Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that the information provided below is subject to change based on updates to state and city mandates and CDC guidelines.
General
Will there be a Senior Week or other commencement events?
The Senior Class and other groups may hold in-person and/or Zoom events within campus guidelines. If you are planning an in-person meeting or event on or off campus or would like more information on how to do so, please fill out the room request form or e-mail [email protected]. The Conferences & Events office will send all necessary information to the IRT for review and approval. No event should be organized without preapproval from the IRT. This is to ensure that we continue implementing all required health and safety measures.
Specific event information will be provided as it becomes available.
Can I attend the 2020 Commencement if I am unable to attend the 2021 Commencement? Or vice versa?
Please contact the Student Affairs Office at [email protected].
I am not attending commencement, can I give my guests tickets to another student?
We are working with the park to carefully choreograph the exact seat count for graduate and guest seating for each ceremony to ensure that all health and safety protocols are met. This includes only offering seats to guests of the graduates actually attending the ceremony, via special ticketing process that will be unique to each graduate who will be attending the ceremony. For this reason, please do not offer tickets to others if you cannot attend and do not RSVP as attending if you do not intend to be there in the hope of somehow being able to pass on unused tickets.
How do you get to Fenway Park—and to Suffolk’s campus?
Here’s how to get to Fenway Park and where to park, if you drive. And here’s where you’ll find Suffolk from wherever you are.
How will entering Fenway Park be handled?
Students and guests will be told to arrive at Fenway Park early and will enter through assigned gates. Each individual (graduates and guests) will be required to present their electronic tickets, enter through a metal detector, and wear a mask at all times. Gaitors, bandanas and masks with exhalation valves or vents are not permitted. Red Sox staff will provide directions for seating.
What items are prohibited at Fenway Park?
- Bags larger than 16” x 16” x 8”
- Firearms, including those held by lawfully licensed individuals or off-duty police officers of any law enforcement agency or jurisdiction—this restriction includes ammunition
- Knives, box cutters, tools of any kind (including Leathermans), or any item that could be used as a weapon
- Marijuana (including medical marijuana)
- Pepper space or mace
- Hard-sided coolers
- Cans, bottles, glass containers except one sealed 16 oz. plastic bottle of water
- Alcoholic beverages, illegal substances
- Costumes
- Clothing items determined to be offensive by security staff
Will there be food and drink at commencement?
The concession stands at Fenway Park will not be open during commencement. Each attendee is permitted to bring one 16 oz. sealed bottle of water for personal use.
Where will the graduates sit?
Graduates will sit on the field in pods of one with six-foot distancing between each pod.
Where will guests sit?
Guests will sit in the bowl in pods of three with six-foot distancing between each pod.
Will graduates be permitted to walk across the stage?
Yes, students will process to the stage one by one to receive a printed scroll. Diplomas will be mailed to the graduates after the ceremony. There will be no handshaking on stage.
Can guests take photos and videos of graduates during the ceremony? If so, where?
Guests, including personally hired photographers, are welcome to take photographs and video during the ceremony only from their pod or outside Fenway Park. Guests will not be permitted onto the field. Also, drones are not permitted at Fenway Park.
Please note that personal photographers are not given press passes and must present a ticket in order to enter the park.
Suffolk University has arranged to have a professional photographer take pictures of graduating students as they cross the stage.
GRADIMAGES
Customer Service 1-800-261-2576
Or email [email protected]
Students can also pre-register for a discount here: https://www.gradimages.com/registration.
For questions about ordering photos, contact the Student Affairs Office at [email protected].
I still have questions! Who should I contact?
College and Business School graduates may contact the Student Affairs Office at [email protected].
Law School graduates may contact the Law School Dean of Students office at 617-573-8157 or [email protected].
Health and Safety
Do attendees have to wear a mask?
Yes, all attendees must wear masks throughout the time they are at Fenway Park. Individuals who refuse to wear a mask will be denied entrance to the Park or asked to leave once in. Only masks must be worn. Gaiters, bandanas, and masks with exhalation valves or vents are not permitted.
How are you prioritizing the safety and health of graduates and their guests during Commencement weekend?
All current Massachusetts and city of Boston COVID-19 protocols and procedures will be observed during Commencement weekend, including wearing face masks and adhering to social distancing. Fenway park will be cleaned between each ceremony and venue capacities will be observed. View the park’s most up to date attendance policies and guidelines. Please note that this is set up for attendees at baseball games so there are some sections that don’t apply (concessions), but it is still a helpful resource.
What if COVID restrictions are lifted or change before Commencement weekend?
The university has developed its planning for Commencement weekend in compliance with current government orders and public health guidance. If state or city regulations change that impact commencement, graduates will be informed by email.