7 Important Things to Know for Undergraduate Commencement 2026

If You Have a Question about Graduation Weekend, You Will Likely Find Your Answer Here

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 at Berklee College of Music’s Commencement ceremony and concert! Berklee Online graduates can review the information below about Commencement programming, tickets, speaker application, name pronunciation, regalia pickup, and accessibility accommodations.

Quick Overview: Key Dates & Times

March 11: Deadline to confirm name pronunciation
March 22: Deadline to apply to be Commencement speaker
Early April: Tickets available electronically
April 22: Deadline for extra ticket form
April 24: Deadline to submit accommodations request
May 8 (11 AM–2 PM): Regalia pickup (1140 Boylston Street)
May 8 (7:30 PM): Commencement Concert – Agganis Arena
May 9 (~8 AM arrival): Ceremony – Agganis Arena

If you no longer plan to attend Commencement, please notify graduation@online.berklee.edu as soon as possible.

1. Commencement Programming

Berklee College of Music Commencement Concert

Friday, May 8 at 7:30 PM ET
Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

The Commencement concert will feature a global cast of vocalists, instrumentalists (including a full rhythm section, percussionists, horns, winds, and strings), dancers, arrangers, and track producers from the graduating class.

Berklee College of Music Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 9 at 10 AM (processional begins at 9:45 AM)
Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

You will receive your call time for the ceremony when you pick up your regalia; please anticipate arriving at the ceremony around 8 AM on May 9.

View Agganis Arena directions, public transportation, and parking information.

2. Tickets

Tickets are free and will be available to you electronically in early April. You will receive an email with instructions on how to access your tickets and transfer them to your guests. Please note that Berklee prohibits the sale of Commencement concert and ceremony tickets.

You Will Receive:

3 guest tickets to the concert and 1 ticket for you
3 guest tickets to the ceremony (you do not need a ticket)

Livestreaming

For family and friends not able to attend the Commencement concert and ceremony in person, the event will be livestreamed (details coming soon).

3. Requesting Additional Tickets

Due to the size of the 2026 graduating class and our venue capacity, only a limited number of extra tickets will be available for the concert and ceremony.

Additional concert tickets: We will do our best to accommodate additional tickets, but may not be able to honor the full request.
Additional ceremony tickets: You may enter a lottery for a maximum of one extra ticket.

The deadline to request extra tickets is April 22.

4. Apply to Be Student Commencement Speaker

The application deadline is Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 PM ET. Apply here.

5. Important Deadline! Confirm Your Name, Pronunciation, and Degree

You will receive an email on March 4 with information about Tassel, your commencement portal, sent to your registered email address.

Using the unique link you receive in that email, you must log in to the Tassel site by Wednesday, March 11, to:

Confirm the name you would like read and displayed at the ceremony.
Submit a recording of your name pronunciation.
Verify your degree and major.

Here are the instructions for iPhone and Android.

All students participating in the ceremony are required to confirm their name pronunciation.

Please be on the lookout for an email about Tassel, with the subject line “Action Required: Complete Name Pronunciation and Display for Berklee’s May 2026 Ceremony.”

6. Cap, Gown, and Hood Pickup

Regalia (cap, gown, and hood) has been ordered on your behalf, based on the information you shared on your graduation application.

Berklee Online cap and gown pickup will take place Friday, May 8, 11 AM–2 PM in the Steve Heck room of 1140 Boylston Street. Regalia will not be available at Agganis Arena.
If someone other than you will be picking up your regalia, you must email graduation@online.berklee.edu to confirm.
On Saturday, May 9, you must arrive “robed and ready” (wearing your cap with tassel, gown, and hood).

7. Accessibility Accommodations

If you or any of your guests need an accessibility accommodation for the Commencement concert or ceremony, please complete this accommodations form by Friday, April 24.