Frequently Asked Questions, Including Ticket Information
Below are some of the questions that we anticipate Berklee College of Music students and families may have related to the May 2024 commencement celebration and ceremony.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Berklee Online, and Berklee Valencia students should refer to their respective websites for more information.
Will the concert or ceremony be livestreamed for those who can not attend?
For friends and family who are unable to attend the concert or ceremony, both events will be streamed live on the Berklee Vimeo platform.
How can I request an accessibility accommodation?
Students and guests, please complete this form if you need an accessibility accommodation at the concert or the ceremony.
Agganis Arena fully complies and exceeds all requirements as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This additional Information may be helpful:
DROP-OFF LOCATION/MAIN LOBBY ENTRANCE The accessible drop-off location is located on the corner of Harry Agganis Way and Commonwealth Avenue. The main lobby entrance is accessible to guests with disabilities as are all arena entrances, hallways, and pathways.
PARKING Accessible parking spaces are available in all parking lots associated with the arena. A parking map (opens in a new window) is available for your assistance.
RESTROOMS All public restrooms are equipped with accessible sinks, stalls, and amenities. There are 15 public restrooms located throughout the arena. Nine public restrooms are located on the concourse level, four are located on the entry level, and two are located on the event level. All public restrooms are equipped with baby-changing stations and are accessible to guests in wheelchairs.
ELEVATORS Guests with disabilities receive preferential access to elevators during all arena events. The Agganis Arena has four passenger elevators: two in the southeast corner of the arena serving Lot A and one each in the southwest and northwest corners of the arena providing access from the arena lobby to the concourse level.
SERVICE DOGS that assist guests with disabilities are welcome in the arena. Service dogs must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. Please use the form to let us know if you will be bringing a service dog to the arena with you.
What are the current COVID protocols for attending the commencement concert and/or ceremony?
There are no COVID-related protocols in place in the city of Boston at this time. Protocols are subject to change and you can stay up to date with the most recent information from the City of Boston's Public Health Commission.
Can I participate with my class if I haven't completed my requirements for graduation?
Berklee College of Music's commencement ceremony will celebrate students who are graduating during the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters. Students planning to complete all requirements and graduate in the summer 2024 semester must have 16 or fewer course credits remaining (13 credits for diploma students) by the spring 2024 add/drop deadline and no course sequences that would require future enrollment beyond the summer 2024 semester. Please note that you are only permitted to participate in one commencement ceremony (virtual or in-person) per degree or diploma earned. See the Requirements for Graduation and Applying to Graduate pages for more information.
How long is the commencement ceremony?
We anticipate that the ceremony will last approximately three to four hours.
How do I get my cap and gown?
You ordered your cap and gown when you applied for graduation.
Starting Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 3, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., you will need to pick up your cap and gown at the Berklee Bookstore. Caps and gowns will not be available at the venue.
If you want someone else to pick up your cap and gown between April 29 and May 3, you must fill out this designation form by Thursday, April 25.
On Saturday, May 11, you must arrive “robed and ready” (wearing your cap and gown).
How do I participate in the commencement concert?
To be eligible to participate in the 2024 commencement concert, you must first be approved to graduate in the 2024 commencement ceremony. If your 2024 application was received by the December deadline and approved by the Office of the Registrar, you will automatically receive an email in February 2024 with detailed instructions—and a submittable application link—to formally apply and audition to participate in the Berklee College of Music commencement concert. There will be opportunities for performers, arrangers, and track production assistants within the concert, which will pay tribute to the body of work of the 2024 honorary doctorates. You may apply for multiple roles within the concert. The deadline to submit your application form(s) and supporting material will be around early March.
How do I apply to be the student commencement speaker?
To be considered, you must be eligible to participate in the May 2024 Berklee College of Music commencement ceremony. Make sure you are eligible to graduate and have been approved to graduate prior to submitting a request to be the student commencement speaker.
Information about the application process and deadline will be mailed to applicants in February. The student commencement speaker will be announced in April.
How can I get graduation announcements?
Personalized graduation announcements that can be sent to family and friends can be ordered online at Balfour.com.
Information for international students and families requesting invitation letters
International graduates residing outside the U.S. are welcome to attend the commencement ceremony. You will need to enter the U.S. in tourist status. Qualified citizens/nationals of participating Visa Waiver Program countries may apply for the ESTA; all other citizens/nationals will need to apply for a B-2 (tourist) visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. It is not possible to issue an I-20 or F-1 visa for the purpose of participating in a commencement ceremony.
Berklee does not issue invitation letters. The U.S. Department of State has let us know that invitation letters from colleges and universities are not reviewed by immigration officers and do not affect the outcome of a visa application. We suggest that you bring the following documents with you to support your visa application and/or when you enter the U.S.:
- A printed copy of the email confirming your participation in the commencement ceremony. Make sure the email includes the date, time, and location of the ceremony.
- A copy of your transcript or diploma certificate. Request your transcript here.
Who can we contact if we have further questions?
For general questions about commencement, please complete this form (login required) or email commencementconcert@berklee.edu. For questions about graduation requirements, diplomas, transcripts, and how honors are determined, contact gradspecialist@berklee.edu. For questions about the commencement concert, please email: commencementconcert@berklee.edu.