Families & Guests
Sunday, May 17, 2026
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
The number of tickets each graduating student will receive for family and guests will be determined at the end of November. More information will be emailed to students once a decision has been made.
Please note that ticket amounts are determined by the venue's capacity and the expected number of graduating students in each ceremony. There will be a request process for any extra tickets leftover after all students have had the opportunity to participate in Packet Pickup in May. If you are interested in extra tickets, there is nothing for you to do now. Details about this process will be announced in the Spring semester.
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. A lottery for additional guest tickets is available and details have been communicated via email to all students.
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 2025 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.
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.