Commencement 2025

Commencement and Alumni Weekend: May 16-18, 2025

Reserve your tickets today with the instructions below!

Commencement Program 2025

View Program

  • The commencement ticketing platform is now open!

    Tickets will serve as a global pass to all ceremonies (Phases 1 and 2, as well as the Morning Toast).

    Fletcher students who plan to participate in the Fletcher Phase 2 ceremony and have their names called during the presentation of diplomas must alsoRSVP through a link sent by the Fletcher Registrar

    There is no limit to the number of tickets requested, however, each guest and the graduate will need a ticket to attend the events. Tickets are free of charge and there is no deadline for ordering tickets.

    All ceremonies are also open seating with no assigned seats.

    Pronouncing your name is important to us as we call each graduate on stage in acknowledgement of your Fletcher degree. We will be using Name Coach so you can make an audio recording of your name pronunciation or provide a phonetic spelling. More information will be sent to graduates by email from the Fletcher registrar's office.

    To reserve your tickets: 

    Graduates will need to reserve tickets for themselves and each of their guests using their Tufts student ID number (you may find your number on SIS).  Instructions for ordering tickets are listed at the end of this message. 

    Instructions for ordering your tickets:

    1. Go to purplepass.com/tuftscommencement
    2. Click on “Buy Tickets”
    3. Indicate the quantity of tickets you are reserving.
    4. Click “Add To Cart”
    5. Enter your Tufts ID number (you may find your ID number on SIS) into the box that reads “Promo code”
    6. Click on “Apply”
    7. Add your “Ticket Holder Info” (email address, first name/last name, and phone number)
    8. Click “Review Order”
    9. Click “Complete Order” 

    If you do not receive an email confirmation with your electronic tickets, your order is incomplete.

    Tickets will be sent electronically to the email address submitted in the ticketing system.  The graduate should retain one ticket for themselves and forward or print out the remaining tickets for their guests.  For electronic tickets, it is strongly advised to save/download tickets onto your smartphone in advance of getting to campus.  Tickets will be scanned upon entry to each ceremony venue. 

    Additional ticketing information can be viewed here (Commencement Ticket Information). 

    If a member of your party uses a wheelchair or needs special accommodations, please contact Yanina.hillion@tufts.edu for additional passes, for all other questions, please reach out to the Registrar's Office.

  • The Fletcher School is pleased to announce that HE the Honorable Dr. Kevin Rudd will deliver the keynote address at the school's 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 18.

    To learn more about his work, please see the recent article: HE the Honorable Dr. Kevin Rudd to Deliver Keynote Address at Fletcher’s Commencement Ceremony

    #FletcherCommencement2025

  • Wednesday, May 14, 2025

    11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Brunch for Class of 2025 Hosted by President Kumar

    • What: Brunch for the members of the Class of 2025 from Fletcher, GSAS and the Graduate Programs at the School of Engineering.
    • Where: Joyce Cummings Center                                                        

    RSVP here by May 1. Questions can be emailed to president@tufts.edu.

     

    Friday, May 16, 2025

    11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Honos Civicus Celebration

    • What: Tisch College is hosting a ceremony to recognize all 2025 Honos Civicus inductees.  Honorees will receive a certificate and a pin to wear on Commencement.
    • Where: Cohen Auditorium

    1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Scavenger Hunt 

    • What: Scavenger Hunt for the Graduating Class
    • Where: Fletcher Field
    • Who: Graduating Class of 2025

    4:45 - 5:45 p.m. – 50th anniversary of The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs 

    • Where: ASEAN Auditorium
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests

    5:45 - 10:00 p.m. – Fletcher Celebration

    • Where: Reception Tent on Fletcher Field
    • Who: For all members of the Fletcher Community and guests who have purchased tickets

     

    Saturday, May 17, 2025 

    9:20 - 10:40 a.m. – "Through the Fletcher Lens: Shaping Leaders, Shaping the World" with Alan Henrikson, Lee E. Dirks Professor of Diplomatic History Emeritus of Fletcher

    • Where: ASEAN Auditorium
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests

    12:30 - 1:45 p.m. – Dean’s Welcome and State of the School Address

    • What: Dean Kelly Sims Gallagher F00, FG03, will speak about The Fletcher School’s highlights over the past year, and the school’s future direction.
    • Where: ASEAN Auditorium
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests

    1:55 - 2:45 p.m. – Fletcher Women’s Leadership Award (FWLA) Ceremony with Q&A

    • What: Honor the 2025 Fletcher Women’s Leadership Award recipients with Dean Kelly Sims Gallagher, F00, FG03 and members of the FWLA Committee. This annual ceremony is held to honor outstanding women graduates who are making a meaningful impact in the private and public sectors.
    • Where: ASEAN Auditorium
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests

    2:45 - 3:25 p.m. – Celebration of the FWLA Awardees + General Networking

    • What: Grab a slice of cake, cookies, and coffee to celebrate the FWLA awardees and connect with Fletcher alumni.
    • Where: Mezzanine
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests

    3:30 - 4:45 p.m. – 7x7: Current Affairs Unpacked with Fletcher Faculty

    • What: Seven faculty members have seven minutes each to answer the provocative question: What is the most pressing threat to global stability today, and how can it be addressed?
    • Where: Mezzanine
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests

    4:45 - 6:00 p.m. – Alumni Weekend Closing Reception

    • What: End Alumni Weekend with toasts to your Fletcher classmates, to those celebrating their 50th and 25th Reunions, and to the newest group of alumni - the Class of 2025.
    • Where: Hall of Flags
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests 

    5:30 - 7:00 p.m. PhD, GMAP and GBA Commencement Reception

    • What: Reception for all PhD, GMAP, GBA graduating students, families and alumni
    • Where: Reading Room at Ginn Library
    • Who: PhD, GBA and GMAP students with their families and alumni

     

    Sunday, May 18, 2025

    7:30 a.m.  Class of 2025 Champagne Breakfast and Toasts 

    • What: Continental Breakfast and Champagne Toasts offered by four members of the Class of 2025.
    • Where: Reading Room at Ginn Library
    • Who: All members of the Class of 2025 who will be marching.

    9:00 a.m. Phase I, 169th All-University Commencement Ceremony* 

    • What: This ceremony includes the academic processional, the awarding of honorary degrees, the all-University Commencement address, the awarding of degrees by Schools, including the official award of the Fletcher degree by Dean Gallagher. Live-streamed for family/guests in ASEAN.
    • Where: Academic Quad
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests.

    10:30 a.m.  Class of 2025 Student Check-in 

    • What: Students check in and Academic procession for Phase II.
    • Where: MODS
    • Who: Class of 2025 who will be marching.

    11:40 a.m.  Phase II, 92nd Fletcher School Commencement Ceremony* 

    • What: The highlight of Fletcher’s Commencement Weekend is the individual presentation of degrees to students and hooding of PhD recipients. No livestream.
    • Where: Ceremony Tent – Fletcher field.
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests.

    2:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Cheers to the Graduating Class of 2025  

    • What: A celebratory conclusion to the weekend. Toast to Graduates
    • Where: Reception Tent - Fletcher Field.
    • Who: All members of the Fletcher Community and guests. 

     

    *The Class of 2025 includes both graduating students who will march and receive degrees and those who are members of the class but who have not yet completed all degree requirements. Members of the Class of 2025 who will not receive degrees are still encouraged to participate in the all-University Commencement (Phase I) on Sunday morning.  During Phase II, Fletcher School Commencement (11:30 am on Sunday), only those who will receive their degree or have permission are able to march. Masters' students on approved extension or continuation may have permission to march without completing all degree requirements.

  • Information coming soon

  • Information coming soon

  • Academic Regalia for Commencement

    All graduates are required to wear appropriate academic robes for both Sunday ceremonies (University and Fletcher). Exceptions include:

    • Members of religious orders, who may wear their customary habits.
    • Individuals in military uniforms or those in special attire required by a U.S. or foreign civil office.

    Regalia Purchase & Loan Options

    You may purchase regalia or borrow it through the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Regalia Loan Program if cost is a concern. Please note:

    • The loaner supply is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Some sizes and pieces may be unavailable, so you may need to purchase certain items separately.
     

    Doctoral Students (PhD Recipients)

    PhD graduates should wear academic robes when receiving their doctoral hoods.

    • Complimentary PhD hoods will be provided during Fletcher’s Commencement Day activities.
    • An optional regalia package (doctorate tam, gown, and tassel) is available for purchase at the Tufts Bookstore.
    • If you are not local and need to purchase regalia contact the Tufts Bookstore at bookstore@tufts.edu or 617-627-2060.

     

    Pricing Options

     

    Master’s Students

    Master’s graduates must wear a cap, gown, hood, and tassel.

    How to Purchase Regalia

    To purchase your regalia, visit the Tufts Bookstore in person or contact them directly at bookstore@tufts.edu or 617-627-2060 to make arrangements. Be sure to let them know you are a Fletcher student and specify your degree program to ensure you receive the correct regalia.

    • MIBs and GBAs will order a light brown hood
    • LLMs will order a purple hood
    • All other programs fall under the Arts, Letters and Humanities which will be a white hood

    Pricing Options

    • Full master’s package (cap, gown, tassel, hood): $126.92
    • Master’s cap, gown, tassel: $74.94
    • Master’s hood only: $51.98
    • Fletcher tassel: $15.98
    • Black tassel (unbranded): $8.98

    Consider Donating Your Regalia

    The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) collects regalia after Commencement for future students. Please consider donating yours!

     

    Fletcher’s Regalia Loan Program

    If purchasing regalia presents a financial challenge, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) offers a borrowing program.

    What’s Available to Borrow?

    • Gowns, hoods, and caps.
    • Tassels must be purchased separately from the Tufts Bookstore.
    • Supply is limited, so you may need to supplement what you borrow.

    How to Request a Loaner Set

    Pick-Up & Drop-Off

    For Local Students:

    • Pick up your regalia at Mugar 251 (Student Affairs Office) between May 1–9.
    • Return borrowed items between May 18–26 to keep the program running for future graduates.

    For GBA & GMAP Students:

    • Regalia will be available through your program directors during Commencement Weekend.
  • If you have guests who will require special accommodations for the Fletcher Commencement Ceremony (e.g., use of wheelchairs), please contact yanina.hillion@tufts.edu.  Information regarding special accommodations for the Tufts campus and for the University Commencement Ceremony may be found here. 

  • Because accommodation space in the area is at a premium this time of year, we urge you to make your reservations as soon as possible.  A list of Tufts University area hotels is available here.  Please inquire with the hotels to see if they offer special Tufts rates. The Fletcher Office of Development and Alumni Engagement also has secured limited room blocks at local hotels, listed here.  

    Additionally, the University’s Conference Bureau provides on-campus dormitory housing.  On campus housing includes a complimentary full menu breakfast in the dining halls following each night of your stay. Please visit theOn-campus Housing website for more details. 

  • Given the large number of visitors to campus on Commencement Day, please expect that parking will be scarce.   Parking in all university lots will be on a first come, first serve basis so early arrival is recommended.  Parking information is available on Tufts Commencement Parking website.  Please also visit the Tufts Commencement Shuttle Map for information on shuttle service to Packard Avenue. 

  • Fletcher Alumni Weekend runs in parallel with the Commencement events. For more information about Alumni Weekend, please see - Fletcher Alumni Weekend.

  • If you have any questions about Commencement Weekend logistics please see this Presentation or contact Yanina Hillion at Yanina.Hillion@tufts.edu. We look forward to seeing you and your family and guests during the weekend. 

     

  • This is an in-person event only, there will be no livestream of Phase II of The Fletcher School Commencement 2025.