The Baccalaureate Ceremony celebrates the graduating class the day before the Commencement Ceremony. The Baccalaureate Ceremony is a unique multifaith celebration that incorporates music, speeches from President Kumar and a graduating senior, and chaplains’ blessings into one celebration that has been personalized for your class. This tradition began in 1864 at Tufts.

While the Commencement Ceremony is launching you fully into your post-Tufts experience, the Baccalaureate Ceremony is the last time your class will be together to connect over your shared experience as Tufts students. Baccalaureate features student voices, song, and opportunities to reflect; we invite you throughout the Ceremony to reflect on your own experience of Tufts. Commencement is also for all graduating Tufts students, including graduate and professional students, while the Baccalaureate Ceremony is just for undergraduates and their guests.

Essentially, it means a bachelor’s degree conferred by a college or university – but in reference to a Baccalaureate Ceremony, it means a gathering held before a graduation, to celebrate graduates.

Yes, all guests of graduating seniors are welcome at the Baccalaureate Ceremony. Faculty, staff, students, and graduates attending must show a Tufts ID to access Gantcher on the day of the ceremony. All attendees, including guests, will be required to be credentialed and pass through security gates at Gantcher on Saturday, May 18. You can find more information about security and access on the Commencement Weekend homepage. 

The event will be livestreamed and the link will be on this website the morning of Saturday, May 18.