Why is BU choosing to switch from an open attendance policy to ticketed attendance?

The staff who work and volunteer on All-University Commencement continually look for ways to improve the experience for the guests and graduates. Each year,  attendance grows. The ticketing process allows us to monitor the number of graduates and their guests while complying with the capacity restrictions of Nickerson Field.

We’ve heard it’s four tickets per graduate. Can you explain that thinking?

It is important to note that we are not limiting to four tickets per graduate, but merely starting off at that number to allow us to estimate the attendance in the weeks leading up to Commencement. Graduates will be provided with additional tickets when they request them through the Tassel portal and we have the capacity.

What is Tassel?

Tassel is a higher education ticketing platform. (You can see their website here.) BU has engaged with Tassel to assist with the ticketing process as they are the gold standard in this field and have supported higher education institutions of all sizes across the country with ticketing and commencement management.

What if I need more than the allotted four tickets? How does that process work?

Additional tickets will be issued upon request for as long as capacity allows. Graduates can request additional tickets through Tassel, and they will be issued within a few days.

Is there a deadline for requesting additional tickets?

Additional tickets should be requested by close of business on Friday, May 16, to allow for the Commencement team to authorize them and appropriately plan for the event.

A number of other colleges and universities are ticketing for their commencements. Was that a factor in the decision?

Yes. Many of our peers ticket their ceremonies. There are many different reasons that they do this; some are capacity concerns, some are venue constraints, some are for safety and security. BU leadership did look at the various strategies and lessons learned from other institutions when making this decision.

Is this a cost-saving move?

No. In fact, the University has allotted additional funds and resources to make the ticketing process a reality.

When will the ticketing process begin? And what are the key dates and deadlines to be aware of?

Graduates will be notified via email on Tuesday, April 8. They will receive a personalized link from commtix@bu.edu, which will bring them to their Tassel hub using their BU credentials. They log in, and from there they can register for graduation, claim their tickets, share their tickets with their guests, and request additional tickets. This will be available up until the start of the ceremony, but we highly encourage registering and distributing tickets in advance.

How do I order my tickets? Is there somewhere I should go to order my tickets?

Let’s reiterate this. Each graduate will be sent an email from commtix@bu.edu that will bring them to their Tassel hub using their BU credentials. They can also return to their profile at https://bu.tassel.com at any time.

If I run into a technical problem ordering tickets, what do I do?

Students can reach out to Tassel for support with any technical issues using this link.

Can parents or family members order tickets rather than the graduate?

No. Only registered graduating students can order tickets for their guests.

Are tickets free?

Yes!

Will they be physical paper tickets or mobile tickets?

They are mobile e-tickets. Each ticket will have a unique QR code that can be displayed on your smart device upon arrival at Nickerson Field. However, if people are more comfortable printing tickets, that is acceptable. But keep in mind, each QR code can only be scanned once.

If they are mobile e-tickets on a cell phone, what happens if I do not (or my family member does not) have a phone?

Printing tickets is acceptable. Just remember that each QR code can be scanned only once.

What if my relative or friend deletes the ticket shared with them?

Tickets are electronic and should be stored in your email. If you lose your ticket or delete your email by accident, the graduate can resend at any time.

Do graduates need a ticket? Or just their family and friends?

Graduates will need a “Stage Pass,” which is very similar to a ticket, but indicates they are a graduate. A Stage Pass will be issued automatically when the graduate RSVPs “Yes” through Tassel. Once graduates have their Stage Pass, they can issue their tickets to their family and friends.

What about infants and small children? Do they need a ticket?

Infants, no. Children above the age of 3 will need a ticket.

What about faculty?

Robed faculty members, platform party, and volunteer ushers and marshals do not need a ticket through Tassel. These groups are invited through separate means. Tassel is ticketing only graduates and their guests.

What happens if a guest has to leave Nickerson Field at some point during the Commencement—will they be able to get back in?

Yes. There will be designated exit points so guests can “sign out” their ticket when leaving. They will need to scan their ticket again upon reentry. Failure to “sign out” will result in the ticket being double scanned and denied at reentry. This can be corrected by our volunteer staff, but will cause delays.

Will guests need to arrive earlier than in previous years because of the ticketing? If so, what time should they plan to arrive?

We will open the gates for guests and graduates at 11 am. We highly encourage early arrivals if weather permits. Graduates must arrive by 12:15 pm to have their Stage Pass scanned and line up with their class if they want to be seated on the field. We cannot guarantee access for late arrivals.

What do I do if my ticket doesn’t work at the gate?

If the ticket does not work at the gate, or any additional assistance is needed, a trained group of volunteers will be on site to assist.

Are the tickets for a specific seat or is it general admission?

All tickets are general admission. VIP tickets are issued through a separate process.

Do tickets include parking?

No.

Are there specific tickets for handicap or accessibility?

No. The handicap and accessibility entrance will be at the end of Babcock Street as in prior years and staff at that entrance will be available to scan tickets or troubleshoot.