Plan Your Visit
Hotels and Accommodations
There is a wide selection of hotels located in short distance to Boston College. Rates may differ slightly on Commencement Weekend and are based on availability. We recommend asking about discounts upon making your reservation. It is strongly recommended that you make reservations as soon as possible to guarantee rooms as there are other colleges and universities in the Boston area holding commencement at about the same time as Boston College.
You may prefer to make your hotel reservation using the Boston Convention and Visitors’ Bureau website located at www.bostonusa.com.
Maps and Directions
For general maps and directions, visit bc.edu/maps. Important: Commencement-specific maps outlining parking, transportation around campus, and amenities are available on the Maps and Campus Amenities page.
Travel Advisory
Travel to the University on Commencement morning is extremely slow because of heavy traffic. Ample time should be allowed to reach the campus, especially from the Massachusetts Turnpike at Newton (Exit 127).
Parking Information
Chestnut Hill (Main Campus) Parking
The Beacon Street parking garage on Boston College's main campus and the parking area at the north (Connell Recreation Center) end of Conte Forum and Alumni Stadium are reserved. All other campus parking is available for visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
Satellite Parking
Due to the large number of people attending the University Commencement Ceremony, there will be a shortage of parking spaces on main campus. Satellite parking is available on Boston College's Brighton campus, Newton campus, the Chestnut Hill Mall, and at 300 Hammond Pond Parkway. Shuttle transportation will be provided from 6:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. to and from these satellite parking sites.
A limited number of wheelchair accessible shuttle buses from satellite parking locations are available.
Reserved Parking on Campus for Guests with Disabilities or Limited Mobility
On Commencement Day, reserved parking is available in the Beacon Street parking garage for guests with disabilities or limited mobility. To gain access, individuals must have a state-issued disability license plate on their vehicle or a placard hung from the rearview mirror that is easily visible to parking attendants.
Guests with handicapped parking are encouraged to park at the Beacon Street parking garage. All on-campus shuttle bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
All other guests may park at other non-reserved areas of the campus, including the Commonwealth Avenue Garage.
All gates of Alumni Stadium are ADA accessible. For those guests arriving by shuttle and/or parking in ADA accessible parking, we recommend entry through Gate A on the south side of Alumni Stadium for closest access and a direct path to the ADA accessible seating areas. Please follow the directional ADA accessible signage when exiting the parking garage and/or shuttle bus.
View the Accessibility tab on this page for more information on wheelchair rentals, golf carts, and accessible seating.
Accessibility
Wheelchair Rental
The University does not provide personal use wheelchairs. Guests can set up wheelchair rental directly through any of the medical supply companies listed below. Payment, pickup and drop off should be arranged well in advance of Commencement Weekend to ensure availability as there are many local college and university commencements held the same weekend.
Belmont Medical Supply
185 Belmont Street
Belmont, MA 02478
617 - 484 - 3888
www.belmontmedical.comSullivan's Medical Supply
1 Corinth Street
Roslindale, MA 02131
617 - 323 - 6544
www.sullivanspharmacy.comByrne Home Health Center
16 Main Street
Natick, MA 01760
508 - 655 - 3656
www.byrnemedicalsupplies.com
Boston College is a large campus. Walking from place to place on Commencement Day can be challenging for some. To assist individuals who may have limited mobility, a small number of golf carts are available on a first-come first-served basis to transport visitors before and after the different ceremonies. More information, including details on the numerous golf car routes, is available on the Commencement Weekend page.
For the main ceremony, graduates will be able to reserve 1 wheelchair space plus a seat for a companion on the concourse level of the stadium (these tickets will be provided electronically to students the week before Commencement). Guests with limited mobility but who do not require a wheelchair will be given access to the reserved two rows of the stadium near the concourse that only require 1 or 2 steps down. No tickets are required for this section, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
However, so that we may serve you better, we request that you have your graduate register for the number of accommodations needed.
Knowing the number of accommodations requested aids in our effort to plan and provide the best Commencement experience for all in attendance. Note: Ushers will be available to assist and direct those with limited mobility on the day of Commencement.
View the Parking Information tab on this page for more information on reserved parking for guests with disabilities or limited mobility.
Security Guidelines
Dear Graduating Students and Parents:
The Boston College Police Department has issued the following guidelines to enhance security and to facilitate the quick entrance of all guests for our Commencement Exercises.
All guests entering Alumni Stadium will pass through Evolv weapons detection systems. All bags will be subject to search upon entry. Luggage, briefcases, large bags, backpacks and wrapped gifts as determined by event staff at entry gates will not be permitted into the stadium or any of the respective school diploma ceremony sites. A bag check service will be available to guests free of charge at Fish Field House located next to Alumni Stadium for non-compliant bags.
These policies are meant solely to expedite entry into our venues and provide security and comfort for those who will be in attendance. Additional security personnel will also be on hand as a precaution.
We look forward to having you on campus for what will be a most enjoyable Commencement Day.
Sincerely,
William B. Evans
Executive Director of Public Safety & Chief of Boston College Police Department
Bag Policy
To allow for expedited entrance for all guests, Boston College strongly recommends that individuals attending Commencement Ceremonies refrain from carrying non-clear bags and/or purses into the stadium. All bags/purses are subject to search prior to entry for the prohibited items listed below. Bags deemed too large by stadium security, including backpacks, camera bags, luggage and/or duffle bags, are strictly prohibited from entry and should be stored in the graduate’s residence until the completion of the ceremonies. Medical bags, and diaper bags accompanying an infant, will be allowed into the venue following a search.
Prohibited items:
- Artificial noise makers
- Audio or video recording equipment
- Cameras with lenses larger than 4" or with detachable lenses
- Banners, Signs, and Flags
- Beach balls
- Coolers (unless containing medical supplies)
- Drones and Go-Pros
- Fireworks or any Explosives
- Folding Chairs
- Food and Beverage
- Go-Pro Cameras
- Heated Clothing and/or blankets
- Helium Balloons
- Laser Pointers
- Pets (except for documented service animals)
- Promotional Items with commercial identification not approved by the BC Athletics Department
- Selfie Sticks
- Use of Umbrellas
- Weapons of any description