Commencement is an important event for you, your family, and the entire University community. The following information will help you to prepare for Commencement Weekend.
REGALIA: To participate in the pomp and pageantry of this event, eligible graduate students need to rent or purchase academic regalia. If you haven’t ordered yet, do so as soon as possible. You must wear regalia appropriate for your degree to participate in the procession and ceremony. There are no exceptions to this rule. You can order your academic regalia by phone or in person at the Brown Bookstore. Master’s candidates need a gown and a cap or tam. PhD candidates need a gown, cap or tam, and a hood. An additional shipping fee applies for rental orders placed after May 1.
REHEARSAL: Saturday, May 26, at 2 pm at Lincoln Field. All graduating master’s and PhD students are expected to attend this rehearsal. See full schedule for additional details.
PROCESSION LINEUP: By 8:45 am on Sunday, May 27, report to the Graduate School lineup area on Waterman Street. See schedule for additional instructions.
CEREMONIES: The Graduate School Ceremony is on Lincoln Field. The procession will arrive around 10:00 am and the ceremony will begin around 10:15 am. After its conclusion, graduating students are encouraged to attend the University Ceremony on the Main Green. Seats are reserved for graduate students.
WEBCAST: The Graduate School procession and full ceremony will be streamed live on the Brown University website.
SEATING: Seating inside the tent on Lincoln Field is limited. The front half of the tent is reserved for graduating students and faculty mentors. Family and friends are welcome in the remaining sections, exterior seating, and in simulcast areas. The videocast provided in Metcalf Friedman Auditorium and MacMillan Hall 115 and 117 will include the entrance of the procession, speakers, awards, students as they receive their degrees, and the hooding of PhD candidates.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Island Photo is under contract 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.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations during the weekend should contact the Office of University Events and Conference Services as far in advance of Commencement as possible at (401) 863-3100 and complete the form requesting a parking permit for persons with special accessibility needs.
NEED MORE INFORMATION? Check the A-Z section. If you have questions regarding this year’s Graduate School ceremony or our preparations, please contact Susan Ely at (401) 863-9546.
