Commencement Eligibility and Timeline | Graduate Degrees
Eligibility
Master’s and Doctoral students who have submitted a Petition to Graduate (via Wufoo or directly to their Program) and are on track to complete their degree requirements (as confirmed by their advisor) between August 2025 and May 2026 will be invited to participate in May 15, 2026 Commencement.
If you are a Master’s degree candidate (only) who anticipates completing their degree studies after May 2026 and is unable to participate in the October 2026 or May 2027 Commencement Ceremonies, you may submit a Petition to Participate in the May 2026 Commencement Ceremony. Read the Exemption Request to Participate Guidelines for more information.
May 2026 Graduation Timeline
- January 30, 2026: Last day to verify your Degree Date and Diploma Name in Workday (updates to Degree Date or Diploma Name can be requested at [email protected])
- March 27, 2026: Last day to update contact information in Workday for Commencement invitations and post-graduation communications (personal email address, phone number, mailing address)
- April 1, 2026: Invitations to RSVP for May Commencement sent to eligible candidates
- April 2, 2026: Last Day to Order Fine-Quality Doctoral Regalia for May Commencement
- April 17, 2026: Commencement Student Speaker Applications and Demos Due (Form TBA)
- April 18, 2026: Last Day to RSVP for the May Commencement Ceremonies
- April 28, 2026: Last Day to Order Souvenir (Master's, PhD, Bachelor's) Regalia for May Commencement
- May 15, 2026: May Commencement Ceremonies (In Person & Streaming). Diplomas will be available to pick up in the Main College Building at 300 Fenway until 5:00 pm on the day of Commencement.
- May 18 – 22, 2026: Diplomas will be available to pickup at the Simmons OneStop (2nd Floor of the Main College Building) between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Photo identification is required. Diplomas that are not picked up will be mailed to graduates in early June.