FAQs for Undergraduates
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Commencement is the formal ceremony at which the college recognizes the completion, or anticipated completion, of students’ academic degrees. Graduation is the individual student’s completion of all the college’s degree requirements.
How do I get commencement tickets?
Eligible students may request tickets on the ticket reservation system beginning April 24, 2012, using the BC WebCentral Portal. For commencement eligibility critera, please refer to the requirements.
How many tickets can I request?
You must request a graduate ticket for yourself. You can request a maximum of three guest tickets for the Central Quadrangle and a maximum of two tickets in the Walt Whitman Theater for the live closed-circuit telecast of the ceremony. Entrance tickets for the theater will not give access to the Central Quadrangle. The ceremony will also be streamed live on the college's commencement website.
Does my child need a ticket?
Children, with the exception of infants and toddlers who remain on an adult’s lap, must have a ticket. Campus and Community Safety officers will enforce this policy.
Will there be any tickets for sale?
No, tickets are not for sale. Any student engaging in the selling of tickets may be subject to disciplinary action by the college.
Will there be a rehearsal for the ceremony?
No. Marshals will be providing directions on that day.
What if I'm late for the ceremony?
You are expected to be in your place on line at 9 a.m. If you are late, you may not be positioned within your correct school or department when your name is called.
What can I expect to take place during the ceremony?
The ceremony begins with processions into the Central Quadrangle. There will be several speakers, followed by the graduates walking across the staging area to shake hands with President Gould and Provost Tramontano while their name and degree are called. Your name, degree and department are noted on a reader card (that you receive when you pick up your tickets), which you hand to the reader. The ceremony concludes with the conferring of degrees.
Will my honors be recognized at the ceremony?
No. However, academic honors may be noted in the Commencement Program.
What should I do if I feel ill during the ceremony?
EMS will be on standby at designated locations. Consult with your marshal or a Campus and Community Safety officer.
Will there be any refreshments available?
Sorry, refreshments cannot be provided. Water will be made available.
Will my family be able to see me, and can they come up front to photograph me during the ceremony?
This year, for the first time, there will be large video screens near the guest areas so that graduates can be better seen by their family and friends. To ensure that all guests get to see their graduate, audience members must remain seated. A professional photographer will be taking photos of each graduate as they proceed along the staging area to shake hands with President Gould and Provost Tramontano; these photos will be available to the graduate.
Where can I get my Commencement Program?
The official Commencement Program will be available after the ceremony at designated sites around the campus.
