FAQ | Commencement| MCPHS

Regalia, Ticket and Candidate Information

What is the difference between graduation, conferral, and Commencement?

The graduation or conferral date and the commencement date refer to two different aspects of the process of completing a degree.

Graduation/Conferral Date: This is the official date when your degree is formally awarded by the Registrar. It’s the day the school records that you’ve met all the academic requirements and officially confers your degree. This date often appears on your diploma and transcripts.
Commencement Date: This refers to the ceremonial event where students and faculty gather to celebrate the completion of degrees. It’s often a significant event where degrees are "conferred" symbolically, though the actual conferral (i.e., the legal and official awarding of the degree) typically happens on the conferral date.

If you are not enrolled in one of the selected programs for the December ceremony, you will receive registration and regalia ordering information in your student email account in January 2025 in preparation for the May 2025 ceremonies.

What academic schools are eligible for the December 2024 Commencement Ceremony? What if my academic school is not listed, but I expect to finish my degree in December?

The following academic schools are participating in the December 2024 ceremony only:

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene
School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics
School of Nursing
School of Physician Assistant Studies - Manchester/Worcester

If your academic program is affiliated with a different academic school (ex, School of Pharmacy, School of Arts & Sciences), then your academic school/program will be joining us for the May 2025 ceremonies. Details regarding the May 2025 ceremonies will be announced in January 2025.

I completed my degree in December, but my program is not listed for the December Commencement; what does that mean?

Candidates who have conferred/completed their degree in December but are not enrolled in the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, School of Medical Imaging & Therapeutics, School of Nursing, and School of Physician Assistant Studies (M/W) are invited to our May 2025 ceremonies. The Commencement Team will contact your student email in late January for regalia ordering and logistics for our May 2025 Ceremony.

For those who conferred their degree in December, your diploma will be ordered and mailed to the preferred/permanent address on file in self-service under “user options.” Please log in to Self-Service to update your preferred/permanent address to avoid shipping delays.

How can I make sure I do not miss any information regarding Commencement?

All members of the MCPHS community are encouraged to check their MCPHS email daily for important announcements. Information regarding the ceremonies will be emailed and posted on the Commencement webpage.

When will candidates find out information about academic ceremonies?

Each academic program will host an academic ceremony that may involve special recognition, pinning, and awards. The ceremony may be scheduled for the weeks leading up to the December 17 Commencement or immediately following the December 17 Commencement at the DCU. Academic programs will reach out to candidates regarding academic ceremony logistics.

School of Nursing

BSN Boston: Deborah McManus (deborah.mcmanus@mcphs.edu)
BSN Worcester/Manchester: Carlene Blais (carlene.blais@mcphs.edu)
Graduate: Mary Ellen Rivet (maryellen.rivet@mcphs.edu)

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene

Elizabeth Ioakimidis (elizabeth.ioakimidis@mcphs.edu)
Lori Giblin-Scanlon (lori.giblin@mcphs.edu)

School of Physician Assistant Studies

Kristy Altongy-Magee (kristy.altongy-magee@mcphs.edu)

School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics

Athena Vagenas (athena.vagenas@mcphs.edu)
Frances Keech (frances.keech@mcphs.edu)

Is there a rehearsal for Commencement?

There is no rehearsal for Commencement. Candidates are welcome to visit our YouTube channel and view our previous ceremonies for a general idea of what to expect. The Commencement student speaker and singer will be asked to join a pre-Commencement walk-through.

I am interested in applying to be the student Commencement speaker; what do I have to do?

The student Commencement speaker is an honor given to a graduating MCPHS student. This student will deliver a 3–5-minute speech to all those in attendance at the Commencement ceremony. To submit a Commencement speaker application, please complete the form linked below. You must submit a copy of your Commencement address and a resume/CV with your application.

Requirements: Applicants must have a 3.0 minimum cumulative grade point average at the time of application. They must not currently be on academic probation or under student disciplinary sanctions or student disciplinary review. Applicants must also have excellent written and oral communication skills.

Additional Information: Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on October 25. The search committee will review applications, and a select number of students will be invited to interview on Zoom. The selected Student Commencement Speaker must participate in a pre-commencement rehearsal and will be seated on the main stage during the Commencement.

Submit Application

I am interested in applying to be the Student Commencement Singer; what do I have to do?

The student Commencement singer is an honor given to an MCPHS student. This student will sing the National Anthem of the United States of America to all those in attendance at the Commencement Ceremony. Priority will go to candidates.

Additional Information: Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on October 25. The search committee will review them. The selected student Commencement singer is required to participate in a pre-Commencement rehearsal.

Submit an application.

I cannot pick up my regalia and tickets on the dates/times listed. What should I do?

Regalia/ticket pick-up is announced in October to allow candidates to plan accordingly for pick-up. We are unable to coordinate alternative pick-up times. Candidates who cannot pick up are welcome to have a designee pick up tickets and regalia on a candidate’s behalf. The designee picking up will need to display an email from the student (MCPHS email) to the designee detailing this information.

Example:

Dear (insert name of designee),

I, (type your full name and from your MCPHS student email account) give (type name of designee) permission to pick up my Commencement related items.

Sincerely,

Do not copy the Commencement Team.

I picked up regalia, and an item was missing; what do I do?

Our regalia vendor will be at the DCU Center before the ceremony to assist with adjusting regalia items. If you’re not attending the ceremony and are missing an item, please contact the Commencement Team within 48 hours for further assistance.

Can candidates decorate the regalia cap and wear cords/stoles? Are there Commencement accessories to purchase?

Yes. Candidates are welcome to purchase cords and stoles or decorate their regalia cap. Jostens offers various Commencement accessories, which can be purchased by visiting the Jostens website. Honor cords will be distributed to eligible undergraduate candidates at check-in on the day of the Commencement. Please refer to the Student Handbook to determine eligibility.

How do candidates get tickets?

Tickets are required for guests to attend. When candidates pick up regalia, they will receive six tickets to distribute to guests. Please note that tickets must be presented to enter the event, and seating at the venue is first-come, first-served. Children under three years of age do not require a ticket to enter, and candidates do not need one. There are no additional tickets available.

What does the graduation/Commencement fee cover?

It is a one-time, non-refundable fee assessed to all candidates regardless of whether they intend to physically attend the Commencement or which Commencement they attend. All candidates are responsible for paying the fee to complete their degree requirements, have their degree awarded/conferred, and receive their diploma and regalia (cap/gown). The fee is added to the student account.

My family will be traveling internationally. Can I request a visitation letter?

Candidates with international guests can request a visitation letter. The Commencement Team will email a copy of the letter to your student email account. Visitation letters requested after November 1 will not be granted. Visitation letters by no means guarantee entry into the United States.

Request a visitation letter.

Event Information

How long is the Commencement?

The Commencement ceremony will be approximately 90 – 120 minutes in length. There will be a short intermission following the ceremony before the individual academic ceremonies hosted by the academic programs begin.

What parking and transit options are available for candidates and guests?

There are several city-owned parking garages and lots in the downtown area surrounding the DCU Center. There are also several conveniently located garages near the DCU Center. For more information, please visit the DCU parking information web page.

For alternative travel options, please visit the DCU transportation page.

What entrance at the DCU Center should attendees enter through?

Candidates– please enter through Doors 1 and 2
Guests – please enter through Doors 10, 11 and 12
Guests with ADA needs – please enter through Door 13

What do candidates need to do once they arrive?

When the doors open, all candidates must proceed to the check-in area to receive their stage card and line up to process into the arena. Guests are not permitted in the check-in area.

Where will candidates be seated during the Commencement?

Candidates will be seated on the arena floor alphabetically based on academic school and program.

Are candidates and faculty required to stay for the entire Commencement?

Yes. Once candidates process across the stage, please go back to your seats. Out of respect to the remainder of the candidates, attendees will be directed back to their seats. Diplomas will not be given out until the conclusion of the academic ceremonies.

When will candidates receive their diplomas?

Candidates will receive their diplomas at the end of the academic ceremonies. Candidates must display a valid ID when picking up their diplomas, which will be in alphabetical order. Graduates with a “hold” either with Student Financial Services or the Registrar cannot pick up their diplomas until their hold is resolved. Graduates who do not attend the ceremonies or do not pick up their diplomas after the academic ceremonies will receive their diplomas at their home/permanent address on file in self-service.

If candidates do not attend Commencement, how do they get their diplomas?

Candidates who graduate and do not attend the ceremony will receive their diplomas via mail. Candidates can view and change their home/permanent addresses in Self-Service before December 1, 2024. Changes made after December 1 will result in delays or non-shipment.

Does the DCU have a bag policy?

Yes. Small wristlets up to a maximum size of 5x7 inches will be permitted. Medical bags and diaper bags will also be allowed and checked prior to entry. However, all other bags, such as cross-body bags, larger totes, backpacks, duffle bags, etc., will not be permitted. Learn more about the DCU visitor policies.

What are the arrangements for guests with ADA needs?

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with a designated area for guests with ADA and/or mobility impairments. Wheelchairs are allowed in the venue; however, the venue does not provide them. Upon arriving, seek direction from guest relations staff to the designated areas. Guests with ADA needs are asked to enter through Door 13.

Can attendees take a video and photos at the event?

Attendees can take photos and video of the event. Attendees are not allowed on the arena floor.

Will the Commencement Ceremony be livestreamed and recorded?

The university-wide main Commencement ceremony will be live-streamed from the DCU Center. Streaming information will be available closer to the event date. It will also be recorded and shared on our YouTube channel in the coming weeks after Commencement. The academic ceremonies will not be live-streamed.

Will the ceremony be postponed due to the weather?

Despite potential inclement weather, the event will continue as planned. We encourage candidates and guests to prepare accordingly. Any updates regarding the Commencement ceremony will be communicated via email and available on our website.

Are there hotel amenities available?

Please visit the Discover Central MA website for more information on hotels located near the DCU Center.

Frequently Asked Questions