Boston College holds university-wide commencement exercises once a year, usually at the 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. Masters students who will complete their degree requirements in the summer may petition to participate in the preceding May commencement exercises. However, they will not actually receive their diploma until after all degree requirements have been met. For more information, contact the Higher Education Program Coordinator.

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 will be attended by graduating students, their friends and family members, program faculty, and other members of the BC Community.