All You Need to Know About Commencement

Please complete the Graduation Application on the main page of Regis Hub if you have not already done so. Once the form is complete, the Office of the Registrar will conduct the required degree audit. (If you do not receive a confirmation, please resubmit your application through Regis Hub.)

If you need to make any changes to the form, you can do so up to a month before the conferral date. For changes required within one month of conferral, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Submitting this application notifies the Office of the Registrar of a student’s intent to graduate only. All degree audits must be approved by applicable advisors, program directors, and the Office of the Registrar.

All transcript orders are now processed by the National Student Clearinghouse. We offer paper and electronic official transcripts for current Regis students, along with alumni and former students who attended Regis after 2000. Fee: $5.25 plus an additional $1 for emailed transcript option. Additional copies are $2.50/each.

For alumni and former students who attended Regis prior to 2000, we offer paper official transcripts only. We do not offer electronic or emailed official transcripts. Fee: $5.25. Additional copies are $2.50/each.

Mailing

Your official diploma will be mailed to the address provided on your application roughly ten to 12 weeks following your conferral date.

Proof of Degree

Students who need proof of their degree completion may request a transcript once their degree has been awarded.

Diploma Format

All Regis College diplomas are in Latin (except for Post-Masters Certificates). The degrees are printed in Latin as they were originally approved when Regis was founded in 1927.

Translation of the Latin Text of the Regis College Degree

Candidates for graduation may order their cap, gown and hood here.

When are the deadlines to order regalia?

Associate/Bach/Cert/Masters

• March 30 by 11:59 p.m.

Doctoral

• March 16 at 11:59 p.m.

When will regalia be available?

Delivery information for regalia will be provided in your confirmation email.

Candidates for graduation must meet all academic and financial requirements. Please check with your advisor if you have any questions. You must be financially cleared to receive your degree and transcript. Undergraduate students are eligible to participate in Commencement with no more than two courses to complete toward degree completion. All Graduate and Doctoral students, including online, are eligible to participate in Commencement if they can successfully complete all of their degree requirements by August of the same year.

Each graduate will be allowed up to five (5) guest tickets; graduating students do not need a ticket. All tickets will be delivered electronically.

An email from commencement@regiscollege.edu with a secure link to order tickets will be sent to graduating students by April 15.

Graduates who have specific academic achievements may wear a ceremonial cord or stole bestowed upon them by Regis. Candidates for degrees must wear robes and hoods appropriate to their degree.

Please take into consideration that the venue is on the waterfront, therefore cool spring breezes coming in off the water may make the air significantly cooler than in other parts of the city. Appropriate dress and removable layers of clothing are key to staying comfortable in Boston’s unpredictable climate.

We encourage students not to leave any belongings unattended while in the venue.

Graduates may receive ceremonial cords or stoles bestowed upon them by Regis based on their academic achievement and/or campus involvement. 

More information about cords, stoles, pins, etc. will be shared with qualifying graduates directly from the managing department, program, or office throughout the spring semester.

While not an exhaustive list, the following are some common cords and stoles bestowed by Regis:

Honors Program

• Gold Stole: For all graduates from the Honors program.
• White Cord: For all graduates from the Honors program as a symbol of their service.
• College Latin Honors: Graduates from the Honors program who have earned college Latin honors receive a crimson and gold cord.
  • Cum Laude (GPA 3.45-3.69): Single Cord
  • Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.7-3.89): Double Cord
  • Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.9 and above): Triple Cord

Eligible graduates will receive their honor cords and/or stoles during the Baccalaureate Mass and Awards Ceremony.

Sankofa Ceremonial Stoles

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Kente, and Serape stoles will be available for purchase from the Center for Student Engagement. Students wishing to take part in the Sankofa Ceremony will receive their stole during the program. 

Lavender Ceremonial Cords

Lavender cords commemorating the achievements of LGBTQIA+ graduates will be available from the Center for Student Engagement. Students wishing to take part in the Lavender Ceremony will have the option to receive their cord during the program.

The Leader Bank Pavilion, located at 290 Northern Avenue, Boston MA, is an outdoor amphitheater in the Boston Seaport that seats approximately 5,000.

Please take into consideration that the venue is on the waterfront, therefore cool spring breezes coming in off the water may make the air significantly cooler than in other parts of the city. Appropriate dress and removable layers are key to staying comfortable in Boston’s unpredictable climate.

Click here for directions.

We encourage students not to leave any belongings unattended while at the Pavilion.

All bags are subject to search upon entry. Guests have the right to refuse a bag search and the venue has the right to refuse entry. If you have any items that are not allowed into the venue please return them to your vehicle.

Signs larger than 8.5 X 11 inches are not permitted into the venue so not to block other guests view of the stage. This size is the same size as a standard sheet of paper.

Concessions are located throughout the venue's concourse area and refreshments are available for purchase.

In the event of an emergency while onsite, Leader Bank Pavilion employs a trained paramedic from Boston Emergency Medical Services to assist with any medical issues. First aid is located near the entry gates, but any staff member with a radio can dispatch First Aid to the location needed. Local law enforcement officers are also on site for every event and can assist if needed or requested.

Guests are expected to behave respectfully and in accordance with venue policy, state and local laws. Any guest that is acting in a manner that venue management deems unsafe can be subject to eviction.

Items allowed into venue

• Average size bags/back packs which are subject to search
• Cameras – nonprofessional only, no detachable lenses
• Food – in a clear, one-gallon Ziplock bag
• Water – up to one gallon in a factory sealed or empty bottle

Items not allowed into venue include, but are not limited to

• Weapons of any kind
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs/substances
• Glass containers
• Cans
• Hard sides/large coolers
• Large or oversized bags/backpacks, such as luggage, duffel bags, or industrial/camping-sized backpacks
• Laser pointers
• Selfie sticks
• Animals (except for service animals)
• Fireworks
• Balloons
• Noisemakers of any kind, including air horns

The Leader Bank Pavilion participates in a venue-wide recycling program. You will find recycling bins located throughout the venue. Please recycle where possible.

Restrooms are located on both sides of the main concourse surrounding the seating areas.

Limited concession stands will be open at the Leader Bank Pavilion.

Re-Entry is not permitted at the Leader Bank Pavilion Pavilion. Please ensure that everything you will need for the event is brought in with you. If you do leave at any point during the ceremony - you will not be allowed back in the venue.

Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the venue per order of the Boston Public Health Commission. We appreciate your cooperation.

Umbrellas may be used to get to and from the venue, but umbrellas may not be deployed when guests are coming through the entry gates or in the venue, for the safety of all our guests.

The Leader Bank Pavilion is ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible. The Pavilion will have a few wheelchairs available for transport from car to seating only. Families with guests with mobility issues should drive to the front door of the Pavilion and a Regis volunteer will be of assistance.

Guests requiring any additional accommodations should reach out directly to the Office of Student Accessibility Services.

When should graduating students arrive at the venue?

The student entrance at the Leader Bank Pavilion will open at 8 a.m.

If you are facing the Leader Bank Pavilion, the entrance for graduating students is to the left of the main gate and will be marked. Commencement staff members will be on duty to direct students to the appropriate entrance. Graduating students must be inside the venue by 9 a.m. to be included in the procession.

When should guests arrive at the venue?

The guest entrance at the Leader Bank Pavilion will open at 8:30 a.m. and the ceremony begins promptly at 10 a.m.

When does transportation depart from the Regis campus to the Pavilion?

For students/faculty/staff who pre-registered for transportation, buses will leave from the Student Center beginning at 7:30 a.m. The last bus will leave Regis promptly at 8 a.m. Bus transportation to and from Regis is reserved for graduating students, faculty and staff only. Families and guests must provide their own transportation. If you miss the bus, you must secure your own transportation to the venue.

Remember! Any bags brought into the venue are subject to search. Students should not leave their personal items unattended at the Pavilion. Any items left in the student robing area during commencement may be discarded at the discretion of the venue.

Commencement begins promptly at 10 a.m. and will conclude at approximately 1 p.m. Please do not make lunch or other arrangements before 1:30 p.m. Graduates and their guests are expected to remain in their seats until the conclusion of the ceremony so that all students graduating can be properly recognized and honored. Please plan accordingly.

Please see our venue information page or the Leader Bank Pavilion website for directions.

Parking is available for Leader Bank Pavilion patrons at the Seaport Hotel Garage within a short walk of the Pavilion, and at other area parking lots and garages.

The MBTA trip planner can help you plan your journey.

Local hotel information

Pre-register for transportation

The Commencement ceremony will take place rain or shine.

• The ceremony is at a tented outdoor venue.
• It is always colder on the waterfront – anywhere from five to 10 degrees colder depending on the wind.
• Dress warmly. You can always take off a sweater or jacket under your robe.

When will I receive my diploma after graduation?

Diplomas will be mailed via USPS to the address you provided on your Graduation Application form approximately ten to 12 weeks following your graduation. If you did not provide an address, your diploma will be mailed to the address on file with the Center for Student Services (CSS). It is your responsibility to update your address with CSS if your permanent address information changes. If you have a financial hold, your diploma will be held until you have cleared your obligation to the university. Regis College is not responsible for diplomas lost or damaged during the shipping process.

Does Regis provide copies of diplomas?

No, Regis does not provide copies of diplomas.

Can I make copies of my diploma?

Yes! You are encouraged to make good, color copies prior to getting your diploma framed as you may need copies in the future for employment purposes.

What if my diploma is lost/damaged due to theft, fire, etc.?

In the event of your diploma being lost/damaged, please contact the Office of the Registrar to discuss options.

My diploma is in Latin. Where can I find an English translation?

Translation of the Latin Text of the Regis College Degree

What’s the difference between “Graduation” and “Commencement”?

“Graduation” is the date you are awarded your degree/certificate. “Commencement” is the ceremony/celebration where eligible students may “walk” across the stage. Graduation dates and commencement dates do not always align as Regis has three official graduation dates: August 31, December 31 and May (actual day varies), and one commencement ceremony in May. Anticipated August graduates are allowed to participate in the May commencement ceremony as long as you are within six credits of completing your program.

Students enrolled in our Online Program are eligible to participate in Commencement if they can successfully complete all requirements by August of the same year.

What happens if I lose or misplace my diploma and need to order another one?

Another copy of your diploma can be ordered for a fee.

Personalized graduation announcements/invitations are available through Balfour for those who are interested. Orders can be placed through Balfour directly.

The $300 Graduation Fee will be posted to your account once you submit the Graduation Application.

The Fee, reviewed and set annually by the Board of Trustees, covers several commencement-related expenses and are subject to change each year. These include costs associated with degree audits and the many events and activities the university organizes to celebrate and recognize the achievements of our graduating students. Specific expenses for which the fee helps cover include the venue rental, which accommodates graduates and their guests, the diploma, its case, and the associated mailing costs. 

To ensure all candidates are honored equally, this fee is applied to every graduate, regardless of attendance. Commencement dates are announced months in advance to allow candidates and their families ample time to plan and participate in the wonderful celebrations.

All graduating students are charged the graduation fee and the fee is not related to or dependent on a student’s attendance at commencement. Students are billed this fee separately from their tuition bill during the last semester of their program. The graduation fee may be paid via cash or check by visiting the Center for Student Services or online.

Will my picture be taken at Commencement?

E-lluminations will be taking photos of graduates at Commencement. They will be up front taking a photograph of each graduate which will be available for purchase. They can be reached at help@e-lluminations.com or 978.378.4660. Family members are not allowed access to the stage to take individual photos.

I cannot get to the venue on Saturday, can I still follow the ceremony?

Yes, the ceremony will be live streamed. Details will be available closer to the date on the Commencement website.

Is Commencement being recorded?

Commencement will be streamed. It will be available for viewing from the Commencement web page and on Regis' YouTube channel.

You can order souvenirs and diploma frames any time from the Regis Gear Shop. The Regis Gear Shop will also have a table at the event where you can purchase Regis items.

How are post master’s certification students recognized at Commencement?

Students receiving a Post Master Certificate will sit together as a group, and march with all other Regis graduates. They are also listed in the Commencement program. Wearing regalia is required to participate, and should be ordered with the Gear Shop. Diplomas are mailed out to the home address on file following commencement.

When is the Sankofa Ceremony?

The Sankofa Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Casey Theatre.

What is the Sankofa Ceremony?

Formerly known as the Kente Ceremony, the Sankofa Ceremony is a Regis tradition co-led by students and staff that aims to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of graduates from historically marginalized and underrepresented ethnicities in the United States.

The term Sankofa originates from Ghana and can be loosely translated as retrieving your history to bring it forward with you. In line with its namesake, this event provides graduates an opportunity to honor the supporters of their college journey while highlighting their heritage and culture.

When is the Baccalaureate Ceremony?

The Baccalaureate Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. under the Tower Tent.

What is the Baccalaureate Ceremony?

The Baccalaureate Mass, open to students and families of all faith traditions, celebrates the completion of an undergraduate career at Regis. As a Catholic university sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, Regis has always celebrated Baccalaureate with a special liturgy to give thanks and praise to God for the many blessings and accomplishments of the journey.

In addition, at the conclusion of Mass, members of the graduating class receive their hood, a symbol of the degree earned, and are recognized for their academic and co-curricular achievements.

All are welcome to attend.

Please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 781.768.7050 if you have any questions.

One of my guests has a disability, what should I do?

As a university committed to inclusion, Regis welcomes and accommodates all.

For questions about accessibility, you can contact the Regis College Police Department located in College Hall 102 at 781.768.7111. Guests requiring any additional accommodations should reach out directly to the Office of Student Accessibility Services.

When is the Master’s and Doctoral Commencement Eve Toast?

The Commencement Eve Toast will take place on Friday, May 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 under the Tower Tent.

What is the Master’s and Doctoral Commencement Eve Toast?

The Commencement Eve Toast, open to all Master’s, Post-Master’s Certificate, and Doctoral students eligible to graduate by August 2025, is a celebratory evening reception in honor of your academic achievements! This celebration is an opportunity to come together with President Hays, classmates, faculty and staff to celebrate your hard-won accomplishments.

Regalia is not required; however, we encourage you to bring it along to take memorable photos with your classmates, faculty and the Regis Mascots with the stunning Weston campus as your backdrop!

Graduates are welcome to attend with up to two guests.

A formal invitation will be emailed in March and RSVP is required.

Please contact the graduateaffairs@regiscollege.edu if you have any questions.

One of my guests has a disability, what should I do?

As a university committed to inclusion, Regis welcomes and accommodates all. For questions about accessibility, you can contact the Regis College Police Department located in College Hall 102 at 781.768.7111. Guests requiring any additional accommodations should reach out directly to the Office of Student Accessibility Services.