You have questions, we have answers about Commencement 2023. Photo by Dave Green

COMMENCEMENT 2023

 FAQ: Everything You Need to Know about the Class of 2023 Commencement

The whos, whats, wheres, and hows

After years of study and hard work, you, the Class of 2023, and your guests don’t want to miss out on any of this year’s graduation celebrations. Here’s what you need to know about the 150th All-University Commencement on May 21, the Marsh Chapel Baccalaureate, and individual schools’ and colleges’ convocations, with information from the University’s Commencement website and BU leaders.

When and where?

Commencement will take place Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 1 pm at Nickerson Field, rain or shine. The guest seating areas open at 11 am. There are no tickets or guest limits for the Commencement or individual school/college convocations. (Tickets may be required for certain Commencement-related celebratory events and activities.) Seating is first-come, first-served. The event will last about two hours. An estimated 20,000 guests are expected to join approximately 3,800 graduates on the field on Sunday. 

As it’s vital for graduates to be on time for the academic procession onto Nickerson Field, plan to arrive by 12:15 pm at Harry Agganis Way to reach your school/college line-up. Graduates should arrive no later than 12:30 pm at their designated line-up areas; those arriving after that time cannot be guaranteed to walk with their school/college. Latecomers will walk together at the end of the academic procession and sit together as a group on Nickerson. University marshals will not be able to direct latecomers to their proper school/college area. 

The Baccalaureate service will be held in Marsh Chapel at 11 am on Sunday, May 21, and will run approximately an hour. Seating is first-come, first-served, with overflow seating available. The Rev. Robert A. Hill, dean of Marsh Chapel, will give the Baccalaureate address.

Both the Baccalaureate and Commencement will be livestreamed on the Commencement website. A listing of times and places for individual BU school and college convocation events is here.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any student who earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in August 2022, January 2023, and May 2023. Most BU schools and colleges permit those who will graduate this August to walk or participate in the All-University Commencement and/or in their school or college convocation; however, some schools/colleges/programs do not. If you are not sure of your eligibility to participate, you should contact your school/college commencement coordinator.

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 are permitted.) Bag size is limited to 12″ x 12″ x 6″. All bags will be physically inspected prior to entry. There is no storage available. Please save items such as champagne, balloons, and beach balls for your post-Commencement festivities. 

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 park 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 will be available on the Disability & Access Services page.

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

Boston’s MBTA Green Line (B) and 57 bus service will be operating on a normal Sunday schedule.

In addition to its regular service, the Boston University Shuttle (BUS) will offer special Commencement service from Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22. A list of stops and frequencies is here. 

What about ridesharing?

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

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

Who are the speakers and honorary degree recipients?

The sendoff for the Class of 2023 sparkles with star power, courtesy of the Supreme Court’s newest and first Black woman associate justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson. She’s the speaker for the School of Law’s convocation and will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the All-University Commencement. 

At the latter, she’ll be joined by other honorees: Commencement speaker and Warner Brothers Discovery president/CEO David Zaslav (LAW’85), Doctor of Laws; RNA biology researcher Drew Weissman (CAMED’87, GRS’87), Doctor of Science; New England Development founder/chair and BU trustee emeritus Steven R. Karp (CAS’63), Doctor of Laws; and musician/philanthropist Pamela Wood Avedisian, Doctor of Humane Letters. Avedisian’s late husband Edward (CFA’59,’61, Hon.’22), whose $100 million gift to BU renamed the Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, received his honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in a private ceremony last December, shortly before his death at age 85.

The student speaker is Sumner Jones (Questrom’23).

Uh-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. 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.