Faculty, Staff, and Volunteer Information

Regalia Requirements

• Faculty and administrators must wear approved academic regalia(cap, gown, hood, and tassel).
• Use this form to rent your regalia.
• Regalia must be rented by March 20, 2026.
• Deadlines cannot be extended.
• Regalia may also be required for academic ceremonies. Faculty can inquire about this requirement with their academic dean/director.
• Staff volunteers are not required to wear regalia.

Regalia Pickup

• Pickup dates depend on your selected campus. See the table below for times and dates.
• Alternate dates are not available.
• If you are unable to pick up on the times listed a colleague may pick up regalia for you.

Regalia Return

• Return rental regalia to Graduate Check-In after the ceremony.

Eligibility

• December 2025, May 2026, and September 2026 graduates may participate.
• There is no September 2026 ceremony.
• Student requests to walk early or late require dean approval by March 1.

Communication

• Check your MCPHS email daily.
• Updates are emailed and posted to this site.

• Faculty or staff graduating must register as candidates. Please visit the candidate section of the commencement website.
• If you anticipate any special academic participation requests for this year’s ceremony—such as a graduating student who is completing requirements out of sequence or a child participating as a degree candidate—please share those details with the Commencement Team by March 1.
• Early notice allows for review and planning.
• Late requests may not be accommodated.

• Academic ceremonies take place before Commencement Day.
• No academic ceremonies will be held on Commencement Day.
• Academic schools plan these events.
• Academic programs will outreach to faculty regarding academic ceremony logistics. 
• Contact your dean or program director with questions.
• The Commencement Team is not involved in the planning of academic ceremonies.

Volunteers play a vital role in the success of the Commencement, ensuring the event runs smoothly and that graduates and their families have a positive, well-supported experience.

• Assist graduates and guests
• Support logistics and wayfinding
• Help the ceremony run smoothly

University administration strongly encourages staff participation as a meaningful way to support students at a milestone moment and to reinforce a shared sense of community across campus. Faculty members may also choose to volunteer in lieu of robing in regalia and processing with faculty.

Sign up to volunteer

Commencement will be held at the Leader Bank Pavilion, 290 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210. For directions, accessibility, and venue policies, visit the Leader Bank Pavilion website.

Parking and Public Transportation

• Parking: There are parking garages and lots in the Seaport area surrounding the Leader Bank Pavilion. Some parking options in the area: EDIC Garage at 373 Northern Avenue, Seaport Boston Parking at 1 Seaport Lane, South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center at 503 Congress Street
• Public Transportation: 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.
• Faculty/Administration can work directly with their supervisors/dean/director regarding parking reimbursement. 

Venue Policies

• On the Leader Bank Pavilion FAQ page, you will find guidance on what to bring and what not to bring, as well as bag and security policies.

Concessions and MCPHS Merchandise

• Leader Bank Pavilion offers a variety of concession options throughout the concourse area.
• Leader Bank Pavilion is mostly cashlese. AAll points of sale for food, beverage, and merchandise will accept Visa/MasterCard/ DDiscover/American Expres, or mobile paments (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay).
• Our MCPHS Campus Store will be at the ceremonies with MCPHS merchandise for sale..

• There is no rehearsal for Commencement. All are welcome to visit our YouTube Channel and view our previous ceremonies to have a general idea of what to expect.
• Please remember to review the Leader Bank bag policy before coming to Commencement.
• Faculty/Administration should report to the faculty check-in area at 9:15 a.m. for the morning ceremony and 1:15 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony.
• Volunteers should report to the volunteer check-in area at 8:15 a.m. for the morning ceremony and 12:15 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony.
• Staff will guide faculty/administration to their designated seats and procession order.
• Carry minimal personal items; there is no secure place to store belongings during the ceremony. 

Where to Enter

• Candidates enter through the Harbor Walk
• Guests enter through the Main Entrance
• Faculty, staff, dignitaries, and volunteers enter through the Yankee Lobster Patio.

View map of the venue. 

Morning Commencement Ceremony Information

The Morning Ceremony will include candidates from the following Academic Schools: School of Professional Studies, School of Pharmacy – Boston, School of Arts & Sciences, School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics, and the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene.

• 9:15 a.m. Gates open for all participants and ticketed guests.
• 10:30 a.m. Morning ceremony begins.

Afternoon Commencement Ceremony Information

The Afternoon Ceremony will include candidates from the following Academic Schools: School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy – W/M, School of Occupational Therapy, School of Physical Therapy, School of Optometry, School of Physician Assistant Studies – Boston, School of Healthcare Business and Technology, and New England School of Acupuncture.

• 1:15 p.m. Gates open for all participants and ticketed guests.
• 2:30 p.m. Afternoon ceremony begins.