Commencement A-Z

ACCOMMODATIONS

On-campus
On-campus accommodations are managed by the Office of Residential Life, 401-863-3500. The reservation process begins in the Spring.

Off-campus
For information about off-campus hotels and other lodging, please refer to our Providence 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.

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. Seniors will line up on Waterman Street, facing east toward Thayer Street, with the line beginning at Faunce Arch. The ceremony will be video-broadcast to the College Green Saturday, May 29.

CAP AND GOWN

These may be purchased from the Brown Bookstore, (401) 863-2336. Students should wear cap and gown for the Baccalaureate Service on Saturday, May 29, and the Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 30.

Academic regalia for graduate students and medical students may be purchased at the Bookstore.

Diplomas

Before the University Ceremony, both the Graduate School and the Medical School have separate 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 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, see our list of local wheelchair rentals.

For further information, contact (401) 863-2108.

EMT

Emergency Medical Assistance is located in the basement level of Faunce House.

FORUMS

A series of informative colloquia given by faculty, distinguished guests, and alumni. Free and open to all. Saturday, May 29, at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1 p.m.

Information

Welcome Center is located on the College Green.

Map

View a map of the procession route.

Mid-Year Completers

Mid-year completers are welcome to “walk” in either the May ceremony preceding or following their December completion. All mid-year completers should check in with their concentration directors to learn about their concentrations’ specific guidelines. Diplomas are issued the May following the December completion.

Parking

In addition to the streets around the Brown campus, you may park your car in any of the University lots anytime beginning 5 p.m. Friday through the weekend. Read more parking information.

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.

Photos

The best place to take a photograph of your graduating student is in the afternoon at the diploma ceremony following the University Ceremony on the College Green. In addition, the Van Wickle Gates will remain open through 6 p.m. on Monday. The Brown bear statue, “Bruno,” on the College Green near Faunce House Arch is another favorite location for photos.

Providence Info

See our page of information about accommodations, dining, and more in Providence.

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.

Wheelchair Rental

View a listing of local wheelchair rental locations.