Boston College holds commencement exercises once a year, usually the middle to end of May. To participate in these exercises, graduating students must sign up in the University Registrar's office by the beginning of the Spring semester. Students who do not wish to participate in commencement exercises can receive their diplomas at any time during the year by contacting the University Registrar and completing the appropriate request form.

In addition, the Higher Education Association holds an annual reception to honor graduating students in the Higher Education Program on the Thursday evening before Commencement. (This reception honors all students who were awarded degrees during the academic year, not merely those participating in Commencement exercises.) At the reception, the Mary T. Kinnane Award will be presented to the outstanding graduating student. The reception is attended by graduating students, their friends and family members, program faculty, current students, and other members of the BC Community.