Navigating the Boston College Academic Calendar: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the Boston College academic calendar is crucial for students, faculty, and staff to effectively plan their academic year. This guide provides comprehensive information regarding graduation ceremonies, community service requirements, and important policies.
Graduation Information
Eligibility and Participation
August 2024 and December 2024 graduates are eligible to fully participate in the May 19th ceremony. However, it's important to note that these graduates should have already received their diploma. For August 2025 graduates, while they won't be listed in the Commencement Program for 2025, their names will be announced during the presentation of degrees.
Graduate Management Diploma Ceremony
The Graduate Management diploma ceremony is a significant event for graduating students and their families. It takes place on the Bapst Library Lawn. Guests should anticipate a Noon start time, keeping in mind that there might be a slight delay contingent upon the conclusion of the University ceremony.
The ceremony will be held under a tent, ensuring it proceeds regardless of weather conditions. No tickets are required for this event, offering open access to all who wish to attend. However, seating under the tent is limited, and once capacity is reached, overflow standing room will be available outside the tent.
Given that the ceremony is held on grass, guests are advised to consider appropriate footwear. The university hires a professional photographer to capture individual graduate photos, as well as candid shots before and during the ceremony.
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Graduates achieving GPAs in the top 10% of the graduating class will be acknowledged With Distinction.
Accessibility
As part of the registration process, graduates have the option to request accessible seating, along with one companion seat. These accessible seats will be located on the concourse level of the stadium. All other family members and guests will be seated in the non-reserved sections of the stadium.
Community Service Requirement
A core component of the Boston College Graduate Management programs (MBA, MSA, and MSF) is the completion of community service hours. This requirement underscores the university's commitment to social responsibility and encourages students to engage with the community.
MBA students are required to complete a total of 20 hours of community service. MSA and MSF students must complete a total of 10 hours of community service. Graduates who have already submitted their hours do not need to resubmit them. The Graduate Programs Office communicates directly with graduating students who are missing community service hours.
Important Policies
Graduates participating in the ceremony should wear their gown but without a cap or hood. Guests should be seated before the ceremony begins.
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Cashless Transactions
It's important to note that campus dining and concession locations no longer accept cash at the point of sale. Attendees should plan accordingly and use alternative payment methods such as credit or debit cards.
Prohibited Items
To ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees, certain items are prohibited from Alumni Stadium and respective school graduation sites. These include luggage, backpacks, briefcases, large bags, and wrapped gifts. Only small clutch purses will be allowed. Cameras are permitted, but large camera equipment bags are not allowed. These policies are in place to expedite entry into the venues and provide a secure and comfortable environment for everyone.
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