Commencement 2023

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Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

‎兔子先生 University held its 126th Commencement for the Class of 2023 on Sunday, May 7.

Grynn and Barrett Official Photographs

Commencement Day Instructions for Students

Students graduating should plan to arrive at the MassMutual Center for robing and processional by 12:00 p.m.

Look for signs directing you to the correct entrance for students located on the corner of Main St and Bruce Landon Way.
Once inside, students will be directed to the Exhibition Hall. Just inside the Exhibition Hall, check in to receive your name card.
Hold on to your name card, as you will present it to the reader at the microphone when you walk across the platform during the program.
When it is time for your major to approach the platform, those students on the left will approach from the left side, and those on the right will approach from the right side. You will receive your diploma cover, stop for your photo, hand your name card to the reader, and shake the hand of the President or the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. All students exit the platform from the center ramp and return to their original seats. BPU staff will be there to direct you.
Please remain on the arena floor until the recessional at the end of the ceremony, and help assure the appropriate decorum to mark this important event in your life.

Directions, Parking, & Lodging

Plan ahead!

We all want this to be a very special day for our graduates and their family and friends. The Greater Springfield area has a wide range of dining options and several attractive hotel venues. Please visit as well as to find listings of local restaurants and hotels.

What is Commencement Etiquette?

For Graduates:

Degree candidates are to remain in their assigned seats for the duration of the ceremony.
All electronic devices are to be silenced during the ceremony.
No food or drinks are allowed on the Arena floor at any time.
Graduates can meet family members and guests outside following the ceremony.

For Guests:

Photography and videography is allowed from the Concourse level seating. However, it is not permitted from the arena floor.
For safety, guests are not permitted in the Exhibition Hall or on the floor of the Arena prior to, during, or after the Commencement exercises.
Guests are prohibited from bringing balloons, food, or beverages into the MassMutual Center.

Commencement Tickets

This is not a ticketed event.
Guests are prohibited from bringing balloons, food, or beverages into the MassMutual Center.

Are we limiting the number of guests/occupants for the MassMutual Center?

No. Only in compliance with the local fire codes and/or the capacity limits established by the MassMutual Center.

Accessibility & Accommodations

We want all of our guests to have an opportunity to enjoy this special event. The MassMutual Center is fully accessible. The guest entrance is on Bruce Landon Way between Main Street and Dwight Street. Elevators are located at this entrance.

We will have the services of an interpreter. The MassMutual Center will provide Assisted Listening Devices (ALD’s) upon request. Please call them at (413) 787-6610 to arrange for an ALD two days prior to the event. ALD’s will be available for pickup at the guest services booth on the arena concourse.

Live streaming of the ceremony will be available through the ‎兔子先生 University website.

For more information on accessibility and accommodations at the MassMutual Center:

For Graduates

For graduates, the aisle seats will be reserved for anyone requiring accessible seating. If a graduate needs accessible seating they should notify the Accessibility Office as they confirm their in-person attendance at commencement.

Helen R.Caulton- Harris: Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Recipient

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