Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

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.
• Noted in this section of the website are various dates, reminders and important information.

What is Commencement week?

• Those participating in Commencement on December 16, 2025, may also participate in award, pinning or academic-specific ceremonies.
• Candidates can contact their Academic Deans or Academic Program Directors regarding academic-specific ceremonies.
• The Commencement Team is not involved in the planning of the academic ceremonies.
• Commencement Week also covers other notable events like regalia pick up and the candidate exit survey completion.

How do I know if I am eligible to attend the December 2025 Commencement ceremony?

• The Commencement ceremonies will honor undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates from all the following graduation/conferral dates from all campuses, including online students: December 2025, May 2026, September 2026.
• If candidates are unsure, they should contact their academic dean/director or the Commencement Team.

How do I make sure my name and information is correct for my diploma?

Candidates must review and edit (as needed) the following items in Self Service before November 1, 2025. 

• Chosen Name: your chosen name will be printed on your official MCPHS diploma. You can review and edit your chosen name in Self Service under “user profile – personal identity – edit/update chosen name”. Please also review punctuation, accent marks, capitalization or hyphens. To review more information regarding your name please visit the Registrar's website.
• Permanent/Preferred Address: your diploma will be shipped to the permanent/preferred address in Self Service that is denoted by a green checkmark. You can review and edit your permanent/preferred address under “user profile – address – click the pencil icon”. An incorrect permanent/preferred address will result in shipping delays.

Questions regarding your chosen name and address can be directed to the Registrar.

Are the Academic Ceremonies and Commencement on the same day?

• Academic ceremonies will be held on the days leading up to Commencement Day.
• No academic ceremonies will be held on Commencement Day.
• Academic Ceremonies are planned by each academic school.
• Candidates can contact their academic dean/director with questions about academic ceremonies.

When will candidates find out information about Academic Ceremonies?

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

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)

Are faculty, staff and students required to register to attend Commencement?

• All candidates must register by October 19, 2025 to ensure tickets, regalia and all other ordering and planning is done in time for the ceremonies.
• Faculty and staff who are attending must also register by October 19, 2025.
• Late submissions will not be accepted.

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.
• Submit a Commencement speaker application with a copy of your Commencement Address and resume/CV by November 1, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
• Applicants are required to have a 3.0 minimum cumulative grade point average at the time of application.
• Applicants must not currently be on academic probation or be under student disciplinary sanctions or student disciplinary review.
• Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

Additional Information: Applications will be reviewed by the search committee and a select number of students will be invited to an interview on Zoom. The selected Student Commencement Speaker must participate in pre-Commencement activities and be seated on the main stage during the program.

Can candidates request visitation letters for international guests to attend Commencement?

• Candidates can request visitation letters for international guests before November 1, 2025.
• Once the online form is completed, the Commencement Team will email candidates their visitation letters.
• Please note that letters will be emailed within five business days.
• The issuance of visitation letters does not guarantee entrance into the United States

Are photos/video permitted at Commencement?

• Photos and videos are permitted.
• Guests are not allowed on the main floor or on the staircases leading down to the main floor.

Will a stage photo be taken of candidates?

• One complimentary digital download photo will be taken of candidates who physically attend the Commencement ceremony.
• Our photo vendor, Geskus is also offering a complimentary professional headshot digital download during regalia pick up. Please visit their website to register in advance.

I am not sure if I will be able to attend Commencement, should I still register?

• Yes, please register to attend the Commencement if you are unsure if you will attend.
• If you register to attend, and eventually are unable to attend, no action is necessary.

What does the graduation/Commencement fee cover?

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

I am a faculty/staff member and a candidate, what do I do?

• All eligible candidates are to register for regalia and Commencement whether they plan to attend or not.
• If you are faculty/staff but will be participating as a candidate, please follow all the same information for candidates.

When will candidates receive their diploma?

• Candidates will receive their diploma at the end of the ceremony on December 16, 2025 pending degree conferral and financial clearance.
• Candidates must display a valid ID at diploma pick up.
• Diplomas will be picked up in alphabetical order.
• Candidates with a “hold” either with Student Financial Services or the Registrar will be unable to pick up their diplomas until their hold is resolved.
• Diplomas will not be given out until Commencement concludes.
• Once candidates process across the stage, they should return to their seat.
• Out of respect to the remainder of the candidates, attendees will be directed back to their seats.

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

• Graduates who do not attend the ceremonies or do not pick up their diploma at the conclusion of the academic ceremonies will receive their diploma to their home/permanent address on file in self-service.
• Candidates can view and change their home/permanent addresses before November 1st in Self-Service. Changes made after November 1st will result in delays or non-shipment.

What will the diploma have on it?

• MCPHS name and logo
• Title of the diploma: This indicates the type of diploma or degree earned (e.g., Bachelor of Science, Master of Science etc).
• Recipient's Name: The full name of the individual receiving the diploma.
• Major: The specific area of study for which the diploma is awarded.
• Date of Graduation: The date on which the diploma is awarded
• Signatures: Signatures of relevant authorities, such as the university president or dean, to authenticate the diploma.
• Honors, minors, concentrations or other distinctions are not included on the MCPHS diploma

What is the size of the diploma?

All diplomas are 13x10 inches.

When is regalia distribution?

• Regalia will be distributed December 11 and 12 on each campus.
• Mark your calendars now as no alternative dates are available.
• Candidates will be able to select which campus they would prefer to pick up their regalia on.
• Pick up locations cannot be changed once selected.
• If candidates are unable to pick up on the dates noted, candidates will be able to pick up regalia prior to Commencement at the venue, alternatively candidates can have another person (proxy) pick up.

If candidates do not attend Commencement, how do candidates get their regalia?

Candidates who decide not to physically attend the ceremonies and want regalia shipped must still complete registration. The Commencement Team will email these candidates to coordinate shipping with our vendor.

When picking up regalia, do I need a student ID?

• Candidates must display their MCPHS ID or an ID card with a photo.
• If a proxy is picking up tickets and regalia on a candidate's behalf, the proxy picking up will need to display an email from the MCPHS account to the proxy detailing this information.
• Do not copy the Commencement email in your communication. 

Example: Dear (insert name of designee),

Sincerely, 

What does regalia include?

• Gown
• Cap
• Tassel

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

• Our regalia vendor will be at the venue prior to 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.

I have questions about candidate honor cords.

Summa cum laude 3.86–4.00
Magna cum laude 3.70–3.85
Cum laude 3.50–3.69

• The determination of honors is based on the graduate’s final cumulative grade point average.
• Only students seeking a bachelor’s degree or Doctor of Pharmacy who have completed at least 60 credits at MCPHS, or such number of credits that is applicable for completion of a given degree program, are eligible for honors.
• Honors designations appear on the student’s final grade transcript but not on the diploma.
• First honor candidates are recognized during the Commencement ceremony.
• To be considered a first honor graduate, one must be a student in a full-time undergraduate or entry-level program with at least three years of residency (except accelerated and/or fast-track degree programs) and must not have earned any graduate or other advanced degree.

Please review the Student Handbook regarding honor cords.

Can candidates wear stoles, regalia cords or decorate their regalia caps?

• Yes. Candidates are welcome to purchase cords and stoles and decorate their regalia cap. Please note, inappropriate language and/or lewd images are prohibited.
• Jostens offers various commencement accessories that candidates can purchase by visiting the Jostens website.

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 to have a general idea of what to expect.

What parking and/or transit options are available for Commencement?

There are several parking garages and lots in the downtown area surrounding the DCU Center.
• Visit the DCU website for parking and travel information.

What is the DCU bag policy?

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

Are balloons permitted in the venue?

• No, balloons are not permitted in the venue.

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.

What entrance should attendees enter at the DCU?

• Candidates will enter through Doors 1 & 2
• Guests will enter through Doors 10, 11 & 12
• Guests with ADA needs will enter through Door 13

What do candidates need to do once they arrive?

• All candidates must proceed to the graduate check-in area when the Harbor Walk gate opens to receive their stage card and lineup number.
• Once check-in is complete, candidates must proceed directly to the lineup area.
• Guests are not permitted in the graduate check-in area.

Where will candidates be seated?

• Candidates will be seated in the front rows of the venue in alphabetical order based on Academic School and Academic Program.

Do candidates have to stay for the entire Commencement?

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

How long is the Commencement ceremony?

• The Commencement ceremony will be approximately 90 – 120 minutes (about 2 hours) in length.

What is the dress code for Commencement?

• We recommend business casual and comfortable footwear.
• All candidates attending are required to wear regalia (cap and gown).

How do I get tickets for Commencement?

• Tickets are required for guests to attend the Commencement.
• Candidates do not require a ticket to attend.
• When candidates pick up cap and gown regalia, they will also receive six tickets to distribute to guests. 
• Tickets must be presented to enter Commencement and seating at the venue is first-come, first-served.
• Children three years or younger that would be seated on the lap of an adult do not require a ticket to enter.
• At this time, no additional tickets are available. Once registration closes at the end of March and if we are able to open a ticket selection entry form, we will notify candidates by April 1 via email.

What are the arrangements for guests with ADA needs at Commencement?

• Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis with a designated seating area for guests with ADA and/or mobility impairments.
• Wheelchairs are allowed in the venue; however, wheelchairs are not provided by the venue.
• A drop off lane is provided along Northern Avenue at the front entrance for guests with mobility impairments.
• Upon arriving, seek direction from guest relations staff to the designated areas.
• Guests with ADA needs are asked to check in with Guest Relations staff upon arrival.

• Please contact the Commencement Team by emailing commencement@mcphs.edu.
• The Commencement Team will respond within 24-48 hours.
• Please note due to the anticipated high volume of emails, we respectfully ask candidates to refrain from emailing multiple times.