Common Commencement Questions
What graduation requirements must I fulfill?
Your graduation status is contingent upon successful completion of a number of academic and non-academic requirements in your final semester. Please click here to complete all applicable Graduation Requirements.
Are tickets required?
Graduating students do not need tickets. All guests will need a ticket to enter into the Berklee Performance Center. Each graduate will receive four (4) complimentary tickets for guests. Students may submit for additional tickets should a lottery become available. Due to the fixed number of seats, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
Do I need tickets for children?
Yes, everyone entering the theater must have a ticket, including children and infants.
I will be graduating with Honors, will I receive a Honors Cord?
An Awards Ceremony will be held prior to Commencement at 10:00 AM at the Berklee Performance Center. While tickets are not required for this event, this is an invite only ceremony and you will be asked to RSVP for you and your guests. Graduates will be recognized individually, receive an Honors Certificate, and a gold Honors Cord, which may be worn at Commencement. Invites for the ceremony will be forthcoming.
What time should I plan to arrive at Commencement?
Graduating students need to arrive at the Berklee Performance Center at 1:15 PM through the back door of the venue located on St. Cecelia Street. If there is an unforeseen circumstance, and you are unable to arrive before 1:50pm, you will need to enter the venue through the main entrance. The Commencement procession begins promptly at 2:00 PM.
Where do guests enter the Berklee Performance Center?
Guests will enter through the main entrance doors at 136 Massachusetts Avenue. Doors will open for guests at 1:15 PM.
What should I wear and what should I bring?
You should show up wearing your cap, gown, tassel, and hood. Honors students who receive an Honors Cord from Bay State College and Veteran students who receive an American Flag Lapel Pin from Bay State College should were those adornments as well. Information on ordering regalia online for 2019 graduates will be forthcoming. You are not permitted to wear additional adornments such as stoles and you should not have any other personal items with you since there will be nowhere to store them during the ceremony. Feel free to keep your cell phone with you, but please remember to silence it before the ceremony starts.
Where do guests sit during the Commencement Ceremony?
Reserved seating is available for graduating students, guests of trustees, and guests of valedictorians. All other seating is open on a first come, first served basis. Saving seats is not permitted.
Where can I take photos/video of my graduate?
There is no location beyond your own seat where guests may take photos of graduates. If you need to stand to get your shot, we ask that you do so briefly so as not to block others' view of the ceremony. Guests will be prohibited from taking pictures or videotaping from locations near the platform. GradImages, a professional photography company, will take a picture as graduates cross the stage and after they walk off the platform. Students will receive proofs after Commencement and you can purchase photos at that time.
Is there a Commencement Ceremony rehearsal?
There is no formal rehearsal for Commencement. You will be guided through the ceremony by your Program Chairs and several Bay State College staff members.
Will my name be printed in the Commencement program if I have a FERPA block on my record?
If you have requested a FERPA block be placed on your record to prevent disclosure of your personal directory information, your name will be announced at Commencement but will not be printed in the program unless you request the block to be removed. For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrarsoffice@baystate.edu.
When will the Ceremony end?
Commencement usually concludes between 3:30 and 4:00 PM.
Where may I park?
The Berklee Performance Center does not have dedicated parking so please plan accordingly. If you must drive, information about directions and parking can be found here.
Are strollers allowed in the seating areas?
Due to safety regulations, strollers are not allowed in the aisles or seated areas of the Berklee Performance Center. Guests attempting to park strollers in these areas will be required to move them.
Can I bring balloons, signs, and noise makers?
Sorry, no, the facility does not allow these items into the venue.
Do I receive my diploma at Commencement?
No, you will receive a diploma cover as you cross the stage. Graduating students will receive their diploma by mail 4-6 weeks after their conferral date.
Where can I find overnight accommodations for Commencement?
Please visit our accommodations page for a list of hotels in the area.
Will refreshments be available?
No, food and beverages are not allowed in the venue.
Where can I eat?
Please visit our restaurants page for a list of several popular dining options in the area.
Where do I meet my graduate after the Ceremony?
For safety purposes, guests and students will be directed to exit the venue immediately following the ceremony recession. For the best Commencement experience, we encourage you to decide on a location outside of the venue where you and your guest(s) can meet after the ceremony ends.
Is the Berklee Performance Center accessible?
Yes, we want all of our guests to have an opportunity to enjoy this special event. If you or a guest needs special accommodations, please contact the Registrar’s Office registrarsoffice@baystate.edu. We will have wheel chair reserved seating and Assistive Listening Devices upon request.
Who do I contact with questions?
Graduating students with questions or concerns about graduation eligibility or the Commencement ceremony should contact the Registrar’s Office registrarsoffice@baystate.edu.
