Commencement

Frequently Asked Questions for the Class of 2024

Commencement for the Class of 2024 will be held from Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2024. Please see the Weekend Overview for additional information.

Yes, all students need to apply to graduate via Banner web. Visit the Office of the Registrar website for important graduation deadlines.

Undergraduate students in the Class of 2024 can purchase their keepsake regalia at the Grad Fair in April. Graduate and medical students can purchase their regalia from the Brown Bookstore website through April 11.

Regalia should be worn for the Baccalaureate Service on Saturday (gown only) and the Procession and Commencement ceremonies on Sunday (cap and gown). Commissioning students and those with military service have the option to wear formal military attire in place of the cap and gown if they so choose and if permitted according to their status with the military.

The University Ceremony, College, master’s and doctoral Commencement ceremonies are not ticketed. Students are advised to bring no more than four to five guests each; seating is first come, first served. Some departmental ceremonies do ticket, so it is important to confirm this with your department in advance.

The Warren Alpert Medical School 2024 Commencement is ticketed. Each student participating in the ceremony receives four tickets. Tickets are distributed to the students on Saturday, May 25, during the mandatory rehearsal. If you need additional tickets, graduates can reach out to classmates for unused tickets. There is also an overflow room at the First Unitarian Church where guests can view a livestream of the ceremony. If additional tickets become available once attendance is confirmed, an email will be sent to the class on Saturday evening, and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

An invitation letter from Brown University is not needed to apply for a tourist/visitor visa for Commencement. International students in F1/J1 nonimmigrant status who wish to invite family members to attend Commencement can find pertinent information on the Office of International Student and Scholar Services website.

Most Commencement and Reunion Weekend events are held rain or shine; however, some outdoor events may be canceled or moved to a rain location in the case of severe weather that poses safety concerns for participants. Check this website for the latest information.

Class rings, announcements and diploma frames can all be purchased from the Brown Bookstore.

Undergraduate midyear completers (23.5 and 24.5) are welcome to "walk" in either the May ceremony preceding or following their December completion. Some choose to participate in both.

When students start at Brown, they start with a class and are always considered part of that class. As such, students can participate in the Commencement ceremony of their class, whether they have completed all degree requirements or not. Students may also choose to participate in the Commencement following the completion of all of their degree requirements.

To participate in Commencement, midyear completers should line up in regalia with their class on Waterman Street on the day of Commencement and process through the Van Wickle Gates. They can participate in both the College Ceremony at the First Baptist Church and the University Ceremony on College Green. 

Students are individually recognized at their departmental ceremonies (immediately following the University Commencement ceremony), where they receive diploma covers. Midyear completers are encouraged to connect with their concentration advisor or the director of undergraduate studies in their concentration’s department to ask if there is a way for them to participate in that ceremony if they are not earning their degree that spring. 

All midyear completers should check in with their concentration directors to learn about their concentrations' specific guidelines. Diplomas are issued the May following the December completion.

Midyear completers are celebrated at the annual Midyear Completion Celebration, held in December.

All undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree recipients receive their diplomas by mail to the address provided on the Application to Graduate. We anticipate delivery from mid-June to mid-July, depending on location. Medical recipients receive their printed diploma during their ceremony on Commencement Day.

Undergraduate degree recipients are individually recognized at their departmental ceremonies, where they receive diploma covers. Doctoral graduates are also individually recognized at the Doctoral Ceremony where they receive their diploma cover.

All master's graduates have their diploma covers mailed to them along with their diplomas.

Additionally, any undergraduate, doctoral or medical degree recipient who has not indicated plans to attend Commencement via the Application to Graduate will have their cover mailed to them with their diploma.

Brown's alumni Reunion takes place during the same weekend as Commencement. More information will be posted on the Reunion website. Reunion staff are available throughout the weekend to offer assistance with event locations, directions on campus and in Providence, and any additional questions you may have.

Students and parents can order their yearbooks online. Any questions regarding yearbooks can be directed to liber@brown.edu.

Email commencement@brown.edu with any questions.