Families & Guests

Sunday, May 19, 2024
Leader Bank Pavilion, 290 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210

Sawyer Business School Commencement

Ceremony Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Student Arrival Time: 8:00 a.m.
Guest Arrival Time: Doors will open at 8:00 a.m.

College of Arts & Sciences Commencement

Ceremony Begins: 1:30 p.m.
Student Arrival Time: 12:30 p.m.
Guest Arrival Time: Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.

Law School Commencement

Ceremony Begins: 5:30 p.m.
Student Arrival Time: 4:30 p.m.
Guest Arrival Time: Doors will open at 4:30 p.m.

Each ceremony will last approximately two hours. Doors will open 60 minutes prior to each ceremony. You are expected to remain in your seat throughout the entire ceremony.

Any guests who arrive late for the ceremony may be held near the entrance until the procession is complete.

Tickets

This year students graduating in both the Sawyer Business School and College of Arts and Sciences will receive 4 guest tickets for Commencement.

Students graduating from the Law School will receive 10 guest tickets for Commencement.

Graduating students do not need a ticket to attend.

Children under the age of 3 do not need a ticket.

Due to the limited seating capacity, lost tickets cannot be replaced. We may conduct a lottery for additional guest tickets and will inform graduating students so they may apply if desired.

Webcast

All commencement ceremonies will be webcast live from the Commencement landing page. No specific link or invitation is needed to access the webcast. 

Venue Policies

Please review bag/item restrictions and other important venue policies on the Safety Policies page.

In the Event of Severe Weather

Please see the Safety Policies page for important information on the procedures for severe weather.

International Guests

Family members and friends who will be traveling to the United States from abroad to attend Commencement may need a visa. Please plan for your travel as early as possible. International guests should contact their closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and follow the instructions provided by the U.S. State Department. The U.S. State Department provides additional helpful information. The Division of Student Success provides letters confirming the date of the 2024 Spring Commencement. Graduating students may request a commencement letter at the front desk of the Division of Student Success, 9th floor of 73 Tremont Street, Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Photos & Videos at Commencement

Guests, including personally-hired photographers, may take photographs and video during the ceremony only in the designated areas. Photographers will not be permitted in the roped-off areas or in the aisles. Due to security rules inside the Pavilion and federal law governing the use of drones within close proximity to airports, drones are not permitted inside or in the surrounding area around the Pavilion.

Please note: personal photographers are not given press passes and must present a ticket in order to enter the Pavilion.

Suffolk University has arranged to have a professional photographer take pictures of graduating students as they cross the stage. You can find the images at the GradImages website or contact them at 800-261-2576.

Due to the limited time between ceremonies, graduates and guests must exit the Pavilion immediately following the ceremony.

Policy for Graduates Who Wish to Bring a Child On Stage

If you wish to have a child accompany you on stage to receive your diploma, a family member must meet you at the bottom of the stage to hand off the child as you first approach the stage. Your family member must then meet you and the child on the opposite side of the stage, and as you come off the stage, take the child back to their seat.

Please note that your family member should be as indiscernible as possible and cannot interfere in any way with the ability of the audience to view the ceremony.

No children (or other guests) are allowed in the procession, recession, or graduate seating areas.

Parking

There is very limited on-street parking near the Pavilion. Several pay for parking lots are available close by.

Hotels

Several hotels are located in close proximity to the Leader Bank Pavilion. Book early for the best rate.

On-campus Housing Accommodations

Space is extremely limited and the last day for reservations is Monday 5/13

Families attending Suffolk University Commencement exercises have the option to stay on campus at the 1 Court Street Residence Hall.

Nightly rates are as follows:

  • $100 for a double room (maximum 2 people)
  • $150 for a triple room (maximum 3 people)

Rooms have twin XL beds, dressers, desks, and bureaus. Rooms also have a private bathroom.

The following are included in the rate:

  • Pillow, bed linens and towels for each person
  • Air Conditioning
  • Elevators
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Sal’s Pizza on the 1st floor of One Court is open for food purchase

Dates of stay: available Friday 5/17 – Monday 5/20 with no minimum night or stay required

Make a reservation. 

Restaurants and Exploring Boston

Guests may wish to make reservations for a meal before or after their graduate’s ceremony. There are many restaurants in close proximity to the Leader Bank Pavilion.

You may also want to explore Boston while you are in town. Information about historical and cultural landmarks are near the Pavilion or just a short ride on the T.