Commencement Questions

Will there be a commencement ceremony?

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, Bristol announced the difficult decision of postponing the 2020 Commencement Ceremony originally scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2020. After sending out a survey to all eligible graduates, the Commencement committee gathered the data and ultimately decided on hosting a Virtual Commencement.

There will also be an option for all 2020 graduates to participate in the 2021 Commencement Ceremony held in the spring.

 When will the virtual commencement be held? 
The Commencement Ceremony will be streamed online on Friday, August 21 at 5:30 p.m. The Bristol community is welcomed and encouraged to join in on the celebrations and will receive details in the coming weeks. In the coming weeks, on the Commencement web page, we will provide instructions on how students and their families can participate. Graduates will also receive information via email and mail.

How can I access this summer's virtual ceremony? 

Information on how students and their families can participate in the ceremony will be made available on the Commencement web page. Graduates will also receive information via email and mail.

Will the virtual ceremony be recorded? 
Yes, absolutely. Bristol will have the recording uploaded on the website and on the college’s YouTube channel. 

Will the virtual commencement celebration have captioned content?  
Yes, all videos shown during the virtual commencement ceremony will be captioned. American Sign Language interpreters will also be a part of our ceremony. 

How else can I celebrate the Class of 2020? 
Celebrations for the Class of 2020 have begun! Leading up to the virtual ceremony, share your videos and photos using #BristolGrad20 on Bristol’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

In addition, Bristol invites you and your loved ones to help celebrate this special achievement by signing the virtual yearbook! 

Will I receive a cap and gown? 
Yes! For students who did not pick up their caps and gowns, they will be mailed to your home address. All graduates will receive a cap and gown!

What is the difference between a commencement ceremony and graduation? 

The commencement ceremony signifies the culmination of the incredible accomplishment of the graduating students eligible to receive their degree. This is the moment where the entire college community gathers with the graduates, families and friends to recognize the hard work put in by students to achieve their degrees.  

Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree or certificate after successful completion and assessment of all program requirements. Commencement ceremonies are the celebration of your graduation!  

How will I receive my diploma?  

Students received their diplomas by mail in July.