Commencement is a day of celebration but also of questions—what can I bring? Where can guests park? We answer. Photo by Jackie Ricciardi

Commencement 2022

FAQ: What You Need to Know about the Class of 2022 Commencement

BU is providing 80,000 masks and urging indoor masking amid COVID-19 surge

This academic year differed from others, bracketed early and at its end by graduation ceremonies. The 149th All-University Commencement on May 22 follows by seven months the pandemic-postponed send-off for the Class of 2020. And while circumstances have changed, we’re not out of the COVID-19 woods yet.

Because of increasing cases in the Boston area, BU will provide almost 80,000 medical-grade, KN95/FFP2 masks for this spring’s Commencement events, including individual schools’ convocations, and strongly recommends that attendees mask during indoor events. (Masks are still required on the BU Shuttle.) On the big day, 20,000 guests are expected to fete the nearly 7,600 graduates in the Class of 2022. For the first time since the last pre-pandemic ceremony, in 2019, there are no tickets or guest limits on attendees. Proof of vaccination will not be required for guests, although they are encouraged to get vaccinated, with booster, as they are eligible.

Another consideration: With potentially record-breaking heat in the low 90s, accompanied by humidity, it will be hot. A first aid station is located behind the Commencement stage on the field; EMTs wearing yellow shirts will be positioned throughout the stadium area.

Following are answers to commonly asked questions, compiled with information from the University’s Commencement website and BU leaders.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any student who earned a BU undergraduate or graduate degree in September 2021, January 2022, and May 2022, or will earn one in August 2022. BU will not be offering campus housing for graduates and guests, but has a list of local accommodations here.  

When and where?

The Baccalaureate service will be held in Marsh Chapel at 11 am on Sunday, May 22, and will run approximately an hour. Seating is first come, first served, with overflow seating available. The All-University Commencement ceremony begins at 1 pm on Nickerson Field—rain or shine—and runs about two hours. Class of 2022 graduates will be seated with their school or college and recognized as a group.

An important note: graduates should arrive at Harry Agganis Way by 12:15 pm, and proceed immediately to their school/college line-up location by following signage posted around Nickerson Field. University Marshals will guide you to your location. You’ll need to pass through security screening on Agganis Way to access your location; carry – don’t wear – your cap and gown through security, donning them once you’re cleared. Degree candidates who arrive after 12:15 pm usually walk in the procession together as latecomers and are seated together on Nickerson Field. Latecomers do not sit with their specific schools/colleges.

Both the Baccalaureate and Commencement will be livestreamed on the Commencement website. 

Who are the speakers and honorary degree recipients?

Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and best-selling author Bob Woodward will give the Commencement address and receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Other honorees are Baccalaureate speaker and Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders (CAS’76, SSW’78), Doctor of Laws; BU trustee and philanthropist Richard Shipley (Questrom’68,’72), Doctor of Humane Letters; and human rights lawyer Gay J. McDougall, Doctor of Laws. The student speaker is Amanda Berke (CAS’22, GRS’22).

When and where are individual BU school or college convocation events?

Find a listing of times and places here. 

What am I allowed to bring to Baccalaureate, Commencement, and convocations?

Only small and average-size handbags, purses, and camera bags will be allowed (no large totes, oversized purses, backpacks, large diaper bags, or messenger bags). Bag size is limited to 12″ x 12″ x 6″. All bags will be physically inspected prior to entry. No other bags, gift bags, wrapped gifts, packages, briefcases, backpacks, or luggage will be allowed in a Commencement or convocation venue, including Nickerson Field. If guests have packages or bags that are not permitted, they may leave them at a “self-check” area adjacent to the venues. While this area will be monitored by security, the University will not provide a claim check process and will not be responsible for packages left in the self-check area.

What about special parking arrangements?

For those who must drive to campus, all parking lots and garages will be open and available free of charge throughout the weekend. Any vehicles left overnight should be parked in Warren Towers Garage.

On Commencement Day, please use parking facilities east of the BU Bridge and use the available shuttle bus to travel to Nickerson Field. Parking is extremely limited in the area of Nickerson Field and West Campus.

All lots throughout BU have accessible parking for those with disabilities. Additional details for any guests requiring a designated accessible parking permit (as well as other accommodations for people with disabilities) is on the Disability & Access Services page.

What public transit is available for those who don’t want to drive?

Boston’s MBTA trolley (Green Line B) and the 57 bus run along Comm Ave and will be offering regular Sunday service on Commencement Day.

Special BU Shuttle (BUS) service will be available to supplement regularly scheduled BUS service on the following days and times during Commencement and convocations:

Friday: 7 am–11 pm

Saturday: 7 am–11 pm

Sunday: 7 am–7 pm

These dedicated shuttles will service the following stops: 

Eastbound

#1 Commonwealth @ Pleasant Street

#2 Commonwealth @ Saint Mary’s Street

#3 Commonwealth @ Blandford Street

#6 Commonwealth @ Buick Street

Westbound

#4 Commonwealth @ Silber Way

#5 Commonwealth @ Saint Mary’s Street (Marsh Plaza)

#6 Commonwealth @ Buick Street

As for ridesharing…?

For those using rideshare services or being dropped off for the All-University Commencement, in order to avoid traffic on Commonwealth Avenue, please ask your driver to drop you off at 250 Pleasant Street, Brookline. This location is across the street from the Agganis Way entrance to Nickerson Field.

After the ceremony, for those being picked up or those picking up your party, please proceed to Sullivan Tire at 950 Commonwealth Ave. Limited live parking will be available, and any cars left unattended will be towed, as parking is forbidden in this lot. Please wait with your car until your party crosses the street after Commencement.

Oh !@#$%—I forgot to reserve my mandatory cap and gown for Commencement.

This ritual graduation garb is available for purchase—or for doctoral degree recipients, for rent—at the Barnes & Noble at Boston University, 910 Commonwealth Avenue. While every attempt will be made to provide walk-ins with the regalia appropriate for their degree, sufficient inventory cannot be guaranteed. The store will be open extended hours during Commencement weekend for last-minute needs: 9 am to 8 pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 9 am to 7 pm Sunday.