Commencement A-Z
ACCOMMODATIONS
On-campus
On-campus accommodations are managed by the Office of Residential Life. You may make a reservation beginning Friday, March 2. Please be specific about any special accommodations you may need.
Visit the Residential Life Commencement/ Reunion Housing page for more information.
Questions should be directed to (401) 863-2337 or Res_Life@brown.edu, with the subject line: "Reunion/ Commencement Housing 2007."
Off-campus
For information about off-campus hotels and other lodging, please refer to our accommodations page.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
In mid-March, students receive four announcements for Commencement for family and friends. While supplies last, additional free announcements may be obtained at the University Events Office, 71 George St.
Personalized graduation announcements printed with the student's name and degree are available from the Brown Bookstore, (401) 863-2336.
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. The ceremony will be video-broadcast to the College Green Saturday, May 26, at 3:00 p.m.
CAMPUS DANCE
One of Brown's best-loved traditions, sponsored by the Brown Alumni Association and held on the College Green, beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, May 25. At midnight, an informal singing of the Alma Mater will take place on the Sayles Hall steps. For information and to obtain your tickets, visit Brown Campus Dance.
CAP AND GOWN
These may be purchased from the Brown Bookstore, (401) 863-2336 starting May 1. Students should wear cap and gown for the Baccalaureate Service on Saturday, May 26, and the Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 27.
DEPARTMENTAL CEREMONIES
Individual concentration ceremonies are held at these locations immediately following the Sunday, May 27, ceremony on the College Green.
DINING OPTIONS
On-campus
Saturday, May 26
7 a.m.-4 p.m.
"Grab and Go" breakfast and lunch, The Blue Room, Faunce House
Sunday, May 27
6:30-9 a.m.
Breakfast buffet, Main Dining Room, Sharpe Refectory
7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
"Grab and Go" breakfast and lunch at three locations: The Blue Room, Faunce House; tent by the John Carter Brown Library, the College Green; tent on the College Green, west of the flagpole
DIPLOMAS
Before the University Ceremony, both the Graduate School and the Medical School have separate departmental 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 at departmental ceremonies 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, contact Alpha Surgical Inc. at (401) 353-9090.
For further information, contact the University Events Office at (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, alumni, and distinguished guests. Free and open to all. Saturday, May 26, at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.
INFORMATION
Welcome Center is located on the College Green.
INVITATIONS
See "Announcements" above.
Map
View a map of the procession route.
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.
Procession Route
View a map of the procession route.
Rain Plan
View the Commencement Rain Plan.
Religious Services
Friday, May 25
Shabbat Service - 6:00 p.m.
Egalitarian and Traditional
Hillel, 80 Brown Street
Saturday, May 26
All Class Memorial Service - 8:30 a.m.
Sayles Hall, Main Green
Shabbat Service - 9:00 a.m.
Egalitarian
Hillel, 80 Brown Street
Sunday, May 27
Roman Catholic Mass - 8:00 a.m.
Sayles Hall, Main Green
Ecumenical Protestant Service - 8:00 a.m.
Manning Chapel, Main Green
Restrooms
Restrooms are located in Faunce House, Sayles Hall and Salomon Center.
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.
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.
Webcast
The University ceremony will be webcast live from 12:20 to 1:30.
YEARBOOK
For more information about the yearbook, please visit the yearbook web site.
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FAQ
What is the date of Commencement?
Commencement is held on Sunday, May 27, 2007.
Where is Commencement held?
Commencement takes place outdoors on Brown’s historic College Green.
What are the start and end times of Commencement?
The procession steps off promptly at 9:45 a.m.. Seniors, medical students, and graduate students process through the Van Wickle Gates. Seniors proceed down the hill to the First Baptist Church in America. During the senior ceremony in the church, families and friends are encouraged to find seats on the College Green, where large video screens will broadcast the proceedings. All degree recipients will return to the College Green for the University ceremony, which will begin at approximately 12:45 p.m. Departmental diploma ceremonies follow.
Who participates?
All undergraduates participate in the ceremony on the College Green on Sunday, May 27. The ceremony is outdoors in order to accommodate the more than 15,000 friends and family members who annually attend. Separate diploma ceremonies for each academic department — under cover if the weather is bad — provide a more intimate atmosphere for families and seniors. These ceremonies follow the College Green ceremony.
When do I get my diploma?
Before the University Ceremony, both the Graduate School and the Medical School have separate departmental ceremonies, where they receive their degrees. Graduating seniors do not receive individual diplomas on the College Green. Individual diplomas for Undergraduates are distributed at departmental ceremonies.
Where else can I watch or listen to the Commencement ceremonies, which occur on the College Green?
There will be a live video broadcast to Salomon Center, Sayles Hall and Pizzatola Sports Center. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on this Web site.