Commencement

Please note: The information on this page is incomplete and will be updated in early spring 2023.

Guests

Graduates may bring an unlimited number of guests to the ceremony. A registration page will be coming soon to give us a better sense of the crowd size. Commencement will be live streamed on this page for family and friends.

Pronunciation of Names

The Commencement team currently plans to use the NameCoach system for propoer pronunciations. If you did not participate in the system, please contact the Office of Academic and Student Services to ensure that your name is read properly.

Caps and Gowns

• All students must order their cap and gown online through the BC Bookstore by mid-April, 2023 (final date TBD). Last year, the cost to purchase was $105 for the Doctoral souvenir gown, hood, tam, and tassel; the Doctoral premium gown was $270. The prices are subject to change. We anticipate the vast majority of students will use the souvenir gown, but the premium gown is a slightly thicker cloth. Both are suitable for Commencement.
• If you do not order your garb by the deadline, limited supplies may still be available through the Bookstore. If that occurs, please contact Ben at pinkhabe@bc.edu or 617-552-4923.
• We will distribute your caps and gowns in May (dates TBD) from the BC Law Bookstore in the basement of Stuart House. Emergency pickup will be available the morning of Commencement in Conte Forum. If you are not available to pick up during any of these dates and times, please contact Ben at pinkhabe@bc.edu or 617-552-4923.
• Students will be required to fill out the Career Services Office exit survey in SAGE before being allowed to pick up their gown or receive their diploma.
• If you are not participating in Commencement, but would still like to purchase a cap and gown, you may contact Ben to give him your shipping info. Please clarify that you will not be attending in person, and simply prefer to order garb as a souvenir.

Photographs

GradImages has been selected as our Commencement photographer. The company has over 40 years of experience and is used by many college and universities around the country. They will take photos of each graduate as they cross the stage, and these photos will be available for purchase, as well as custom photo products like prints, plaques, and specialty gifts. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.

Security

The Boston College Police Department has issued the following guidelines to enhance security and to facilitate the quick entrance of all guests for our Commencement Exercises.

Luggage, backpacks, briefcases, large bags, and wrapped gifts will not be allowed into or stored at St. Ignatius, Alumni Stadium or Conte Forum. Only a small clutch purse will be allowed. Cameras with a lens no larger than four inches are permissible. Also, no food or drink will be allowed into the event.

These policies are meant solely to expedite entry into our venues and provide security and comfort for those who will be in attendance. Additional security personnel will also be on hand as a precaution.

William B. Evans
Executive Director of Public Safety & Chief of Boston College Police Department