Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the questions that we anticipate Berklee College of Music students and families may have related to the May 2025 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 cannot 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 with and exceeds all requirements as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Find more information on the Commencement Accessibility page.

What are the current COVID protocols for attending the commencement concert and/or ceremony?

All concert and ceremony attendees must follow the venue's COVID-19 protocols (protocols are established by Agganis Arena, not by Berklee).

Can I participate with my class if I haven't completed my requirements for graduation?

Students must complete all of their academic program requirements to be eligible to graduate from Berklee College of Music. Berklee degrees are conferred three times a year. The 2025 graduating class includes students who have completed or plan to complete all of their program requirements by the last day of the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.

Students are permitted to participate in one commencement ceremony for each academic program completed (e.g., Professional Diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music). See the Graduation Planning page 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 28, through Friday, May 2, 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 28 and May 2, you must fill out this designation form by Thursday, April 24.
On Saturday, May 10, 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 2025 commencement concert, you must first be approved to graduate in the 2025 commencement ceremony. If your 2025 application was received by the December deadline and approved by the Office of the Registrar, you will automatically receive an email during the week of February 10, 2025, 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 2025 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 the end of February.

How do I apply to be the student commencement speaker?

To be considered, you must be eligible to participate in the May 2025 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 US are welcome to attend the commencement ceremony. You will need to enter the US 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 US 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 US 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 US:

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 commencement@berklee.edu. For questions about graduation requirements, diplomas, transcripts, and how honors are determined, please refer to the Graduation Planning page. For questions about the commencement concert, please email: commencementconcert@berklee.edu.