Commencement

Essential Steps to Prepare for Graduate School Commencement

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Essential Steps to Prepare for Graduate School Commencement

Graduate students intending to complete this academic year should follow the essential steps to prepare for Commencement and pay close attention to announcements from the Graduate School, School of Professional Studies, Registrar, Bookstore, your program, and University leadership.

Graduate students in terminal degrees are eligible to have degrees conferred, and to receive their diploma, at three different times during the academic year: October, February and May. See the Registrar’s website for details and deadlines.

October and February graduates are welcome to participate along with May graduates in the Commencement ceremonies held in May. The Graduate School will reach out to October and February graduates in January 2024 to the email address recorded on your Application to Graduate, with instructions for registering to attend and participate.

Required Steps for 2024 Graduates

All eligible graduates should complete the following steps, including October 2023 and February 2024 graduates. Additional steps may be added closer to Commencement Weekend. 

1. Fill out the Application to Graduate

Graduate Application on Banner

Deadlines

  • October: September 8, 2023
  • February: January 12, 2024
  • May: April 19, 2024
  • The University can only graduate and generate diplomas for graduate students who complete this application.
  • The application enables you to list your name as you would like it to appear on your diploma and be listed in the Commencement program. The default formula is first name, middle name, last name.
  • Once logged into Banner, select the Student Records menu and select the Application to Graduate menu item.

2. Complete the Award Form by May 1, 2024

Identify awards and honors you received while a graduate student at Brown for possible inclusion in the Commencement program. Please do so regardless of whether or not you plan to participate in Commencement.

Award Form 2024

3. Register to Attend the Doctoral or Master's Ceremony 

Registration to attend must be completed on the Application to Graduate, as well as through the Marching Order platform, which opened on March 5, 2024. Please check the email you indicated on your Application to Graduate for a message with the subject: Brown University Doctoral/Master's Ceremony: Registration and Related Information.

4. Purchase academic regalia from the Bookstore

  • Doctoral students may rent or purchase custom regalia (rent | purchase).
  • Master's students have the option to:
    a) purchase keepsake at Grad Fair on April 25
    b) purchase directly from the Bookstore following Grad Fair through Commencement Weekend
    c) Purchase custom regalia.
  • Concurrent undergrad/graduate students may purchase and wear master's OR undergraduate regalia.
  • Dual Degree Master's students should select only one hood color. 

5. Sign up for Photos

GradImages

6. Read and complete the Dissertation and Thesis Guidelines

Doctoral candidates and master's students with thesis should read the dissertation and thesis guidelines. Deadline to submit for the May degree conferral is May 1, 2024.

Special Accommodations

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations should contact the office of Student Accessibility Services directly prior to Commencement weekend.