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.

Student at Commencement

Congratulations to the Class of 2024

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.

The ceremonies will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.

For details on the ceremonies, visit the Commencement Ceremonies event page.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

It's time to celebrate your achievements!


News | Commencement 2023 Student outside Fenway

Celebrations for Undergraduate Students

Each year we celebrate the achievements of the graduating class with a number of festivities during the week before the Commencement ceremony. Events typically include a Social Hour, Senior Academic and Leadership Awards, Senior/Faculty Lunch, Commencement Ball, Food Trucks, Senior Toast, and more. 

Group of Graduate Students at the 2022 Commencement

Celebrations for Graduate Students

We offer several special Graduate Commencement Celebrations to celebrate the accomplishments of Doctoral and Master's students completing their degree requirements including a hooding ceremony, affinity breakfast and master's reception.

Class of 2023 student speaker, Abigayle Post

Commencement Ceremony Tickets and Venue

The ceremonies on May 17 will take place at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, located at 2 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA, a wheelchair accessible venue. Tickets are required. Get the details! 

Boston city skyline

Staying in Boston

Staying in Boston for Commencement? Family and guests of students participating in the May 17, 2024 Commencement Ceremonies can book discounted accommodation at a number of nearby hotels.

Guidelines and Policies


Students at Commencement

Undergraduate Eligibility and Timeline

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 Student giving peace sign

Graduate Eligibility and Timeline

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.

Students in crowd

Regalia

Participants are encouraged to review our standards related to the academic regalia and adornments worn. The policy applies to baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral graduates of Simmons University. Order your regalia by April 21, 2024.

Upcoming Commencement Events

50 Days to Commencement

  • Mar 28, 2024
  • 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Linda K. Paresky Conference Center

119th Simmons University Commencement Ceremonies

  • May 17, 2024
  • 9:00 am
  • MGM Music Hall at Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02115

Commencement Related News

Headshots of the 2024 Senior Scholar Award winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars

The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.


UG Graduate Mortarboards - Class of 2023

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

On Friday, May 19, 2023, Simmons University celebrated the 118th Commencement Ceremony at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. The many accomplishments of the Class of 2023 were celebrated at the annual undergraduate and graduate ceremonies. Simmons awarded 400 baccalaureate...


Graduate Student standing cheering amongst fellow graduates

Simmons 2023 Graduate Commencement Ceremony Instills Legacies of Personal Narrative and Collective Memory

On Friday, May 19, Simmons University Graduate students processed into the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. In the first commencement ceremony to take place at the MGM, graduates filed in with triumphant smiles. Some graduates' mortar boards were decorated with...


The main campus building at Simmons University

Simmons Names 2023 Commencement Speakers & Honorary Degree Recipients

Bestselling and Award-Winning Author Andrea Davis Pinkney will be the Undergraduate Commencement Speaker and Inaugural Director of the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty ’03MS will be the Graduate Commencement Speaker.


The main campus building at Simmons University

Announcing the 2023 Senior Scholar Awards

The annual Senior Scholar Award is presented to six graduating seniors in recognition of outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.


Group of Graduate Students at the 2022 Commencement

Graduate Commencement 2022

On Friday, May 20, Simmons University Graduate students processed into the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston’s Seaport District. Simmons’ first in-person graduation since 2019, graduates filed in, some with mortar boards decorated with flowers and artwork, and a few with...


Student Motarboard/Cap from Commencement 2022

Simmons University's 117th Commencement

Congratulations to the Class of 2022! On Friday, May 20, 2022, Simmons University celebrated the 117th Commencement Ceremony at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston's Seaport District. The many accomplishments of the Class of 2022 were celebrated at the annual...


Headshots of Graduating Members of the Class of 2022

Seniors Share: My Simmons Memories 2022

New Friendships "I made my very first Simmons friend at accepted students day, and coming into Simmons I was able to become good friends with her and her roommates. To the point where I felt comfortable inviting myself into their...