Faculty, Staff, and Volunteer Information

• Regalia can be rented if needed, by completing the registration form.
• Regalia not picked up prior to the day of Commencement will be available for pick-up at the DCU Center.
• Faculty may wear their own regalia but still must register.

Regalia pick-up will be hosted on the following dates and times:

What if I have a special request?

• If you are a Program Director or Academic Dean with a student who is out of sequence with course requirements and is expected to confer their degree in May 2026 and you would like them to participate in the December 2025 Commencement, please email their full name and student ID to the Commencement Team with a statement of support.

Each academic program will be hosting an academic ceremony that may involve special recognition, pinning and/or awards. The academic ceremony may be scheduled for the weeks leading up to the December 16 Commencement or immediately following the December 16th Commencement at the DCU.

Academic programs will outreach 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)

I am bringing my own regalia; do I still need to register?

Yes. Registration assists the Commencement Team with many other logistical items in planning.

I am a faculty member who is also graduating, what do I do?

Faculty who are also commencing in the ceremony can follow the graduate registration process.

I am a faculty, staff or member of administration, and I would like to help on Commencement Day instead of robing in regalia, what do I do?

If you would like to participate in helping our team, we kindly ask you complete the volunteer form by Tuesday, November 12 so we can appropriately plan volunteer assignments and order necessary supplies. 

I have graduates who have questions that are not listed in the faculty section, what do I do?

Graduates are receiving similar information regarding the Commencement with additional frequently asked questions specific to graduates. If you have a graduate that has questions or if you would like to know more about the graduate experience for Commencement Day, please visit the graduate-and-guest-information on the Commencement website. Additionally, faculty can direct graduates to contact commencement@mcphs.edu.    

What parking and/or transit options are available?

Faculty are asked to park at MCPHS 10 Lincoln Square parking lot. For alternative travel options please visit: https://www.dcucenter.com/visitor-information/transportation/ 

Does the DCU have a bag policy?

Yes. Small wristlets with a maximum size of 5x7 inches will be permitted. Medical bags & diaper bags will be allowed and will be checked prior to entry. All other bags such as cross body, larger totes, back packs, duffle bags, etc. will not be permitted.

I picked up regalia and there is an item missing, what do I do?

Our regalia vendor will be at the DCU Center prior to the Ceremony to assist with adjusting regalia items. Staff and faculty can visit the graduate check-in area for regalia assistance.

What time are faculty and staff expected to arrive at the DCU Center?

Doors open at 8:00a for faculty and staff. Please enter through Doors 1 & 2 and proceed to the faculty/staff check-in area for a light breakfast. Commencement volunteers will direct faculty and staff to their respective locations to prepare for the start of the ceremony at 9:30a.

What entrance at the DCU Center should attendees enter through?

• Candidates/Staff/Faculty– please enter through Doors 1 & 2
• Guests – please enter through Doors 10, 11 & 12
• Guests with ADA needs – please enter through Door 13

What time does the ceremony begin?

Commencement will begin promptly at 9:30 am. Commencement is expected to last between 90 and 120 minutes.

Do faculty have to stay for the entire Commencement?

Yes.

I rented regalia, where do I return it?

At the conclusion of Commencement Day, please return all rental regalia to the bookstore vendor table at the DCU Center. If you accidentally forget to return an item, please send it to the MCPHS Bookstore.

All communication regarding the Commencement ceremonies can be directed to the Commencement Team by emailing Commencement@mcphs.edu.