Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your questions about Commencement 2022.
2022 Ceremony Information
-
When and where will Northeastern’s Commencement ceremonies be held?
Separate outdoor ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022, rain or shine, at Boston’s Fenway Park.
Undergraduate Ceremony
• Visit the ceremony page for more information.Graduate Ceremony
• Visit the ceremony page for more information.College of Professional Studies Ceremonies:
Undergraduate and Master Level Ceremony/Doctoral Level Ceremony – May, 19 and 20, 2022
• Visit the ceremony page for more information.School of Law Ceremony – Friday, May 20, 2022
• Visit the ceremony page for more information.Doctor of Philosophy Hooding Ceremony – Monday, May 9, 2022
• Visit the ceremony page for more information. -
Who is eligible to attend?
May 13, 2022 – Fenway Park
Undergraduate students who complete their degree requirements by:
• December 2021
• May 2022
• August 2022Graduate students who complete their degree requirements by:
• December 2021
• May 2022
• August 2022
Ceremonies at Matthews Arena
May 9
Doctor of Philosophy students who complete their degree requirements by:
• December 2021
• May 2022May 19 and May 20
College of Professional Studies Master/Doctoral students who complete their degree requirements by:
• December 2021
• April 2022
May 20
School of Law students who complete their degree requirements by:
• May 2022
• September 2022
• December 2022 -
I am graduating from a Northeastern network campus. Can I attend the in-person Commencement in Boston?
Yes! Class of 2022 students from across our global university system are welcome to take part. If you are not able to travel to Boston, the livestream will be available.
Each network campus will host a graduation ceremonies. Click here to view the list of scheduled dates for each location.
-
When do I officially graduate?
Your graduation date is determined by the date you fulfill all your academic requirements. See these deadlines for your degree program.
-
How do I update my graduation information?
You can update your diploma mailing address, ceremony attendance, and cap and gown size through your graduation application.
You can make these changes by going to your Student Hub > Resources > Graduation > View Application to Graduate.
-
How many guest tickets will I receive for Commencement? How can I register for tickets?
Each graduate will be allotted 6 guest tickets. Additionally, students will receive an email by the end of April with instructions to register for the electronic student and guest tickets. They will be made available to download through the MLB Ballpark App.
-
Do children or babies need tickets?
Children 2 years or younger who are able to sit on an adult’s lap for the duration of the ceremony do not need a ticket. Please note that strollers are prohibited. Children older than 2 years must have a ticket.
-
Can I register for extra tickets?
Extra tickets will not be available for the Commencement ceremonies. The allotted count is based on the number of graduates and capacity at Fenway Park.
-
What time should graduates and their guests arrive?
Students will need to arrive 2.5 hours before their ceremony start time for ticket processing, security check, and procession line up. The gates at Fenway Park will open for guests 2.5 hours before the ceremony start time. Graduate Morning procession begins at 8:40 a.m. and Undergraduate Afternoon procession begins at 3:40 PM. Please plan accordingly to see your graduate process on the field.
Undergraduate Ceremony
Graduates must arrive at 2:30 p.m.
Gates for guests open at 2:30 p.m.Graduate Ceremony
Graduates must arrive at 7:30 a.m.
Gates for guests open at 8:00 a.m. -
Will the Commencement ceremonies be livestreamed?
Livestreams will be made available on the Commencement Office website on the day of the ceremony. Recordings of the livestream will also be available the week after the ceremonies.
-
How long will the ceremonies last?
Each ceremony will last 90-120 minutes. However, Graduate procession into the Park will begin 1.5 hours before the ceremony start time. Please plan accordingly to see your graduate process on the field.
-
What is the dress code for the ceremonies?
We recommend business casual attire for graduates and guests. Regalia is required for all graduates who are attending.
-
I am graduating with honors. How will this be recognized?
Honors designations are recognized for undergraduate degrees only.
The designation also appears on eligible students’ diplomas and the digital Commencement program based on information available as of April 1. Honors cords will also be provided for eligible students to wear during the ceremony and can be picked up at Cap & Gown pick-up.
-
Will I receive a diploma during the ceremony?
No, all diplomas will be mailed directly to students.
Please update your graduation application diploma mailing address at least 2 weeks prior to your conferral date on your Student Hub.
-
What other events are planned for Commencement Week?
In Boston, Northeastern will offer a weeklong celebration for undergraduate seniors starting Friday, May 6, 2022. The full schedule for Commencement Week can be found HERE.
-
Will Golden Graduates and other alumni participate in Commencement?
Golden Graduates will be duly acknowledged during the undergraduate ceremonies. Alumni may be invited to attend as guests of graduates.
For schedule and more information please visit the Golden Graduates Weekend website.
-
Will colleges be hosting individual recognition celebrations?
Each college will have the opportunity to celebrate at Matthews Arena between Monday, May 9 to Thursday, May 12. Graduating students have the opportunity to have their name called, walk across the stage, and get their photo taken professionally. Click here to view the full schedule of events to celebrate with festivities across Northeastern’s campus.
Fenway Park Information
-
How do I get to Fenway Park?
Driving directions, MBTA routes, and instructions on other forms of transportation can be found on the Fenway Park website here.
-
What am I allowed to bring to Fenway Park?
Bags are not allowed inside Fenway Park for Commencement, with the exception of diaper bags and medical bags.
*Note that flowers and balloons are not permitted inside of Fenway Park. Graduates are allowed to wear Hawaiian Leis.
Visit the venue security site for details.
-
Where can I park on Commencement Day?
Complimentary parking will be made available on Northeastern University campus at Columbus Garage between 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight) during these dates:
- Monday, May 9 through Friday, May 13
- Thursday, May 19
- Friday, May 20
Parking availability will be made available on a first come first serve basis and graduates will receive a barcode to scan upon exiting. No overnight parking available.
-
Is Fenway Park accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, Fenway Park offers a variety of disability assistance. Visit the venue accessibility site for details.
- ADA accessibility is available at Fenway Park. Please visit the Fan Services booths located inside Gate E and Gate D at guest entry.
- Students with ADA accessibility needs should still arrive at student entrance at Gate B and a staff will assist them with lineup and procession. Students should contact the Commencement Office for their ADA accessibility prior to the ceremony.
-
Where can I eat on Commencement Day?
Find a sampling of local restaurant options and other information for your visit on the For Guests page.
-
Can I purchase food at Fenway Park?
Fenway Concessions will be open before the start of the ceremony and will be closed once Commencement begins.
Water will be available for purchase throughout the ceremony and guests are allowed to bring unopened, clear, disposable plastic water bottles upon entry.
Please note that Fenway Park concessions will only accept credit cards as the method of payment for food & beverage. For guests who would like to pay by cash, there will be reverse ATMs throughout the ballpark that will provide a debit card in exchange for cash. This debit card may be used outside of Fenway Park as well.
-
What are the hotels in the area?
For accommodations that are close to the venue and other information for your visit on the For Guests page.
-
Where can I purchase gift items, flowers, and souvenirs?
Gifts and souvenirs will be made available to purchase on the day of Commencement, May 13, 2022, outside of Fenway Park.
Please visit the pre-order page here to request items to be picked up after the ceremony with The Commencement Group located outside the venue.
*Note that flowers and balloons are not permitted inside of Fenway Park.
For more memorabilia, items can be purchased through Northeastern’s bookstore.
-
Are animals allowed in the venue?
Certified service dogs for guests with disabilities are welcome at Fenway Park. All other animals are prohibited.
Health & Safety
-
What COVID-related safety protocols are in place?
Northeastern University Celebrations and Ceremonies: If you are a guest attending an event or ceremony on Northeastern’s campus, please read more about the current COVID-19 guidelines HERE.
Fenway Park Ceremonies: Please review the City of Boston COVID guidelines HERE. Fenway’s safety measures are linked HERE.
At any time, Massachusetts and Boston’s COVID guidelines may be subject to change.
-
Are face coverings required?
As of March 5, 2022 the City of Boston has lifted its mask mandate. At any time, Massachusetts and Boston’s COVID guidelines may be subject to change.
-
What security protocols and processes are in place?
All graduates, guests, university personnel and vendors entering the venue will be subject to a security search. Guest access by ticket only, general seating. No re-entry.
All persons are required to pass through a metal detector. As part of the process, guests will be asked to remove metal objects on your person or clothing.
All guests are subject to search, at the discretion of the security personnel, of their person and/or possessions, including bags which may be allowed entry after such search. Venue/or event personnel reserve the right to remove any object from persons if deemed inappropriate or unsafe.
No storage or check-in area is available for prohibited items. Confiscated items will be discarded.
Visit the venue security site for details.
-
I have more questions – who can I contact?
Please contact the Commencement Office at [email protected].
If you are a student, please include your NUID on your email.