Boston College Graduation Traditions: A Comprehensive Guide
Graduation from Boston College is a momentous occasion steeped in tradition and celebration. From the formal academic procession to the spirited Senior Week activities, the BC experience culminates in a series of events designed to honor graduates and welcome them into the alumni community. This article explores the various customs and celebrations surrounding Boston College graduation, providing a detailed overview of what to expect during this special time.
The Academic Procession and Commencement Ceremony
The highlight of graduation is undoubtedly the main commencement ceremony. The event begins with the academic procession, a symbolic march representing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
The Procession Route
Undergraduate students gather at Linden Lane and proceed down the stairs near O'Neill Library. They then join the graduate students before heading to Conte Forum. Together, they march towards the field, symbolizing unity and shared achievement.
Stage Approach and Diploma Distribution
As each degree program is announced, graduating students will adhere to the staff's directions, approaching the stage from the right side, near the podium. After receiving recognition, graduates exit the stage and return to their seats. The formal distribution of diplomas takes place at the end of the ceremony, marking the official conferral of degrees.
Accessibility and Logistics
The university provides accommodations for guests with mobility issues, which can be requested through the University Commencement Registration form. For the Woods College Diploma Ceremony, specific requests are made via the Woods College Diploma Ceremony Participation Questionnaire. It is important to note that traffic around the university is particularly heavy on Commencement morning, so allow for extra travel time.
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Photography and Etiquette
A professional photographer will capture the moment each graduate receives their diploma at the Diploma Ceremony. Friends and family are welcome to take photos, but are asked to stay behind the stanchions in the graduates' area to avoid disrupting the ceremony.
Seating and Tickets
Seats for all ceremonies are reserved for graduating students and individuals with mobility issues. Tickets are not required for the Baccalaureate Mass or any of the ceremonies. Attendance at either event is not mandatory.
Cap and Gown Pick-Up
Students do not need to have their BC ID physically to pick up their cap and gown. Bookstore representatives will ask for valid proof of identification and the student's Eagle ID number if the student doesn't have the Eagle ID card.
Ceremony Duration
The Woods College of Advancing Studies diploma ceremony typically lasts around two hours.
Senior Week: A Celebration of the Graduating Class
The week leading up to Commencement Monday, known as Senior Week, is a time for graduating seniors to celebrate their accomplishments and find closure to their time at Boston College. It is filled with fun and meaningful events designed to create lasting memories.
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Late Night Breakfast
Senior Week traditionally kicks off with the Class of 2026 Late Night Breakfast. This festive event, hosted by the Office of Student Involvement in partnership with BC Dining and Residential Life, offers a break from final exams and celebrates the end of the fall semester.
100 Days Dance
The countdown to graduation begins with the 100 Days Dance. Attendees dress to impress and enjoy music, a photo booth, and refreshments, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Tickets are required for this event.
Senior Trivia Night
Graduating students can test their knowledge of pop culture, campus history, and BC memories at Senior Trivia Night. Teams compete for prizes in this engaging and entertaining event.
Senior Week Kairos (SWK)
Senior Week Kairos (SWK) is a one-day retreat that offers graduating seniors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Kairos experience before graduation.
Dance Through the Decades
Dance Through the Decades features music from different eras, encouraging attendees to dress in costumes or casual attire representing their favorite decade. The cost of the ticket includes venue access, a DJ, a photo booth, and finger foods, with beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase. Tickets are required.
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Senior Week Candlelight Mass
A special Senior Week Candlelight Mass is held in St. Joseph’s Chapel on Upper Campus, followed by a reception with pizza and drinks in O’Connell House.
Agape Latte Lunch
Seniors can meet up with some of their favorite Agape Latte speakers and enjoy lunch and conversation about their time at Boston College.
Class Photo
Graduating students gather for one final, unforgettable photo, mirroring the one taken at the start of their BC journey.
Senior Class Toast
The Senior Class Toast is a longstanding tradition that welcomes graduating students to the Alumni Association. It takes place directly after the class photo.
Senior Week Pause & Pray
Senior Week Pause & Pray offers a time for shared conversation, prayer, and reflection on themes of transitions, goodbyes, and new beginnings. Dinner is provided.
Commencement Ball
The Commencement Ball is a formal affair held at RoadRunner Boston. It features live music, a DJ, a photo booth, and hors d’oeuvres, with beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase. Tickets are required.
Final Flight Sunrise
Seniors gather one last time before their Final Flight to watch the sunrise with a continental breakfast at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.
Reflecting on the Boston College Experience
Many students have shared their favorite memories of Boston College, highlighting the unique experiences and traditions that make BC so special.
Favorite Memories
Students reminisce about moments such as returning to campus for New Year’s, trips to Canada, living in Walsh Hall, Marathon Monday celebrations, football tailgates, and spring break trips.
Dorm Life
Dorm life at Boston College, whether in Newton or Walsh, is a key part of the BC experience. Sophomore year in Walsh Hall is often remembered as a particularly fun time, with residents creating a close-knit community.
Traditions and Events
Traditions such as Marathon Monday and football tailgates are integral to the BC experience, fostering a sense of community and excitement. Events like St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween are also popular among students.
Senior Week Events: A Closer Look
Senior Week at Boston College provides a whirlwind of nostalgia and excitement for graduating seniors. It's the final chance to celebrate being a Boston College student without the worry of school work or other school-related commitments.
Ticketed Events
Senior Week event tickets typically go on sale in early April and include events such as Senior Night at Fenway, Dance Through the Decades, the Senior Golf Tournament, and the Commencement Ball. Tickets for Dance Through the Decades and the Commencement Ball often sell out quickly.
Dance Through the Decades: A Costume Celebration
Dance Through the Decades is a popular event where seniors dress in attire representing their favorite decade. The night includes music from various decades and a balloon drop at midnight.
Commencement Ball: The Formal Finale
The Commencement Ball is the last official event of Senior Week and the final dance of college careers. Seniors dress in their fanciest attire and often take party buses to the event, which is typically held at a hotel in Downtown Boston.
Senior Golf Tournament: A Relaxing Afternoon
The Senior Golf Tournament takes place at the Newton Commonwealth Golf Course. Seniors have the opportunity to play the course at a discounted rate, and prizes are awarded for achievements such as "longest ball."
Senior Night at Fenway: A Boston Landmark
Senior Night at Fenway offers seniors a chance to visit one of Boston's most iconic landmarks and enjoy a Red Sox game.
The Final Days: Move-Out and Lasting Memories
The days leading up to graduation are filled with mixed emotions, as seniors prepare to leave campus and embark on new adventures.
The Last Hurrah
The night before commencement, seniors often gather on top of the Beacon Hill garage for one last celebration. They spend the evening reminiscing, bonding, and watching the sunrise over the city.
Move-Out Day
One of the most challenging aspects of graduation is the move-out process. Seniors typically need to be out of their dorms and mods by the evening of Commencement Monday. Many students choose to move out gradually in the weeks leading up to graduation to make the process less stressful.
Graduation Weekend: Planning and Celebrations
Graduation weekend is a time for seniors to celebrate with family and friends. Many students organize dinners, parties, and events to mark the occasion.
Dinner Parties
Planning a graduation dinner party can be a complex undertaking, involving considerations such as headcount, location, date, time, and budget. It's important to book a venue early, as graduation is a busy time for restaurants in the Boston area.
Marathon Monday: A Shared Experience
The Boston Marathon holds a special significance for Boston College students. The events of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings have deeply shaped the experiences of seniors, fostering a sense of community and resilience.
Unique Graduation Traditions Around the World
While Boston College has its own unique traditions, graduation ceremonies around the world are filled with diverse and fascinating customs.
Foam Sword Friday (University of Texas at Austin)
At the University of Texas in Austin, students participate in Foam Sword Friday, where they gather to brandish foam swords and charge at one another.
Hoop Rolling (Wellesley College)
At Wellesley College, seniors roll wooden hoops down Tupelo street, a tradition that dates back over a century.
Watch Drop (Williams College)
During commencement at Williams College, a watch is dropped from the spire of Thompson Chapel. If the watch breaks, it is said to bring good luck to the graduating class.
Urinating on a Statue (Yale University)
Graduating seniors at Yale urinate on the toe of the statue of Theodore Dwight Woolsey.
Fountain Dipping (Butler University)
At Butler University, students must take a dip in all five of the campus's fountains before graduating.
The Class Goat (West Point)
At West Point, the lowest academic performer in the graduating class is recognized as "the class goat" and receives wild applause during graduation.
Nursing School Bonfire (Liberty University)
Senior nursing students at Liberty University gather for a bonfire at the home of the nursing school dean.
Civilian Sword (University of Lund)
At the University of Lund in Finland, doctorates must wear an officially certified civilian sword.
Costume Graduation (Kanazawa College of Art)
At the Kanazawa College of Art in Japan, students are encouraged to wear creative and outlandish costumes to their graduation ceremony.
Hat Throwing (Naval Academy)
Graduates of the Naval Academy in Annapolis spontaneously threw their old hats in celebration after receiving their diplomas.
Diploma Exchange (Smith College)
Students graduating from Smith College in Massachusetts exchange diplomas to ensure everyone receives the correct one.
Sailor Hats and Embarrassing Photos (Sweden)
In Sweden, graduates wear matching sailor hats and participate in a ceremony that includes singing songs, receiving gifts from parents, and parading through the city.
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