Additional Navigation

Commencement 2024

Bay Path University will hold its 2024 Commencement on May 11, 2024. The ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m.

Please Note: Students graduating should plan to arrive at the MassMutual Center for robing and processional by 2:00 p.m.

Commencement Day Information

Commencement Day Instructions for Students

Students graduating should plan to arrive at the MassMutual Center for robing and processional by 2:00 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 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 ensure the appropriate decorum to mark this important event in your life.

Directions, Parking, & Lodging

For driving directions and parking information, visit the MassMutual Center Website.

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 Explore Western Mass as well as MassMutual Center: Area Hotels to find listings of local restaurants and hotels.

As a free parking option, graduates and their families are encouraged to park in the MGM parking garage. Street parking is also available surrounding the MassMutual Center.

ADA Parking

A map showing where ADA parking is available around the MassMutual Center is available to download. Keep in mind that this parking is first come, first served and is not reserved for MMC guests. There is an ADA drop-off area located on Main Street, right at the corner of Main Street and Bruce Landon Way.

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 Bay Path University website.

For more information on accessibility and accommodations at the MassMutual Center, please visit their accessibility web page.

ADA Parking

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.

Commencement Events

Marcia Conrad Awards Ceremony
April 10 | 6:30 p.m. | Mills Theatre, Carr Hall

Delta Delta Epsilon (Forensic Science) Induction Ceremony
April 12 | 4:30 p.m. | Breck Suite, Wright Hall

Multicultural & Lavender Celebration
April 20 | 5:30 p.m. | Breck Suite, Wright Hall and Virtual

Psi Chi Induction Ceremony - Graduate Students
April 25 | 5:30 p.m. | Virtual

Physician Assistant Completion Ceremony
April 26 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Springfield Symphony Hall, 34 Court St., Springfield, MA 01103

Virtual Strawberries Celebration
May 8 | 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Via Zoom

If you can't attend a Strawberries Celebration in person, Bay Path's Alumni Office invites you and your family to a virtual toast! President Doran and some other special guests will be there to celebrate all you have accomplished virtually. This event is open to all graduates.
Please Register Here

Traditional Undergraduates Strawberries Celebration
May 9 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Breck Suite
Bay Path's Alumni Office invites all traditional undergraduates to a Strawberries Celebration toast before your Senior Dinner.
Please Register Here

Senior Farewell Dinner
May 9 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Blake Dining Commons
Please join us for a celebratory dinner following the conclusion of your Strawberries Celebration.

Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
May 10 | Mills Theatre, Carr Hall
Doctoral Candidates arrive at 2:00 p.m.
Ceremony begins: 3:00 p.m.
Reception immediately following the ceremony, including an Alumni Office Strawberries Celebration toast.

The Vana Nespor Rose Ceremony - The American Women's College
May 10 | 5:00 p.m. | Blake Student Commons, Blake Commons
Reception immediately following the ceremony, including an Alumni Office Strawberries Celebration toast.

Graduates Strawberries Celebration and Dinner
May 10 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Breck Suite
Bay Path's Alumni Office and Office of Student Life invite all graduates and your family to a Strawberries Celebration and Dinner.
Please Register Here

Honors Graduation Ceremony
May 11 | 11:30 a.m. | Mills Theatre, Carr Hall

MS in Genetic Counseling Program Graduate Reception
May 11 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center

Gathering for MS in Higher Education Administration Degree Candidate
May 11 | 12:30 p.m. | Empsall Hall Living Room, Empsall Hall

Gathering for Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Candidate
May 11 | 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.| Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center