Commencement
Commencement at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is a momentous milestone. It is our time to come together—family, friends, faculty, and staff—to honor the incredible accomplishments of our graduates.
Event Overview and Schedule
Graduates are encouraged to attend the full slate of festivities. Please note that registration is required for select events.
- Dean Cribb’s Dinner: A celebratory gathering for our community.
Friday, May 15, 2026, 5:30 PM – Grafton Campus
- Tufts University Commencement (Phase I): Held on the Medford/Somerville campus, this university-wide ceremony features the academic procession, honorary degrees, and the main Commencement address.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 9:00 AM – Medford/Somerville Campus
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Commencement (Phase II): Held on the Grafton campus, this ceremony focuses on our graduates and includes the individual presentation of diplomas.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 3:00 PM – Grafton Campus
Plan on a 90-minute ceremony and a reception following.
Important Details
- Outdoor Ceremonies: Both ceremonies are held outdoors and last approximately 90 minutes. Please check the weather and dress accordingly.
- Virtual Viewing: Can’t make it in person? Both the University and Cummings School ceremonies will be recorded for later viewing.
Information and Details
Awards
Ready to Change Our World
Our students have worked hard, pushed through, and overcome challenges. Now they are ready. Hear their reflections and plans for the future.
Parking and Shuttles
Medford All-University Campus:
All parking areas will be open for Commencement guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Because our Medford campus is in a residential area, street parking is extremely limited.
To ensure you arrive on time:
- Plan Ahead: Expect heavy traffic and allow extra time to find a spot.
- Carpool: We strongly encourage groups to travel together.
- Arrive Early: Facilities fill up quickly!
Grafton Cummings School Campus:
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and includes Parking Lots G, O, and P, as denoted here.
To ensure a smooth arrival, please follow the directions of our police officers and volunteers. They will guide you to our preferred parking lots for the quickest access to the event.
Recommended Parking:
- Coming from the East (Westborough): Head to Lot G.
- Coming from the West (Grafton/Worcester): Use Lots O & P.
Accessible Parking & Drop-Off
Guests requiring accessible parking or mobility support should request accommodations in advance through the commencement coordination process. Designated accessible parking spaces near the ceremony site are limited and available by advance request.
Curbside drop-off near the ceremony site will also be available to support those with mobility needs. Planning ahead will help ensure a smooth arrival experience.
Shuttle Service:
Due to ongoing construction and sidewalk closures, we strongly encourage all guests to take our free shuttle. Please wait at the noted pick-up/drop-off locations for service. (see map of parking and shuttle locations)
- Hours: 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Continuous loop)
- Last Pickup: The final shuttle departs at 6:30 PM.
Public Safety
Tufts Emergency Alerts
Parents, family members, and guests of graduating Tufts students who opt-in to TuftsAlert* will receive emergency alerts through the Monday after Commencement. Should an emergency occur that affects any Tufts campus during this timeframe, you would receive a text alerting you to the issue, the location affected, and emergency instructions.
To Opt-In: Text TuftsAlertGrad to 67283
*TuftsAlert is Tufts University’s emergency notification system. Once you opt-in to TuftsAlert using the TuftsAlertGrad text, you will start receiving any emergency text messages that are sent through the Monday after Commencement. You may unsubscribe from TuftsAlert at any time by replying LEAVE TuftsAlertGrad.
Questions?
Tufts University Commencement Office
Ballou Hall, 4th Floor
Tufts University
Medford, MA 02155
Phone: 617-627-3636
Email: commencement@tufts.edu
Office of Student Affairs
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: (508) 839-7920
Email: CummmingsSchoolCommencement@tufts.edu