Commencement
Commencement 2021
A modified version of Commencement events will be held April 30 to May 2, 2021.
Commencement 2021
A modified version of Commencement events will be held April 30 to May 2, 2021.
How to Watch
Commencement at Brown is a time of great ceremony, pageantry and rejoicing, much of it representing traditions that are centuries old.
While Commencement Weekend will look a little different this year, we look forward to celebrating our 2021 graduates both virtually and in person. Here are some highlights of what you can expect:
- The University will host Commencement ceremonies in person for graduating students in accordance with public health protocols. Families and friends will attend virtually rather than in person. Learn more about our planning principles and safety protocols.
- The Graduate and Medical School Ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 1.
- There will be two College Ceremonies on Sunday, May 2. One will take place at 10 a.m. EDT, and the second will take place at 2:30 p.m EDT. Students have registered for either the morning or afternoon ceremony. The program for both ceremonies will be the same. Each will last approximately 1 hour and provide opportunities for graduates to be celebrated as they walk through the Van Wickle Gates.
- Many additional virtual events and departmental celebrations will be taking place during the week of Commencement. Please continue to check the schedule page for the most updated information.
- Remote students, families and guests will be able to watch all ceremonies live on this site. Ceremonies will also be available for on-demand viewing.
- Share congratulatory messages and well wishes on social media using the hashtags #Brown2021 and #BrownU.
Commencement News
A series of in-person, socially distanced Commencement ceremonies for graduates and a wide range of virtual events for students, families and Brown alumni will take place from April 30 to May 2 — here is what to expect.
Read Article
News from Brown
Brown to confer six honorary degrees at Commencement 2021
Brown will bestow honorary degrees on a diverse group of business leaders, educators, scholars and scientists during its Commencement and Reunion Weekend celebration from April 30 to May 2.
Read Article
In keeping with a Brown tradition of elevating student voices at Commencement, seniors George Kubai and Siddhi Nadkarni will encourage their classmates to strengthen communities and remove barriers.
Read Article
Bardiya Akhbari, a Ph.D. graduate in biomedical engineering, and Sonya Brooks, a master’s graduate in urban education policy, will speak about the power of human connection, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.
Read Article