Commencement

Graduating senior in front of Simmons University banner at Commencement

The Simmons University Commencement Ceremonies celebrate the achievements of undergraduate and graduate students who have successfully completed their degree programs. Degree candidates and their families are invited to participate in Simmons' in-person and virtual Commencement ceremonies.

March 21, 2024 - Virtual Commencement Ceremony

The March Virtual Commencement will take place on Thursday March 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm. CompleteDegree undergraduate students and graduate students who have completed their degree programs between October 2023 and March 2024 will be invited to participate in March Commencement. Invitations will be sent to students via email early in the Spring 2024 semester.

Watch the Virtual Commencement Ceremony

May 17, 2024 - 119th Simmons University Commencement

The 119th Simmons University Commencement Ceremonies will take place on Friday, May 17, 2024 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, located at 2 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02115. Degree candidates will check in at the House of Blues (15 Lansdowne St.) to line up for the procession to MGM.

Morning Commencement Ceremony

Students arrive at 7:45 am at the House of Blues | Doors to MGM open for guests at 8:00 am | Ceremony begins at 9:00 am

  • Doctoral, Master's, and Certificate Candidates
    • Children's Literature, Education, Gender and Cultural Studies, History, Library and Information Science, Public Health, Public Policy
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Bachelor of Social Work

Afternoon Commencement Ceremony

Students arrive at the House of Blues at 11:45 am | Doors to MGM open for guests at 12:00 pm | Ceremony begins at 1:00 pm

  • Doctoral, Master's, and Certificate Candidates
    • Behavior Analysis, Health Professions Education, Nursing, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Social Work

Regalia

Commencement regalia is available for purchase through the Simmons Bookstore! Order your regalia for May Commencement by April 21, 2024.

In addition, we are reaffirming our commitment to the academic ceremony at Commencement and setting standards related to the academic regalia and adornments worn. The policy applies to baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral graduates of Simmons University.

The approved cords and stoles include academics and those celebrating students from marginalized identities and their accomplishments. In addition, affinity cords and stoles are available for purchase from the Bookstore. Please take a look at the cords and stoles policy for more information.

Eligibility

Students who will have completed their program degree requirements between July 2023 to May 2024 are invited to participate in Commencement. Please read the Commencement Participation guidelines for more information:

Undergraduate students who have submitted their Senior Audit and are on track to complete their degree requirements by May 2024 will be automatically invited to participate in Commencement. Please note that seniors who have not completed their Senior Audit will not receive an invitation to RSVP.

Graduate students who are on track to complete their program requirements between July 2023 and May 2024, including the successful defense of a dissertation and/or a doctoral project, and its formal acceptance by their Program, will be automatically invited to participate in Commencement.

If you have questions about your degree completion, please reach out to the Registrar's Office to verify your degree progress.

Guest Tickets

Undergraduate and graduate degree candidates participating in the May 2024 Commencement may receive up to 5 digital guest tickets to distribute upon submitting their RSVP in early April.

Please note that Commencement will be ticketed; all guests must have a digital ticket to be admitted into the venue. Per venue policy, infants and children under two years old who will sit on an adult's lap do not require a ticket. Additional standing-room tickets may become available after registration has closed but are not guaranteed.

A livestream room will also be set up on Simmons' campus for additional family members, friends, and loved ones who wish to watch the ceremony and celebrate with their graduates. More details will be provided in the weeks leading up to Commencement.

Venue and Accessibility

Located in the heart of Fenway, less than a mile away from Simmons' academic campus, MGM Music Hall at Fenway boasts state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional acoustics, a unique four-story seating plan, and a thorough commitment to accessibility. MGM Music Hall is a wheelchair accessible venue; sign language interpreters and assistive listening technology are also available upon request.

Stay tuned for more information about arrival times, parking, and other logistics. For recommendations on places to stay in Boston, visit our Staying in Boston page.

MGM Bag Policy

The MGM Music Hall has a CLEAR BAG policy. To reduce staff contact with guest belongings, only the following bags are allowed:

  • Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags (Maximum size: 12" x 6" x 12")
  • Non-clear small clutch bags or wallets (Maximum size: 4.5" x 6.5")

All bags are subject to search by security. Guests are encouraged to leave their valuables at home.

Contact

Questions about Commencement may be emailed to [email protected]. If you are a student with questions about graduation eligibility, please email [email protected].

Additional Information


Undergraduate Degree Eligibility and Timeline

Undergraduate students who will have submitted their Senior Audit and are on track to complete their degree requirements between August 2023 and May 2024.

Graduate Degree Eligibility and Timeline

Master's and Doctoral students who have submitted a Petition to Graduate and are on track to complete their degree requirements between August 2023 and May 2024.

Graduate Student Commencement Celebrations

The Graduate Commencement Celebrations on Thursday, May 16 celebrate the accomplishments of Doctoral and Master's students completing their degree requirements between August 2023 and May 2024.

Boston Public Gardens

Staying in Boston

There are many options for where to stay in Boston for Commencement.

Group of Graduate Students at the 2022 Commencement

Recent Ceremonies

See recent Commencement ceremonies — both virtual and in-person — held by Simmons University.

Contact Us

Commencement questions about may be emailed to [email protected].

If you are a student with questions about graduation eligibility, please email [email protected].