February 2009
Dear Completing Graduate Students,
Congratulations! We are delighted to provide you with news of Brown University’s 241st Commencement — an important and joyous event for you, your family, and the entire University community. Commencement weekend is Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24, 2009. I look forward to sharing this momentous occasion with you and your families.
The information on this website has been designed to help you navigate the processes associated with collecting your degree and walking across the stage on May 24 to collect your diploma. To help the Graduate School prepare for all of the pomp and pageantry of this event, we ask you to read this message carefully, and to fulfill all of the requests below in a timely manner. If you have any questions regarding this year’s ceremony or our preparations, please contact Beverly Larson at 401-863-9404.
Our first request is that you complete an application to graduate and return it to the Office of the Registrar by April 30, 2009. (You can access the form through the above hyperlink; find it on the Graduate School homepage, under Short Cuts to Graduate School Forms; or pick up a copy at the Registrar’s Office.) The application to graduate is essential in clearing your requirements with your academic department and making the necessary arrangements to include you in the 2009 list of graduates.
If you intend to participate in this year’s Commencement Ceremony, we ask that you go to the registration page. The registration system is designed to gather information that helps us plan more carefully for your Commencement experience. It also allows you to provide us with important details about your accomplishments while at Brown, which will be printed in the 2009 Commencement program. If you are unable to access the registration system, please contact Beverly Larson. The deadline for registering to participate in the Graduate School ceremony is May 15. Information submitted after this date will not be printed in the program, although qualified degree candidates may be allowed to participate in the ceremony on special appeal to the Graduate School.
The Graduate School has again contracted with Island Photo to take photographs of all degree candidates as they collect their diplomas and after they leave the stage. The Graduate School has no expectation or requirement that graduates purchase photos from Island Photo.
Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations during the weekend should contact the Office of University Events as far in advance of Commencement as possible at 401-863-2108 and complete the form requesting a parking permit for persons with special accessibility needs.
Congratulations again on having reached this important moment in your educational careers. I look forward to seeing all of you at the rehearsal and reception.
Sincerely,
Sheila Bonde
Dean of the Graduate School