Commencement FAQs

Ceremonies for the Class of 2026 will be held at Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA!

Ceremony dates are as follows:

Master's/CAGS/EdS Degree Ceremony
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Xfinity Center, Mansfield MA

Louis M. Ricciardi College of Business
College of Education and Health Sciences
Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics
College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Bachelor's Degree Morning Ceremony
Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Xfinity Center, Mansfield MA

Louis M. Ricciardi College of Business
College of Education and Health Sciences
Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics

Bachelor's Degree Afternoon Ceremony
Friday, May 15, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Xfinity Center, Mansfield MA

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Apply to graduate through the Registrar's Office*
Check for holds on your account in InfoBear
Pay your bill in full
Purchase cap and gown
Claim tickets for your guests

*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 beginning on April 1, 2026, through May 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Students will be able to claim their allotted tickets in the online ticketing system. More information on the exact number of tickets per eligible graduate will be released soon.

Tickets are complimentary.
All guests aged 2 and above must have tickets for admission to the Xfinity Center.

Please note: Tickets are claimed by the graduate and distributed at their sole discretion. Commencement tickets are non-transferable.

The Master's/CAGS/EdS degree ceremony will last approximately 2 hours.

The Bachelor’s degree ceremonies will last approximately 2.5 hours each.

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 The Xfinity Center.

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 pre-register with their email address.

The concession stands will be open and have food and beverages available for purchase. Please note the Xfinity Center is a cashless venue. Cash to card machines are located on site.

Commencement will be held at the Xfinity Center rain or shine, except in the instance of extreme weather conditions. In the case of anticipated inclement weather, graduates and guests will receive further information. An announcement will also be posted on the Commencement website and social media pages 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 a portion of the venue is outdoors and graduates and guests may be exposed to the elements.

Order online on the Oak Hall website starting Feb. 3, 2026.

Purchase in person at the BSU Bookstore starting April 6, 2026

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

Order on Oak Hall website: Starting Feb. 3, 2026

Undergraduate (Bachelors) Kit: cap, gown & tassel by major is $70.00
Shipping & handling fee is $17.95. Total cost $87.95
Order online starting Feb. 3 - Click here to place your order on the Oak Hall website!
2 weeks to process order plus 2-3 weeks for shipping
Online site closes on April 18 (to avoid late deliveries)

Purchase in-person at BSU Bookstore: April 6 - May 13

Pricing: Undergraduate cap, gown & tassel is $70.00
No Shipping & Handling fee
In-store sales begin on April 6
The bookstore will sell regalia until the Commencement ceremonies

The BSU bookstore will be set up at Xfinity Center for last-minute needs such as tassels. BSU merchandise will also be available for purchase by students and guests.

Graduate and Guest parking will be complimentary at Xfinity Center 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 Xfinity Center prior to or after each ceremony. Commencement is a formal event and both the Xfinity Center and BSU staffs will need to clear the parking lots to prepare for the next event.

A room block for BSU Commencement guests is being held at the enVision Hotel and Conference Center:

This hotel is just a 10-minute drive to the Xfinity Center.
No discount code is needed, simply use the link below to reserve rooms at the BSU block rate.
The hotel has limited availability, and rooms are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
The last day to book rooms in the BSU block is Tuesday, April 14, 2026 by 5 p.m.
After this date, all rooms not booked are released for public sale.
There is no minimum number of nights required to reserve rooms at the block rate.

Dates included in the BSU Family Room Block:

Room Block Start Date: Thursday May 14, 2026
Room Block End Date: Saturday May 16, 2026

2026 Commencement Hotel Information

Click on the name of the hotel below for a link to the reservation site for the BSU room block.

Book Your Group Rate at enVision Hotel & Conference Center Mansfield-Foxboro
31 Hampshire Street, Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048
BSU Room Block Rate: $229.00 per night plus tax
Limited availability, must be booked by April 14, 2026 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 information regarding each ceremony. We appreciate your patience.

Please visit the commencement website to find all the up-to-date information about 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.

Commencement FAQs

Accordion Content

When and where will the ceremonies be held?

What are my next steps?

How do I obtain tickets?

How long will the ceremony last?

Will I walk across the stage?

Who will assist with accessibility concerns for guests or graduates?

Will there be a professional photographer present?

Will food be available at Xfinity Center?

What happens if there is inclement weather?

How do I order my regalia?

Where do I park and is there a charge?

Will tailgating be allowed in the parking lot before or after ceremonies?

Are there hotel accommodations in the area?

Are faculty and staff invited to attend the ceremonies?

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

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