Commencement 2016

• Make sure everything is correct before Spring Break (to ensure accuracy in the Commencement Program). Review the following items on the Student Link…
  • Look at your Projected Grad Date under Academic Summary (Academics tab).
  • Look at your Diploma and Graduation Information (Academics tab). Enter and confirm your name as you want it to appear on your diploma. This is also how your name will be announced as your cross the stage at the Questrom Convocation Ceremony.
  • Look at your Data Restriction (Personal tab). Place a checkmark next to ‘Commencement Program’ if you do not want your name in the Commencement Program.
  • Look at your Degree Advice Report.

• Purchase your cap and gown online by March 14.
  After April 20, you can purchase your cap and gown at the BU Barnes & Noble for an additional fee – please click here for more information.

• Optional: Purchase your class ring, graduation announcements or diploma frame – click here

• Complete your exit counseling with the Office of Financial Assistance by the end of April.

• Resolve any outstanding balance with Student Accounting Services by the end of April.

• Contribute to your legacy – www.bu.edu/classgift

• Sign up for Celebratory Events and Activities

• Complete the Feld Career Center’s Employment Survey

• Attend Senior Breakfast (May 2nd at 10:00 am)

• Attend a mandatory Commencement Information Session on Wednesday, April 27th at 4pm or Monday, May 2nd at 12:30pm.  Both will take place in the auditorium.  It does not matter which one you attend, but you MUST attend one of the sessions. 

• Participate in Senior Week events

The Questrom School of Business Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2016
Friday, May 13th, 2016: 1:30 p.m – 3:30 p.m., Agganis Arena

The Questrom School of Business Convocation Ceremony will begin at 1:30pm in Agganis Arena with a program of speeches, recognitions, and awards. Each student will be announced and recognized individually as they proceed across the stage, shake hands with Dean Freeman and receive a diploma cover.

To allow each student the opportunity to be properly recognized we ask that you and your guests remain seated throughout the ceremony. This will help to create an atmosphere of decorum and respect for every graduate.

• No RSVP is necessary for students or their guests.
• All Questrom students completing their degrees in January 2016, May 2016, or September 2016 are invited to participate.

Reception:

Students and their guests are invited to a reception at the FitRec Center (next to Agganis Arena) to celebrate the Class of 2016. The reception will begin immediately following the convocation ceremony, and signs will direct guests to the reception.

Students will be able to pick up their diploma at the reception. 

All-University Commencement
Sunday, May 15th, 2016 – 1:00 p.m., Nickerson Field

The All-University Commencement Ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. at Nickerson Field. This is a symbolic conferment by the University; students do not receive their actual diplomas at this ceremony. The University Commencement speaker will be announced at Senior Breakfast. More information about the All-University Commencement can be found at bu.edu/commencement.

Students:

• Questrom graduates report to the North Shell at Agganis Arena at 12:45 p.m. 
• Carry your gown, and plan to put it on after you arrive.
• You will not be able to leave anything in the North Shell, so plan to put your personal items in your pocket or purse.
• Enter at the Feld Skating Entrance on Harry Agganis Way, then go upstairs and to the left.
• It is important that you arrive on time. If you check in late, you will need to proceed across the stage at the end of the line (and out of alphabetical order).
• Students are strongly encouraged to take the T or the BU Shuttle Bus to Agganis Arena. 

Guests:

Guests may begin to enter the front entrance of Agganis Arena at 1 p.m. Please plan to arrive no earlier than 1 p.m. due to an event prior to the Questrom Convocation Ceremony. Parking near Agganis Arena is expected to be limited. Please plan to take advantage of the BU Shuttle Bus or public transportation.

Over-sized tote bags, backpacks, briefcases and wrapped presents will not be allowed in to the Arena.

We will accommodate all guests with disabilities in the Agganis Garage. Please review the procedure below to request accommodations.

Graduates should arrive at Harry Agganis Way no later than 12:15 p.m. to line up for the All-University Commencement Ceremony. There is plenty of seating, so there is no need for guests to feel that they have to arrive early. Signs will be posted to direct both students and their guests to the proper areas.

Over-sized tote bags, backpacks, briefcases and wrapped presents will not be allowed on to Nickerson Field.

May graduates, and January graduates who have not yet received their diplomas, may pick them up during the FitRec Center Reception. September graduates will receive their diplomas approximately one month after their official graduation date on September 25, 2016.

How to receive your diploma if you do not attend the Questrom Convocation Ceremony or the reception:

• Pick up at the UDC during regular business hours the week after Commencement.
• Pick up at the Diploma Office during the week of June 21st. (881 Comm Ave, 2nd floor).
• If you had indicated a Diploma Mailing Address on the StudentLink, then your diploma will be mailed at the end of June.

Because of the potential disruption of numerous photographers coming forward during the Questrom Convocation Ceremony, we have made arrangements for a professional photographer to photograph each student as he or she receives a diploma cover from Dean Freeman. Commencement Photos, Inc. will mail proofs to your home address and offer other photo packages for purchase in the weeks after the ceremony.

The Questrom Convocation Ceremony will be video-recorded by Kitay Productions, and DVDs are available for $35. Pre-order your DVD by clicking here or purchase the DVD on the day of the convocation ceremony in the Agganis Arena lobby.

If one of your guests needs special access to either Nickerson Field or Agganis Arena, please submit the ‘Accommodation Request Form’ found here starting April 1st: bu.edu/commencement/for-parents-visitors/disability-services/.

Graduates needing special assistance for themselves should contact the UDC by emailing QuestromUDC@bu.edu as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

• Please do not bring personal belongings (e.g. coats and purses) with you to the line-up areas in the Agganis Arena or outside of Nickerson Field, as there are no facilities to secure these items.
• Wear comfortable footwear. There will be a lot of standing and walking.
• You are allowed to decorate your cap.
• Champagne, balloons, beach balls, or any similar paraphernalia will not be allowed – security will be checking.
• A reminder for the night before the Questrom Convocation Ceremony: Gowns tend to get wrinkled from the packaging, so hang your gown on a hanger the night before. Also, ironing the gown with low heat can help.
• Cap and gown are required. You will not be allowed to participate in either the Questrom Convocation Ceremony or the All-University Ceremony without them!