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05/04/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/05/2026 01:12

BU Commencement 2026: Everything You Need to Know

BU Commencement 2026: Everything You Need to Know

BU's 153rd All-University Commencement will require tickets for admission to Nickerson Field. Photo by Dave Green

Commencement

BU Commencement 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Times, places, security, transportation

May 4, 2026
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Boston University's 153rd All-University Commencement on May 17 will require (free) tickets for admission to both the Nickerson Field ceremony and overflow seating in Agganis Arena.

President Melissa Gilliam will preside over the ceremony and address the graduates, as will Commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient Reshma Kewalramani (CAS'98, CAMED'98), president and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. (Click here for a list of this year's honorary degree recipients and awardees.) Here's what else you need to know about the Class of 2026's send-off, taken from the University's Commencement website and BU leaders.

Ticketing

Each graduating student is allotted one ticket for themself and four for guests. Graduates must claim their own tickets before obtaining guest tickets. Both types must be claimed by May 11; click here to sign up for Agganis Arena's Ticketmaster system, which manages ticketing. Navigation instructions for the system are found here. In the interest of safety and operations, later guest arrivals may be directed to Agganis Arena. The University will show a real-time, high-quality livestream of Commencement on the arena's big screen. The arena will also be used as a cooling station. Friends and family members will need a ticket to get into Agganis Arena; it's the same ticket they'll need to get into Nickerson Field.

Tickets will not be required for Marsh Chapel's earlier Baccalaureate, individual school and college convocations, and Commencement-related events.

Times and places

The All-University Commencement on Sunday, May 17, begins at 1 pm on Nickerson Field, rain or shine. (First-come, first-served seating for guests opens at 11 am.) The ceremony runs approximately two hours. Graduates should strive to get through security and ticketing by 12:15 pm, arriving via the promenade between Agganis Arena and the Fitness & Recreation Center.

Graduates will be asked to show their graduate ticket QR code when they line up. They should have this on their phone or printed. Screenshots will not be accepted. Duplicate tickets cannot be used, so don't share your ticket with other graduates. Graduates with unused tickets may transfer them to classmates through the Ticketmaster app.

The interdenominational Baccalaureate service, lasting approximately an hour, will be held in Marsh Chapel (735 Commonwealth Ave.) at 11 am Sunday. Both the Baccalaureate service and Commencement will be livestreamed on the Commencement website.

Click the following links for a listing of times and places for individual school and college convocations and military commissionings.

Graduates and faculty should carry their robes into event venues after passing through security, then dress in designated lineup areas.

Who gets to march

Any student who earned a degree in August 2025, January 2026, and May 2026 is eligible to march. 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 do not. Contact your school or college commencement coordinator for any questions about your eligibility.

What may be brought to the Baccalaureate, Commencement, and convocation ceremonies

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 at events. 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. Visit this website for more details about what isn't permitted on Nickerson Field.

Disability access

The University strives to ensure that as many Commencement weekend activities as possible are accessible. The deadline for the request form for accessible seating and services for convocations and the All-University Commencement, as well as for accessible parking for the latter, is May 8 at 5 pm. Every effort will be made for requests after that, but accommodations cannot be guaranteed.

Parking

All University 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 utilize parking facilities east of the BU Bridge and utilize 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.

Public transit

Boston's MBTA Green Line B Branch trolley and 57 bus service will be operating on a normal Sunday schedule. The Boston University Shuttle (BUS) will provide free service throughout the weekend for BU's guests. In addition to regular shuttle service, special Commencement service will be offered from Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17.

Ridesharing

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

After the ceremony, those being picked up or picking up a party should proceed to BU's corporate partner, Sullivan Tire & Auto Service, at 950 Commonwealth Ave. Limited parking will be available; any cars left unattended will be towed, as parking is forbidden in this lot. Wait with your car until your party crosses the street after Commencement.

Getting your cap and gown

Graduation attire is available for purchase-or rental, for doctoral degree recipients-at the Boston University Campus Store, 910 Commonwealth Ave. The store will be open extended hours during Commencement weekend for any last-minute needs: 9 am to 8 pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 9 am to 7 pm Sunday.

Find more information about Commencement here

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Boston University published this content on May 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 05, 2026 at 07:12 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]