FAQ

When will graduates and faculty find out information about Academic Ceremonies?

• Academic programs will outreach to candidates regarding Academic Ceremony logistics.
• Candidates and faculty can outreach to their Academic Deans or Academic Program Directors with questions.
• Please note Commencement information, logistics, tickets, and registration are separate from the Academic Ceremonies.

If I have my own regalia, can I wear it?

• Yes. If you have your own regalia, you can wear it to the ceremony.
• Faculty still need to register to attend, regardless of whether they are ordering or wearing their own regalia.

What if I have questions about candidate honor cords?

• Please see the Student Handbook for information regarding honor cords
• The Commencement Team will be distributing gold honor cords and Veteran honor cords at regalia pick up days.
• Student organizations, professional organizations and academic organizations are responsible for ordering and dispersing their own cords.

Where is the Leader Bank Pavilion located, and what is the best way to get there?

• Leader Bank Pavilion is in the Seaport District of Boston at 290 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210
• The use of public transit, rideshare, or carpooling to arrive at Leader Bank Pavilion is recommended because parking in the area is limited.
• Take the MBTA subway, commuter rail, or bus to South Station and connect with the MBTA Silver Line Waterfront (one level above the Red Line, one level below the food court) to Silver Line Way. Leader Bank Pavilion is a short walk from this stop.

What transportation options are available for Commencement Day?

• We asked for all faculty attendees register before March 20 if they were attending.
• Faculty who indicated on their registration they were driving, will receive a parking pass for the venue.
• Parking is cost is covered for faculty who registered and indicated they were driving.
• Faculty who indicated they would like to take the MCPHS provided shuttle from their home campus, will be contacted with logistics.

Will the ceremonies be canceled due to inclement weather?

• The Commencement ceremonies will go on rain or shine.
• However, in the event of severe weather we will keep our candidates notified via our RAVE Alert system and website.

Will concessions be available at the Pavilion?

• Leader Bank Pavilion offers a wide variety of concession options through the venue.
• Concessions are located throughout the venue's concourse area.
• Leader Bank Pavilion is a mostly cashless venue.
• All points of sale for food, beverage and merchandise will accept Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express or mobile pay (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay). 
• In addition to concessions, refreshments will be provided in the faculty check-in area.

What entrance at the Leader Bank Pavilion should faculty enter through?

• All faculty must enter through the Yankee Lobster Patio.
• Faculty will be directed to a separate area for faculty check-in after entering.

What do faculty need to do once they arrive?

• All faculty must proceed to the faculty check-in area after entering through the Yankee Lobster Patio.

Where will faculty be seated?

• Faculty will be seated in the front rows of the venue.

Do faculty have to stay for the entire Commencement?

• Yes.

How long is the Commencement ceremony?

• The Commencement ceremony will be approximately 90 – 120 minutes (about 2 hours) in length. Reminder, this is an estimated time.

Does the Leader Bank Pavilion have a bag policy?

• Yes. Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (6”x 9”).
• Diaper bags are permitted.
• No other bags of any type will be allowed.
• All bags are subject to search upon entry.
• Guests have the right to refuse a bag search and the venue has the right to refuse entry.

Is there a security checkpoint at the Leader Bank Pavilion?

• All attendees will proceed through metal detectors upon entry.
• All bags (review bag policy) are subject to search upon entry.

What entrance should attendees enter at the Leader Bank Pavilion?

• Faculty, volunteers, and dignitaries must enter through the Yankee Lobster Patio Gate.

• 1 factory-sealed plastic bottle of water up to 32oz (non-frozen) per guest
• Refillable, clear plastic water bottles up to 32oz in size
• Collapsible umbrellas. 

What items are not allowed at the venue?

• Weapons of any kind - knives, guns, mace, pepper gas or any other item deemed a potential weapon
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs/substances
• Glass or metal, cans or bottles (regardless of contents)
• Hard sided/large coolers
• Average sized bags/backpacks
• Large or oversized bags/backpacks, such as luggage, duffel bags, or industrial/camping-sized backpacks
• Hydration packs
• Laser pointers
• Large signs, posters or flags
• Animals (except service animals)
• Fireworks or other incendiary devices
• Balloons
• Any other item that may pose a threat to others
• Umbrellas that do not collapse