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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 2024 and May 2025 will be invited to participate in May 2025 Commencement.

If you are a Master’s degree candidate (only) who anticipates completing their degree studies after May 2025 and is unable to participate in the September 2025 or May 2026 Commencement Ceremonies, you may submit a Petition to Participate in the May 2025 Commencement Ceremony. Read the Exemption Request to Participate Guidelines for more information.

May 2025 Graduation Timeline

  • January 31, 2025: 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 31, 2025: Last day to update contact information in Workday for Commencement invitations and post-graduation communications (personal email address, phone number, mailing address)
  • April 2, 2025: Invitations to RSVP for May Commencement received via email from MarchingOrder
  • April 11, 2025: Commencement Student Speaker Applications Deadline
  • April 22, 2025: Last Day to Order Regalia for May Commencement. (Please note that the deadline for ordering fine-quality regalia for doctorate and PhD candidates is March 14, 2025.)
  • April 21, 2025: Last Day to RSVP for the May Commencement Ceremonies
  • April 22, 2025: Commencement Student Speaker Applications and Demos Due
  • May 16, 2025: 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 19 – 30, 2025: 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.