:00-7:00 pm
  Law School Courtyard
  Reception and awards presentation
  
• Commencement Mass
  Friday, May 24, 9:00 am
  Parish of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Boston College’s Chestnut Hill campus Map
  
• Commencement
  Friday, May 24, 10:30 am
  Conte Forum, Boston College’s Chestnut Hill campus Map
  
• Commencement Reception
  Friday, May 24, 12:30 pm
  Reception to follow the ceremony at Conte Forum
  Champagne, soft drinks and light refreshments will be served

LSA/Student Events

• Black and White Ball--Top of the Hub
  Wednesday, May 22nd, 8pm-12am
  Cash Bar & Free Appetizers
• After Dinner Reception for Families--The Ritz
  Friday, May 24th, 2013, 9pm-11pm
  Free Dessert/Coffee & Cash Bar

Lineup of Students For Procession

Graduating students must arrive at Conte Forum by 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 24 (note: those attending 9 a.m. Mass should wear their garb to the chapel, and go directly to line up after Mass ends). After robing, you will line up alphabetically under the Alumni Stadium bleachers. You must stay in alphabetical order to receive the correct diploma.

Invitations

A Commencement e-invite will be available soon and the link will be posted here. This e-invite allows you to send electronic announcements to an unlimited number of guests. Printed invitations are also available for purchase through the Law School Bookstore. Please note that you are NOT limited as to the number of guests you may invite to Commencement and related events. Conte Forum is general admission seating.

Pronunciation of Names

All student names will be read as the receive their diploma. Please see Elizabeth Rosselot in the Registrar's Office in Stuart 308 to ensure that your name is read properly.

Garb

You will be measured and given your Commencement garb on Wednesday, April 10, and Thursday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Stuart House Snack Bar (yellow room). Rental cost of $38 for the Commencement can be paid by cash, check or credit card. If you are not able to pick up your cap and gown at this time, it will be available the day of Commencement at 9:30 am at the Conté Forum front entrance). You may return the garb immediately after the ceremony at the Conte Forum main entrance.

Parking

Please allow ample time for reaching the campus. Travel can be slow due to heavy traffic. Parking is available in the Beacon Street Garage adjacent to Conte Forum. Map

Boston College Campus Police will direct you to the garage. Handicapped spaces are available and Conte Forum is handicapped accessible. More on BC handicap access (note: we will NOT have golf carts available at our Friday ceremony).

Pictures

A professional photographer will take pictures of each graduate receiving his or her diploma and hooding. In early April you will receive information about placing orders from the photographer, Commencement Photos, Inc. of Tewksbury, MA. In the event you do not receive an order form, you may call the photographer at (978) 851-5924.

Directions

Boston College’s Chestnut Hill campus, located at 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts is the site of the Law School’s Commencement Mass, Commencement exercises and post-graduation celebration.The campus is approximately six miles west of the city of Boston. Driving directions

Boston College Law School, the location of the Commencement Eve Celebration, is located at 885 Centre Street in Newton Centre approximately halfway between Newton Corner and Commonwealth Avenue. Driving Directions

Accommodations

It is strongly recommended that you make reservations as soon as possible to guarantee rooms as this will be a busy weekend in Boston. Boston College maintains a list of hotels that offer various discounts for travelers to the BC commencement exercises: you can find them here.

Important Contacts and Phone Numbers

Commencement Director:  Joan Manna (mannajo@bc.edu)

Office of the Dean: (617) 552-4340

Alumni Association: (617) 552-4378

Boston College Law School Bookstore: (617) 552-4403

Boston College Police Department (For non-emergencies):  (617) 552-4440