Graduate & Guest Information

Graduating students are invited to apply to serve as the Student Commencement Speaker and deliver a three- to five-minute address during the ceremony.

Applicants must:

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application
• Be in good academic standing
• Not be under student disciplinary sanctions or disciplinary review
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills
• Submit a proposed Commencement address and résumé or CV with the application

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on October. 28, 2026.

Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the search committee via Zoom. The student selected as Commencement Speaker must participate in a pre-Commencement rehearsal and will be seated on the main stage during the ceremony.

Apply to Be the Student Commencement Speaker

Please make sure to review and edit the following information in Self Service in preparation for your upcoming degree conferral by the University

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 check for correct punctuation, accent marks, capitalization, and hyphens. For more information about your name, please visit the Registrar's web page.

Permanent/Preferred Address: Your diploma will be sent to the permanent/preferred address in Self Service that is marked with 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 may cause shipping delays.

Questions regarding your chosen name and address can be directed to the Registrar, RegistrarsOffice@mcphs.edu.

Login into Self Service

Candidates inviting guests from outside the United States may request a visitation letter from MCPHS. The letter will be sent to your MCPHS student email.

Requests must be submitted by November 1, 2026. Requests received after the deadline cannot be accommodated.

A visitation letter does not guarantee entry into the United States. Admission decisions are made by U.S. immigration officials.

Request a Visitation Letter

Many academic programs host additional ceremonies that may include special recognition, pinning, awards, or other program traditions. These ceremonies may take place in the weeks leading up to Commencement or immediately following the December 15 ceremony at the DCU Center. For Academic Ceremonies held on Commencement Day, guests use the same ticket to enter both ceremonies.

Academic programs coordinate all logistics for the Academic Ceremonies and will send relevant information to candidates through their MCPHS student email accounts.

School of Nursing

• BSN Boston: Sylvie Djousse — sylvie.djousse@mcphs.edu
• BSN Manchester: Carlene Blais — carlene.blais@mcphs.edu
• BSN Worcester: Gabrielle DeVivo — gabrielle.devivo@mcphs.edu
• Graduate: Bonnie Laurent — bonnie.laurent@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

What is the difference between graduation, conferral, and Commencement?

The graduation or conferral date and the Commencement date refer to two different aspects of completing a degree:

• Graduation/Conferral Date: This is the official date your degree is formally awarded by the Registrar. It is the date the University records that you have met all academic requirements and officially confers your degree. This date often appears on your diploma and transcript.
• Commencement Date: The date of the ceremonial event when students and faculty gather to celebrate the conferral of degrees. Degrees are conferred symbolically during the ceremony, although the official awarding of the degree typically occurs on the conferral date.

If you are not enrolled in one of the programs selected for the December Ceremony, registration and regalia-ordering information for the May 2027 ceremonies will be sent to your student email account in January 2027.

Which academic schools are participating in the December 2026 Commencement Ceremony? What if my academic school is not listed, but I expect to complete my degree in December?

Only the following academic schools are participating in the December 2026 Ceremony:

• Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene
• School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics
• School of Nursing
• School of Physician Assistant Studies, Manchester and Worcester

If your academic program is affiliated with another academic school, such as the School of Pharmacy or the School of Arts and Sciences, your school or program will participate in the May 2027 ceremonies. Details about the May 2027 ceremonies will be announced in January 2027.

I will complete my degree in December, but my program is not participating in the December Commencement Ceremony. What does that mean?

Candidates whose degrees are expected to be conferred in December but who are not enrolled in the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics, School of Nursing, or School of Physician Assistant Studies in Manchester or Worcester are invited to participate in the May 2027 ceremonies. The Commencement Team will send regalia-ordering information and logistical details to your student email account in late January 2027.

If your degree is expected to be conferred in December, your diploma will be ordered and mailed to the home or permanent address listed in Self-Service. Please log in to Self-Service and update your address by November 1 to avoid shipping delays.

How can I make sure I do not miss any information about Commencement?

All members of the MCPHS community are encouraged to check their MCPHS email daily for important announcements. Ceremony information will be sent by email and posted on the Commencement website.

Is there a rehearsal for Commencement?

There is no rehearsal for Commencement. Candidates may visit the MCPHS YouTube channel to watch previous ceremonies and get a general idea of what to expect. The Student Commencement Speaker will be asked to attend a pre-Commencement walk-through.

What accommodations are available for guests with disabilities or mobility needs?

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a designated area for guests with disabilities or mobility needs. Wheelchairs are permitted in the venue but are not provided. Upon arrival, please ask a guest relations staff member for directions to the designated seating area. Guests who require accessible seating should enter through Door 13.

I picked up my regalia, but an item is missing. What should I do?

The regalia vendor will be available at the DCU Center before the Ceremony to assist with any missing or ill-fitting regalia items. If you are not attending the Ceremony and are missing an item, please contact the Commencement Team within 24 hours for assistance.

Which entrance at the DCU Center should attendees use?

• Candidates: Enter through Doors 1 and 2.
• Guests: Enter through Doors 10, 11, and 12.
• Guests requiring accessible entry: Enter through Door 13.

What parking and public transportation options are available for candidates and guests?

Several city-owned parking garages and lots are available in the downtown area surrounding the DCU Center. For parking information, visit the DCU Center parking webpage.

For alternative transportation options, visit the DCU Center transportation webpage.

Does the DCU Center have a bag policy?

Yes. Small wristlets measuring no more than 5 x 7 inches are permitted. Medical and diaper bags are also permitted but will be inspected before entry.

All other bags, including crossbody bags, large totes, backpacks, and duffel bags, are prohibited.

For additional information, review the DCU Center policies.

How long is the Commencement Ceremony?

The Commencement Ceremony will last approximately 90 to 120 minutes. Following the Ceremony, there will be a short intermission before the academic programs begin their individual ceremonies.

Are candidates and faculty required to stay for the entire Commencement Ceremony?

Yes. After crossing the stage, candidates must return to their seats. Out of respect for the remaining candidates, attendees will be directed back to their seats following the procession across the stage. Diplomas will not be distributed until the conclusion of the academic ceremonies.

What should candidates do when they arrive?

When the doors open, all candidates must proceed to the check-in area to receive their stage cards and line up for the processional. Guests are not permitted in the check-in area.

• 8:00 a.m.: Doors open for all attendees
• 8:00–9:00 a.m.: Candidate and faculty check-in
• 9:00 a.m.: Candidates and faculty line up for the processional
• 9:30 a.m.: Commencement Ceremony begins

Where will candidates be seated during the Commencement Ceremony?

Candidates will be seated on the arena floor in alphabetical order by academic school and program.

When will candidates receive their diplomas?

Candidates will receive their diplomas at the conclusion of the academic ceremonies on Commencement Day. If your school or program holds its academic ceremony before the main Commencement Ceremony, diploma pickup will take place following Commencement.

Candidates must present a valid ID when picking up their diplomas. Diplomas will be distributed in alphabetical order. Graduates with a hold from Student Financial Services or the Registrar will be unable to pick up their diplomas until the hold is resolved.

Graduates who do not attend the ceremonies or pick up their diplomas following the academic ceremonies will have their diplomas mailed to the home or permanent address listed in Self-Service.

May candidates decorate their regalia caps and wear cords or stoles? Are Commencement accessories available for purchase?

Yes. Candidates may decorate their regalia caps and purchase cords, stoles, and other Commencement accessories. Accessories are available through the MCPHS Jostens website.

Honor cords will be distributed to eligible undergraduate candidates during check-in on Commencement Day. Please review the Student Handbook to determine eligibility.

Are balloons permitted in the venue?

No. Balloons are not permitted in the venue.

May attendees take photos or record videos during the event?

Yes. Attendees may take photos and record videos during the event, but they are not permitted on the arena floor.

Will candidates have their photos taken on stage?

Yes. A complimentary digital photograph will be taken of each candidate who attends the Commencement Ceremony in person on December 15.

How will candidates who do not attend Commencement receive their diplomas?

Candidates who graduate but do not attend the Ceremony will receive their diplomas by mail. Candidates may review and update their home or permanent addresses in Self-Service through November 1. Address changes made after November 1 may result in shipping delays or non-delivery.

Will the Commencement Ceremony be livestreamed or recorded?

The University-wide Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed from the DCU Center. A link to the livestream will be posted on the morning of Commencement.

The Ceremony will also be recorded and posted to the MCPHS YouTube channel in the weeks following Commencement. Please visit the Commencement website or subscribe to the MCPHS YouTube channel for updates. The individual academic ceremonies will not be livestreamed.

Will the Ceremony be postponed because of inclement weather?

The event will continue as planned despite potential inclement weather. Candidates and guests are encouraged to prepare accordingly. Any updates regarding the Commencement Ceremony will be communicated by email and posted on the Commencement website.

What does the graduation/Commencement fee cover?

The graduation/Commencement fee is a one-time, nonrefundable fee assessed to all candidates, regardless of whether they attend Commencement in person or which Commencement Ceremony they attend.

All candidates are responsible for paying the fee to complete their degree requirements, have their degrees awarded or conferred, and receive their diplomas and regalia, including a cap, gown, and tassel. The fee is added to the student’s account.

Information about the May 2027 Commencement Ceremonies will be emailed to candidates and posted on the Commencement website in early 2027. This information will include:

• Registration
• Regalia ordering
• Visitation letters for international guests
• Other important details

The May ceremonies are intended for candidates with the following conferral dates:

• December 2026
• May 2027
• September 2027

Please note: There is no September Commencement Ceremony. Candidates with an anticipated conferral date of September 2027 may participate in the May 2027 ceremonies.

Candidates enrolled in the nontraditional PharmD program or a program requiring a thesis or dissertation should contact their program director or academic dean to confirm which Commencement Ceremony they are eligible to attend.