Frequently Asked Questions

Separate outdoor ceremonies will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2023, 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. 

 

*These ceremonies exclude graduating candidates in Doctor of Philosophy, School of Law, College of Professional Studies, Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing, and students attending a non-Boston network campus location.  More information about these specified ceremonies will be announced at a later date.

May 7, 2023 – Fenway Park

Undergraduate students who complete their degree requirements by:
• December 2022
• May 2023
• August 2023 

Graduate students who complete their degree requirements by:
• December 2022
• May 2023
• August 2023

*Candidates in the ABSN program are only eligible to attend the nursing pinning ceremony. More details will be announced at a later date.

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Doctor of Philosophy
May 1, 2023 – Matthews Arena

Doctoral candidate who complete their degree requirements by:
• August 2022
• December 2022
• May 2023

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College of Professional Studies

Bachelors & Masters Completion
May 10, 2023 – Matthews Arena

Undergraduate and Graduate candidates who complete their degree requirements by:
• December 2022
• April 2023
• July 2023
• September 2023

Doctoral Completion
May 11, 2023 – Matthews Arena

Doctoral candidates who complete their degree requirements by:
• December 2022
• April 2023
• July 2023
• September 2023

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School of Law
May 12, 2023 – Matthews Arena

School of Law candidates who complete their degree requirements by:
• May 2023
• August 2023
• December 2023

Yes! Class of 2023 students from across our global university system are welcome to take part in either the Fenway Park ceremony or the ceremony at their local campus. If you are not able to travel to Boston, the livestream will be available.

Each global campus will host a graduation ceremony. A scheduled list will be announced at a later date.

Note that the Application to Graduate is only a registration for the Boston Fenway Park ceremony.  A separate registration will be emailed for your specific global campus.

Your graduation date is determined by the date you fulfill all your academic requirements. Please speak with your academic advisor if you would like to know your expected graduation date.  Your graduation date will be indicated when you apply to graduate in mid-October.

There is no additional ceremony planned in December or August.  If you graduate within the 2023 school year (Fall 2022 to Summer 2023) then you are eligible to attend the Spring ceremony held in May 2023.

You will be able to register for graduation in mid-October to update your graduation information.

Ticket allotment will be announced at a later date. Details about downloading tickets will be emailed to students by March 2023.

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. 

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.

We recommend reaching out to the local U.S. consulate within the country that your family members are in to apply for a visitor visa. Click here to view visa appointment wait times.

Unfortunately, the University does not provide letters to graduates as a means for their guests to apply for a visa from their country to attend a graduation ceremony.  The Office of Global Services recommends using copies of the following documents instead:

• Graduation Application
• E-mail(s) directed to the graduate with ceremony information
• Enrollment Verification Letter
• Letter of Invitation Information (Sample)

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. 

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.

We recommend business casual attire for graduates and guests.  Regalia is required for all graduates who are attending. 

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. 

No, all diplomas will be mailed directly to students 4-6 weeks after your conferral date. 

You will provide your diploma mailing address when you apply to graduate in mid-October.

In Boston, Northeastern will offer a weeklong celebration for undergraduate seniors and each college will host a recognition celebration.

A full schedule of events will be provided at a later date.

Each college will have the opportunity to celebrate with festivities across Northeastern’s Boston campus.

A full schedule of events will be provided at a later date.

Golden Graduates will be duly acknowledged during the undergraduate ceremonies. Alumni may be invited to attend as guests of graduates.

Driving directions, MBTA routes, and instructions on other forms of transportation can be found on the Fenway Park website here. 

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. 

Parking information will be made available at a later date.

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.

Find a sampling of local restaurant options and other information for your visit on the For Guests page.

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.

For accommodations that are close to the venue and other information for your visit on the For Guests page.

Gifts and souvenirs will be made available to purchase on the day of Commencement, May 7, 2023, outside of Fenway Park.

*Note that flowers and balloons are not permitted inside of Fenway Park. These items can be picked up at the end of the ceremony.

For more memorabilia, items can be purchased through Northeastern’s bookstore. 

Certified service dogs for guests with disabilities are welcome at Fenway Park. All other animals are prohibited. 

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.

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.

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. 

Please contact the Commencement Office at [email protected].

If you are a student, please include your NUID on your email.