Commencement A-Z
ACCOMMODATIONS
On-campus
On-campus accommodations are managed by the Office of Residential Life. You may make a reservation beginning Monday, March 3.
Off-campus
For information about off-campus hotels and other lodging, please refer to our accommodations page.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Meetings
Open meetings designed for students in recovery and for their family members and friends. Local members of AA and Al-Anon are also welcome. Saturday May 24, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at 203 Salomon Hall
ANNOUNCEMENTS
In mid-March, students receive four announcements for Commencement for family and friends. While supplies last, additional free announcements may be obtained at the University Events Office, 71 George St.
Personalized graduation announcements printed with the student's name and degree are available from the Brown Bookstore, (401) 863-2336.
ATTIRE
Rhode Island can be mild and sunny — even hot — or cold and rainy in late May. Recent Commencement weekends have included both weather extremes, so you should dress practically, with an eye for the weather and comfort. Low heels or flats are appropriate for navigating the grass. In the event of showers, rain gear, including water-impervious footwear, is important. Sunglasses and hats may also be useful. Layered clothing is a proven strategy.
BACCALAUREATE SERVICE
Graduating seniors process down College Hill to the Meeting House of the First Baptist Church in America for a ceremony that combines the medieval European custom of presenting the candidates for the degree of bachelor (bacca) with the laurels (lauri) of sermonic oration with a service that reflects the breadth of the faith traditions in the Brown community. The ceremony will be video-broadcast to the College Green Saturday, May 24.
CAP AND GOWN
These may be purchased from the Brown Bookstore, (401) 863-2336 starting May 1. Students should wear cap and gown for the Baccalaureate Service on Saturday, May 24, and the Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 25.
Starting March 1, academic regalia for graduate students and medical students may be purchased online at the Bookstore.
DEPARTMENTAL CEREMONIES
Individual concentration ceremonies are held immediately following the Sunday, May 25, ceremony on the College Green. Locations are now posted on the website.
DIPLOMAS
Before the University Ceremony, both the Graduate School and the Medical School have separate departmental ceremonies, where they receive their degrees. Degrees are conferred upon all candidates during the Commencement ceremony, but graduating seniors do not receive individual diplomas.They are distributed at departmental ceremonies immediately following the ceremony on the College Green.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
To arrange for handicapped parking, download a handicapped parking permit request form.
To arrange for a wheelchair or other medical needs, contact Alpha Surgical Inc. at (401) 353-9090.
For further information, contact (401) 863-2108.
When you obtain a drop off pass, please note that the end time is 8:30 am. After that time, the roads are closed to all vehicular traffic.
EMT
Emergency Medical Assistance is located in the basement level of Faunce House.
FORUMS
A series of informative colloquia given by faculty, alumni, and distinguished guests. Free and open to all. Saturday, May 24, at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1 p.m.
INFORMATION
Welcome Center is located on the College Green.
INVITATIONS
See "Announcements" above.
Map
View a map of the procession route.
Parking
View parking and shuttle details.
Pets
If you must bring a pet to commencement, please remember that the weather is unpredictable and the College Green is very crowded. All pets should be kept on leashes while on campus throughout the entire weekend.
Procession Route
View a map of the procession route.
SEATING
Seating on the College Green is on a first-come, first-served basis. The reserved sections of open seats in the center are for the seniors, graduate and medical students when they return for the University Ceremony.
Storm Plan
View the Commencement Storm Plan.
Tickets
Tickets are not required for commencement ceremonies.
VIDEO
Collegiate Video provides Brown graduates a chance to revisit highlights of Commencement weekend, from the eloquence of Baccalaureate to the colorful traditions of the march through the Van Wickle Gates. The Commencement video is approximately two hours long and includes favorite campus landmarks and music. DVD and VHS versions are available.
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FAQ
What is the date of Commencement?
Commencement is held on Sunday, May 25, 2008.
Future Commencement dates are:
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Where is Commencement held?
Commencement takes place outdoors on Brown’s historic College Green.
What are the start and end times of Commencement?
The procession steps off promptly at 9:45 a.m.. Seniors, medical students, and graduate students process through the Van Wickle Gates. Seniors proceed down the hill to the First Baptist Church in America. During the senior ceremony in the church, families and friends are encouraged to find seats on the College Green, where large video screens will broadcast the proceedings. All degree recipients will return to the College Green for the University ceremony, which will begin at approximately 12:45 p.m. Departmental diploma ceremonies follow.
Who participates?
All undergraduates participate in the ceremony on the College Green on Sunday, May 25. The ceremony is outdoors in order to accommodate the more than 15,000 friends and family members who annually attend. Separate diploma ceremonies for each academic department — under cover if the weather is bad — provide a more intimate atmosphere for families and seniors. These ceremonies follow the College Green ceremony.
When do I get my diploma?
Before the University Ceremony, both the Graduate School and the Medical School have separate departmental ceremonies, where they receive their degrees. Graduating seniors do not receive individual diplomas on the College Green. Individual diplomas for Undergraduates are distributed at departmental ceremonies.
Where else can I watch or listen to the Commencement ceremonies, which occur on the College Green?
There will be a live video broadcast to the College Green, Salomon Center, Sayles Hall, and the Pizzitola Center. There will be live audio cast into Manning Chapel, and Meehan Auditorium.