Information for Master's Degree Graduates

The Phase II Ceremony is for the School of Medicine's graduate programs: Master of Public Health (MPH),  MS - Biomedical Sciences (MBS), MS - Health Informatics and Analytics (HIA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and MS - Physician Assistant (PA) Program.

The Phase II ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 4pm on the Tufts University main campus on the Carmichael Quadrangle.

Arrival Time

Graduates attending the Phase II TUSM Graduate Programs ceremony should report to the Cabot Center, ASEAN Auditorium and check in with the Student Services Staff by 3pm for line up.

Map & Directions: ASEAN Auditorium

Caps & Gowns

You will be required to apply to graduate through SIS in order to walk in the commencement ceremony. As part of the application, you’ll include your height in feet and inches and we will use that information to order your cap and gown at no cost to you. Once you have applied you will be notified by the TUSM GP Office of Student Services when to pick up your cap and gown. Information about how to apply will be sent to you from the Office of the Registrar in early spring.

Seating

The commencement ceremony does not offer reserved or ticketed seating. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Photographs

Guests are welcome to take photographs but are asked to refrain from blocking the aisles or interfering with the other guests’ views of the ceremony. Please be respectful of all graduates and guests. There will also be plenty of opportunities to take photographs after the ceremony. We have arranged for photographs to be taken of each graduate at the ceremony. Detailed information about ordering photos will be sent directly to graduating students.

Weather & Attire

The weather in May is sometimes unpredictable and we encourage guests to dress accordingly. We recommend dressing appropriately and wearing comfortable shoes (heels are discouraged) as the tent is set up in a grassy area. Do not bring any personal belongings that cannot be taken with you. We will not have the ability to store personal items.

Accommodations

Accommodations for guests with disabilities and special needs:  If students or guests require access accommodations at Commencement, please email the Office of Student Services at tusmgpstudentservices@tufts.edu before April 1.  Requests made after this date may impact the University's ability to effectively provide reasonable accommodation.

Service Animals

Whether you are a graduating student or a guest, service animals—as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are allowed at commencement ceremonies. All other animals are prohibited from university commencement ceremonies. Please note that emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA.

Parking

Parking on Commencement Day will be available in all university parking areas. Parking facilities will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The university is located in a residential neighborhood and street parking is extremely limited. You should allow yourself extra time to secure parking since there will be significant traffic on the Medford campus that morning. We recommend that you carpool if possible. Some guests have found it to be more convenient to use a taxi service or public transportation. A university shuttle will be making regular trips from the Davis Square - Red Line MBTA station to the main campus. More information regarding the shuttle service is available on the Commencement website.

Hotel Reservations & Travel Arrangements

There are a number of hotels in the Boston area. Please inquire with the hotels directly to see if they offer special Tufts rates. Family members are urged to make arrangements and reservations as soon as possible because space is at a premium this time of year. For more information on planning your visit to Tufts, including listings for local hotels, please visit the Tufts Travel website. In addition, a limited amount of on-campus housing for Commencement Weekend is available in the dormitories on the Medford Campus at a significantly reduced rate. More information is available on the Housing Page of the main Commencement web site.