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Commencement FAQs

Ceremonies for the Class of 2024 will be held at Gillette Stadium!

Ceremony dates and information are as follows:

Friday, May 10

  • Graduate Commencement (Masters/CAGS/EdS Degree Ceremony) 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 11

  • Bachelor's Degree/Undergraduate Morning Ceremony  10 a.m. 
    • Louis M. Ricciardi College of Business
    • College of Education and Health Sciences
    • Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics
  • Bachelor's Degree/Undergraduate Afternoon Ceremony  4 p.m. 
    • College of Humanities and Social Science

 

  • Apply to graduate (prior to the May 2, 2024 deadline) through the Registrar's Office*  
  • Check for holds on your account in InfoBear
  • Pay your bill in full
  • Purchase cap and gown

  
*If you have already applied to graduate via the Office of the Registrar, you do not need to reapply.  

Continue to monitor your BSU email, Graduation Central and these FAQs for ongoing updates.

Tickets will be available online March 26 through May 2, 2024.

  • Tickets are complimentary and all guests age 2 and above must have tickets for admission to Gillette Stadium.
  • Please see our Ticket Information page for more details.

Please note: Tickets are distributed only to the graduate.  Graduates may not share tickets with other graduates and should only be claimed by those who intend to participate.

Student assembly and line-up for graduates will be indoors and the ceremony itself will be held outdoors on the Gillette turf.  All guests will be seated outdoors in the stadium.

BSU leaves the decision about whether to wear a mask to the discretion of individuals.

Students and guests will not be required to show proof of vaccination to enter Gillette Stadium.

BSU and Gillette Stadium continue to follow CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance in regard to COVID-19 protocols.

The Master's/CAGS/EdS degree ceremony and each of the Bachelor’s degree ceremonies will last approximately 2.5 hours.

Yes, all graduates will have their names read aloud and have the opportunity to walk across the commencement stage and be individually celebrated.

For Graduating Students
Graduating students who will require accommodations in the graduation process must complete an Accessibility Request Form. A staff member from the Student Accessibility Services Office will contact you to discuss the specific accommodation needed (e.g. interpreter services, wheelchair seating, etc.). Questions should be directed to the Student Accessibility Services Office at 508.531.2194 or by emailing sas@bridgew.edu.

Graduates who require accommodations may be requested to meet with staff from the Student Accessibility Services Office and the Commencement Committee prior to the ceremony to review processional and seating arrangements.

For Guests
Bridgewater State University is committed to ensuring all individuals have equal access to its programs, services, and community.

Please refer to the Accessibility information page as it pertains to Commencement Ceremonies at Gillette Stadium.

Each graduate will be professionally photographed by Grad Images, Inc. as he or she receives a diploma and exits the stage. Family and friends are not permitted in the aisles to take photographs. Graduates can visit the Grad Images website and click on Pre-Event Email to register their email address.

The concession stands will be open and have food and beverages available for purchase.

A list of local restaurants at Patriot Place will be forthcoming so families may make reservations for celebratory meals with their graduate.

Commencement will be held at Gillette Stadium rain or shine, except in the instance of extreme weather conditions.  In the case of anticipated inclement weather, graduates and guests can call 508.531.1271 for weather-related information.  An announcement will also be posted on the Commencement web site if necessary.

We encourage both graduates and guests to watch the weather forecast and dress according to the ever-changing New England weather. Keep in mind the stadium is outdoors and graduates and guests will be exposed to the elements.

*Note that graduates only receive one tassel, which is for their primary major.

  • The BSU bookstore will sell regalia in the store April 1 through May 9, 2024. 
    • The Bookstore will sell regalia until the Commencement ceremonies
    • There is no S&H charge for in-person purchases
    • The BSU bookstore will be set-up at Gillette for last-minute needs such as tassels as well as BSU merchandise for students and guests
  •  Pricing
    • Graduate cap, gown, tassel & hood $113.00
    • Undergraduate cap, gown & tassel $66.00
    • $15.95 S&H fee if ordered through Oak Hall website for home delivery
    • No charge to pick up at Bookstore

If you have a financial hardship regarding regalia, please contact undergradcommencement@bridgew.edu.

Graduate and Guest parking will be complimentary at Gillette Stadium for all Commencement ceremonies.
Please visit our Commencement Parking page for additional parking information.
No, tailgating will not be allowed in the parking lots at Gillette stadium prior to or after each ceremony.  Commencement is a formal event and both the Gillette and BSU staffs will need to clear the stadium and parking lots to prepare for three ceremonies over two days.

The following hotels have added a limited number of discount rooms during BSU Commencement ceremonies. 

Please click on the hotel name below for a unique booking link:

Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough Patriot Place (HGI)
27 Patriot Place Foxborough, Massachusetts 02035
BSU Room Block Rate: $249.00 per night plus tax
Limited availability, must be booked by 4/12/24 for block rate

Renaissance Boston Patriot Place (REN)
28 Patriot Place Foxborough, Massachusetts 02035
BSU Room Block Rate: $249.00 per night plus tax
Limited availability, must be booked by 4/12/24 for block rate

Yes, faculty and staff are invited to attend the ceremonies.
Additional outreach will be forthcoming to faculty and staff interested in participating.

The Commencement Committee will be working hard over the coming weeks to continue to update pertinent information regarding each ceremony, we appreciate your patience.

Please visit the commencement website to find all the up-to-date information pertaining to the ceremonies. Graduates should also visit Graduation Central (BSU login required) for more information.  Updates will be made as guidance is reviewed and information becomes available.     

Bachelor's Degree Ceremonies: University Events can be reached at 508-531-6139 or undergradcommencement@bridgew.edu.

Master's/CAGS/EdS Degree Ceremony: The College of Graduate Studies can be reached at 508.531.1100 or gradcommencement@bridgew.edu.

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