Skip to main content

Commencement

Commencement 2023 Stage Photo with Platform Party and Bentley logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare for Commencement

Are there preferred hotels with special rates in the area?

The Westin-Waltham Boston 
70 3RD Ave 
Waltham, MA 02451 

Rooms are $309 per night and can be reserved here or by visiting the website or calling 781-290-5600. Please note that rooms are first-come, first-served, and the deadline to reserve a room is Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Hilton Garden Inn
450 Totten Pond Road
Waltham, MA 02451
t: 781-890-0100  
Click here for 20% discount

How do graduates petition to graduate?

Graduates must petition to graduate with the Registrar’s Office. For questions, contact the Registrar at registrar@bentley.edu.  

How do graduates confirm attendance and name pronunciation?

In order to register, graduates will need to create an account through our Marching Order vendor portal using their email address that the Registrar has on file, likely an Bentley email address. Graduates have to petition with the Registrar's Office first in order to create an account. If there are any questions about which email is on file, email registrar@bentley.edu. Graduates must complete this by Wednesday, April 3.

How do graduates receive their regalia and what accessories are permitted?

All graduates must purchase their regalia from our vendor, Oak Hall by Wednesday, April 3. If you have any questions about regalia, please contact them at customercare@oakhalli.com or 800-223-0429.

If you have earned or will earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree this academic year (i.e. Advanced Standing programs), you are encouraged to order master's regalia.

If you are a PhD candidate, please complete this form or contact us at commencement@bentley.edu.
 

What should I do if I am earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees?

If you have earned or will earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree this academic year (i.e. Advanced Standing programs), you are encouraged to order a master’s gown as it is the highest degree earned. 

Is it possible to order an international stole?

International stoles are coordinated through Center for International Students and Scholars. Stoles are $51 and orders must be placed through this website by Friday, April 12. If you have any questions, please email GA_CISS@Bentley.edu.

I am an international student; where can I find documentation for my family who plans to attend?

An invitation letter which the graduate can write on behalf of their family, can be found on the Center for International Students and Scholars website . For additional questions, contact GA_CISS@bentley.edu.

If you need a status letter which includes your dates of attendance and expected graduation date, please complete this form, and email it to the Registrar's Office at registrar@bentley.edu

How can graduates and guests communicate accessibility need requests?

Bentley University is committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive learning environment. If you require special accommodations, please complete this form by Wednesday, May 1.  

Is there a guide for graduates to review in advance for preparation?

Yes, a document will be available in early spring that explains what to bring, graduate expectations, stage-crossing instructions, and more. It will be available here once finalized.

Ceremony Information

What is the guest limit for graduates? Are tickets required?

Graduates may bring as many guests as they wish and there are no tickets required. Please note that seating is first-come, first-served. 

Will the ceremonies be livestreamed and recorded?

The ceremonies will be both livestreamed and recorded. The livestream will be accessible on our Commencement webpage and recordings will be available on our Bentley University YouTube Channel a few days after the ceremonies. The ceremonies will also be livestreamed on campus. 

Will there be a photographer at the ceremony? Can graduates hire their own professional photographer?

The university will have a professional photographer at the ceremonies and those pictures will be available through Grad Images after the Commencement Ceremony. Photos will be available on the Grad Images website within a 5 to 7 days after the ceremony, but should there be any questions, please contact GradImages at 800-261-2576 or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. Graduates and guests may not bring their own professional photographers. 

Where do guests park?

Guests of graduates should park on main campus. General parking is not available on lower campus by the ceremony site. All parking lots on main campus will be open. Shuttles will be available from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17 and from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. 

Will food and beverage be available?

There will be options for grab-and-go food and drink items for purchase for both ceremonies. 

What are bag policies and safety protocols?

Backpacks, large bags, balloons and umbrellas are not permitted. Guests may bring small bags, but they will be checked upon arrival.  If you notice something suspicious, please contact University Police immediately at 781-891-3131. 

What is the severe weather plan?

The Undergraduate Ceremony is outdoors, rain or shine, without a tent. In case of severe weather, it shifts to the Arena, with each graduate receiving two guest tickets. Livestream options at various campus locations are available. The university decides within 48 hours, communicating the activation of the severe weather plan if necessary.

The Graduate and PhD ceremony will be held indoors in the Arena. 

Who are the Commencement speakers?

Commencement speakers will be announced in the Spring semester. 

Will there be a reception after the ceremonies?

Yes, a light reception for graduates and their guests will follow each ceremony. 

How do graduates receive their diplomas?

Diplomas will be mailed to graduates following the ceremony. Please note it may take approximately seven weeks to receive your diploma depending on your location. For additional questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@bentley.edu.  

Additional Details for Undergraduates and Graduates

Can I purchase class rings, announcements, recognition chairs and/or diplomas?

If you are interested in purchasing class rings, there are offerings on both the Balfour website and the Herff Jones website.

If you are interested in purchasing personalized announcements, you may find it on the Balfour website. General announcements will be available for purchase in the Bentley bookstore around mid-April.

If you are interested in purchasing a recognition chair or diploma frame, you may do so through the Bentley bookstore.

Where can I complete the Pulsifer Career Development Center Outcomes Survey for undergraduates?

Your response to the Pulsifer Career Development Center survey is critical to strengthening the value of your Bentley degree in the marketplace.

  • Undergraduates: If you complete this survey by Friday, May 10, you will be entered in a raffle to win a diploma frame. 
  • Graduates: A survey link has been or will be emailed to you with the subject line Bentley Career Plans Survey: Post Graduate. If you complete the survey from the link in that email by Friday, May 31, you will be entered in a raffle to win a diploma frame.
How can I donate to my senior class gift?

Leave a legacy at Bentley by contributing to the Senior Class Gift! A minimum donation of $5 will not only help enhance the Bentley community but also ensure that future generations of students benefit from the senior class’s collective generosity. Plus, as a token of appreciation, senior class donors will receive a gold donor cord to wear proudly during graduation—a symbol of your commitment to making a lasting impact. You can use this giving link to make a gift online via credit card or to connect to your Venmo! You can email Ashlee Lindsey with any questions.

Who do I contact regarding yearbooks?

If you have a question about yearbooks, please contact yearbook@bentley.edu.  

Who can advise students about the Bahamas trip?

If students have questions about the Bahamas trip, please contact GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu.