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 2022 commencement celebration and ceremony. May 2023 Commencement information will be updated in fall 2022.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Berklee Online, and Berklee Valencia students should refer to their respective websites for more information.
When and where is commencement 2022?
The May 2022 commencement concert is scheduled for Friday, May 6, 2022, and the Berklee College of Music commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2022. Both the concert and ceremony are held at the Agganis Arena at 925 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston.
How do I participate in commencement 2022?
If you are nearing the completion of your degree or diploma requirements (semester level six or above/level eight or above for double majors), you should have received an email in fall 2021 (please remember to check your spam folder regularly) inviting you to complete the 2022 Graduating Class Application and to indicate whether you will participate in the ceremony on May 7, 2022. The deadline to apply (fall 2021, spring 2022, or summer 2022) and indicate participation in the May ceremony was December 3, 2021. Please note that students are only permitted to participate in one commencement ceremony (virtual or in person) per degree or diploma earned.
How many people can I invite to commencement events?
Graduates who applied and indicate participation in the May 2022 commencement ceremony received an email on March 23 with information about ticket and invitation distribution.
What are the current COVID-19 protocols for attending the commencement concert and/or ceremony?
These protocols are subject to change and were last updated March 23, 2022.
The Berklee College of Music May 2022 commencement concert and/or ceremony are hosted at Agganis Arena. Current Agganis Arena protocols can be found here.
How do I get my cap and gown?
Students who apply and indicate participation in the May 2022 commencement ceremony will receive a cap, gown, hood, and tassel; these items are provided to graduates at no charge. Information shared on February 28 and March 23 included details on picking up these items at the Berklee Bookstore the week of April 25–29.
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 2021, spring 2022, and summer 2022 semesters. Students planning to complete all requirements and graduate in the summer 2022 semester must have 16 or fewer course credits remaining (13 credits for diploma students) by the spring 2022 add/drop deadline and no course sequences that would require future enrollment beyond the summer 2022 semester. Please note that students 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 between three and four hours.
Who are the honorary degree recipients?
Berklee College of Music announced honorary degree recipients on April 5.
How do I participate in the commencement concert?
If your 2022 application is received by the December 3, 2021, deadline and approved by the Office of the Registrar, you will receive an email in early February 2022 with detailed instructions—and a submittable application link—to formally apply 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 music of the honorees.
How do I apply to be the student commencement speaker?
To be considered, you must be eligible to participate in the May 2022 Berklee College of Music commencement ceremony. Check the graduation eligibility requirements and commencement participation information (page 64).
The Commencement Speaker Application (login required) will be available in March. You must attach a copy of your speech to the form. Your speech must not exceed five minutes in length. 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.
Who can we contact if we have further questions?
For general questions about commencement, please complete this form (login required) or email studentaffairs@berklee.edu. For questions about graduation requirements, diplomas, transcripts, and how honors are determined, contact gradspecialist@berklee.edu.