Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about Commencement 2022.

2022 Ceremony Information

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.

    Click here to view parking pass.

  • 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.