The College

Commencement

Brown University confers degrees on graduating students every year on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

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Commencement

Brown University confers degrees on graduating students every year on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

For information about Commencement, please visit the Brown Commencement website.

Brown's undergraduate ceremony takes place outdoors on Brown's historic College Green in order to accommodate the more than 15,000 friends and family members who attend.

The celebration begins at 9:45 a.m. when graduating seniors process through the Van Wickle Gates down the hill to the First Baptist Church in America, where the senior ceremony is held. Family and friends line the walkway, or they may watch the proceedings on large video screens on the College Green. Following the College ceremony, the University ceremony begins at approximately 12:45 p.m. Real-time captioning of Commencement ceremonies is provided on a video simulcast that is also streamed into Salomon Center, Sayles Hall, and the Pizzitola Center.

Separate concentration ceremonies for each academic department follow the University ceremony. Held under cover if the weather is bad, these ceremonies provide a more intimate atmosphere for families and seniors.

Academic regalia (cap and gown) should be worn for Commencement ceremonies. Students may purchase academic regalia for a nominal fee at the Brown Bookstore after May 1.

Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations for any event during Commencement weekend should contact the Office of University Events as far in advance as possible. Please call 401 863-7820 during normal business hours.

Commencement Participation

Brown has an inclusive policy toward student participation in Commencement. Unless they have been suspended for disciplinary reasons, all students who start with a class may choose to march with that class at Commencement.

In departmental ceremonies, academic departments are encouraged to make whatever welcoming statements they feel appropriate to students who may actually not be receiving degrees. Whether departments wish to acknowledge each student individually is at their discretion. Diplomas are mailed to students who have completed all degree requirements shortly after Commencement.