Ceremony Participation
Emerson College holds graduation ceremonies once a year in May for graduates of the current academic year. If you will earn your degree in December 2026 or in August 2027, your ceremony will be in May 2027.
Graduating students may only participate in the ceremony that coincides with the academic year of their degree completion, and only graduating students may participate in the ceremony or be admitted to student lineup or the student seating area. If a personal assistant is required as a disability accommodation, please contact Student Accessibility Services.
In order to graduate each student must first complete an Intent to Graduate form. Once the Registrar’s Office reviews and approves your form, you will be added to the email distribution list and receive information from the Commencement Office.
Prepare for Your Ceremonies
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Review Your Graduation Checklist
There are several steps you must take before you can receive a diploma, get tickets, and attend your graduation ceremonies. -
Get Tickets
All ceremonies are ticketed events, and tickets are issued to participating students. Learn more about your ticket allocation, ordering deadline, and ticket sharing. -
Order Your Cap and Gown
Wearing official Emerson College regalia is required if you wish to cross the stage. -
Record Your Ceremony Name
Your ceremony name is the name that will be read at the ceremony and published in the program, and we want to get it right! -
Day-of Logistics
Know where and when you need to be for your graduation ceremony.
Additional Information
Graduate Student Speaker (Master’s)
Applications for Graduate Student Speaker (authentication required) at the Graduate Hooding Ceremonies and All-College Commencement are now being accepted. The deadline for applications with a draft is Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Senior Class Speaker (Bachelor’s)
Applications for Senior Class Speaker (authentication required) at the Undergraduate Diploma Ceremonies and All-College Commencement are now being accepted. The deadline for applications with a draft is Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Visa Letters
If your family requires a visa support letter to attend your graduation ceremony, please contact the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA).
Diplomas
Diplomas will be mailed to the address you provided on your Intent to Graduate form according to the schedule on the Registrar’s Graduation page. Once your Intent to Graduate is approved, you may review and update your diploma address or your diploma name. Note: if you change your legal name with the Registrar’s Office, it will not automatically update your diploma name. Please email registrar@emerson.edu with all diploma related questions.
Academic Honors
Latin honors will be recognized on the graduate’s diploma. Latin honors are based on a student’s entire academic record and awarded to the top percent of graduates each term after final grades have been submitted. Because Latin honors are based on percentages, the GPA required to qualify will vary. Graduates may view their transcript (Authentication Required) to see if they have qualified for Latin honors. Emerson College does not bestow stoles or cords for Latin honors. Per academic protocol, Latin honors only apply to bachelor’s degree recipients.
Senior Week 2026
Senior Week is a week of social activities organized by the SGA Senior Class Council for graduating undergraduates and will occur on Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, 2026. Be on the lookout for an email from the Senior Class Council in March!
Limited on-campus housing will be available for graduating seniors who will be participating in Senior Week. This includes May 2026 and August 2026 graduating seniors currently living on campus, May 2026 and August 2026 graduating seniors enrolled in an off-site program (Emerson Los Angeles or D.C.), and returning December 2025 graduates. More information and a Senior Week Housing application will be shared with the mentioned graduates by Housing and Residential Education in March.