There’s More to Commencement Than the Cap and Gown

It’s senior year, finals have begun, and the finish line is in sight. But are you really prepared for Commencement? There’s more to the big day than just dressing up and accepting your diploma. BU Today has what you need to know about Commencement — Sunday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at Nickerson Field — and the entire weekend.

Graduates must pick up their caps and gowns before the day of the ceremony. Caps and gowns will be available through May 17 at Barnes & Noble at BU, 660 Beacon St. The Cap and Gown Room will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Regalia costs $75 to $103.

During Commencement weekend, information booths will be set up along Commonwealth Avenue. Campus Information and Visitor Relations can be reached at 617-353-INFO (4636) or AskUs@bu.edu during the weekend. On Commencement day, Campus Information will be operational beginning at 7:30 a.m.

In addition, Student Health Services will provide care and referrals to all students and guests attending Commencement weekend activities. Click here for more information on first aid.

Unless being used as a Convocation site, all parking facilities will be open and free of charge for general Commencement parking. But with heavy traffic and demand for spaces in campus garages and lots and along Commonwealth Avenue, public transportation might be the best bet.

The Babcock Street parking lot will be reserved for parking for the disabled during the All-University Commencement; a special permit will be required to enter the lot between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Commencement day. Request a permit by submitting the Disability Services Accommodation Request Form, and click here for more information about disability services.

Shuttle buses will operate continuously along Commonwealth Avenue between 7:30 a.m. and 10 p.m., transporting guests to Nickerson Field and to on-campus Convocation sites.

Click here for important phone numbers and contact information for the Commencement coordinators at each school and college.

Click here for a campus map.

Commencement Weekend Events

Friday, May 16
Housing Check-in, noon to 8 p.m.
Commencement guests staying in campus housing should check in at Warren Towers, 700 Commonwealth Ave.

Senior Champagne Reception, 4 to 6 p.m.
The 2008 Senior Week Committee and the Office of the Dean of Students are hosting a champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception in honor of the Class of 2008. Tickets are no longer available through the Commencement Web site but may be purchased through the Student Activities Office. Admission is $12.

Saturday, May 17
Housing Check-in, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Commencement guests staying in campus housing should check in at Warren Towers, 700 Commonwealth Ave.

Shabbat Services, 9:30 and 10 a.m.
Orthodox Shabbat services will begin at 9:30 a.m.; Conservative and Reform services will begin at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon. All services, programs, and meals are at the Florence and Chafetz Hillel House, 213 Bay State Road. For reservations, call Hillel at 617-353-7200. For more worship information, click here.

Riverboat Cruises on the Charles River, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cruise along the scenic Charles with family and friends. Boats leave every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., rain or shine. This event is not accessible to the disabled. Admission is $5.

Picnic on the Mall, noon to 2 p.m.
The festival features picnic fare, live music and entertainment, face painting, and BU giveaways. Admission is $15.

Baccalaureate Mass, 4 p.m.
The Roman Catholic Center hosts a mass at Marsh Chapel, 735 Commonwealth Ave. For more worship information, click here.

Celebration ’08, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The buffet features an array of salads, pasta, entrees, and mouth-watering desserts. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. Admission is $25 for adults, $12.50 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children under 3.

94th BU Night at the Pops, 8 p.m.
The Boston University Night at the Pops at Symphony Hall is sold out. To add your name to a waiting list for tickets, call 617-353-2248. Tickets are $19 to $87 each.

Sunday, May 18
Housing Check-out, 7 a.m. to noon
All keys must be returned to the registration desk by noon.

Marsh Chapel Baccalaureate Service, 9 a.m.
No tickets are required, but space is limited at this interdenominational service. Honorary degree recipient William Hayling, a physician and the founder of a national minority mentoring program, will speak at the service.

All-University Commencement Exercises, 11 a.m., Nickerson Field
No registration is necessary. Graduating students should be at the entrance to Harry Agganis Way by 10:15 a.m. to ensure entering Nickerson Field and being seated with degree candidates from their school or college. Larry Lucchino, president and chief executive officer of the Boston Red Sox, will deliver the main address. For a map of the area, click here.

Diploma Convocations for Individual Schools and Colleges
Convocations will take place throughout the day at various locations. No registration is necessary. Click here for more information.