Graduating master’s students must complete the Application to Graduate and register to attend the Master’s Ceremony. Learn more on the Master’s Programs website. Important graduation deadlines can be found on the Registrar’s website.

Regalia (cap or tam, gown and hood) must be worn for the Procession and Commencement ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday. 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. Master’s students may purchase keepsake regalia during Grad Fair or directly from the Brown Bookstore. 

Concurrent undergraduate/graduate students may purchase and wear master’s or undergraduate regalia.

Dual degree master’s students should select only one hood color.

The Master’s Ceremony is not ticketed. Students are advised to bring up to four 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.

Graduating students should submit special recognitions received while a master's student at Brown by May 1 for possible inclusion in the Commencement program. Students should submit these honors regardless of whether or not they plan to participate in Commencement.

The Master’s Commencement Ceremony celebrates the academic achievements of those graduating from Brown University master’s programs. The order of events during the ceremony is:

• Invocation
• Opening remarks by President Paxson
• Master's student speaker
• Awards presentation
• Conferral of degrees
• Benediction

The Division of Master’s and Professional Programs has prepared the following instructions to help students prepare to participate in the Master’s Ceremony on Saturday, May 24 on College Green. Videos provide a visual guide to each step of the process. 

Throughout the mini-procession and ceremony, students are reminded to please be respectful of fellow graduates by keeping the line moving and allowing each graduate to have their moment on stage. 

Access Stage Pass

Graduating master’s students must access their Stage Pass for the Master's Ceremony by logging into Tassel (see the personalized email scheduled for Monday, May 19). Students should either print the Stage Pass (recommended) or prepare to have it readily accessible on their phone at the ceremony.

Arrive on Simmons Quad via Soldier's Memorial Gate

All graduating master's students should arrive on Simmons Quad via Soldier's Memorial Gate at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 with their Stage Pass (printed or on phone). Staff will direct students to line up by degree group on both sides of Sayles Hall for a mini-procession to their seats on College Green. The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. and is expected to last 2.5 hours. 

Master's students line up for the Procession on either side of Simmons Quad, in order of program (hood colors shown on map) and proceed to College Green, where they will sit with their programs on the same sides. 

Enter College Green and take a seat

Staff will direct students to their seating on College Green by degree group. There will be two main aisles used for seating. Students should take a seat quickly so the program can begin promptly. All chairs should be filled.

Rise as a group and approach the stage

When it is time to receive degrees, staff will direct students to rise with their degree group and move in a line up their side of the aisle. Students should have their Stage Pass ready; a staff member will ask to see it and will also check the student’s regalia. Students will be prompted by staff to ascend the outermost staircase on the front of the stage. 

Prepare to receive the diploma cover

The student’s Stage Pass will be scanned by staff on the stage. 

When their name is called, students should walk to the Corporation member standing or sitting on the side of the stage where they ascended. The student will take a diploma cover from the Corporation member. Next, the student will approach the dean on their side of the stage and shake the dean’s right hand. They will pose for a quick photo with the dean, holding their diploma cover.

Students will then proceed to descend the center staircase on their side of the stage.

Exit the stage and continue to a photo tent

After the student exits the stage down the centermost staircase, a staff member will collect the diploma cover and direct students to a photo tent to the left or right of the stage. The student will be given a sample diploma cover to hold for photos. Their official diploma and cover will be mailed in June (October and February graduates have already received their diploma and covers).

Have a photo taken

Next, master’s students will have their picture taken with a diploma cover at the photo tent operated by GradImages. Students must pre-register with GradImages to receive proofs of both the on-stage and off-stage poses, and will also have the opportunity to receive one free photo and to purchase additional photos.

Return to seat for the duration of the ceremony

Students should return to their original seat to watch the remainder of the ceremony, which includes the benediction, singing of the Alma Mater and recessional. Students are asked not to leave early, out of respect for other graduating master’s students and their guests.

Participate in the University Ceremony on Sunday

Master’s recipients are encouraged to participate in the University Procession and Ceremony on Sunday, May 25. 

Graduate slides with the name, degree and program of the graduating student display on a screen when their name is called during the Master's Ceremony. A second version of the slide, with an optional photo, can also be shared or downloaded through the virtual ceremony webpage (search by name or degree to view other members of Brown’s graduate Class of 2025). A link will be provided the week of Commencement. All slide information is submitted through the Tassel platform when graduates complete their ceremony registration.

Graduating master’s students may sign up with GradImages to have photos taken during the ceremony. 

Sign up for GradImages

Master's students participating in Sunday's University Procession will march through the Van Wickle Gates and down the Procession route on College Street. At the conclusion of the University Procession, master's students may turn right up Waterman Street to make their way to the Master's Reception at Woods-Gerry House terrace and gardens (62 Prospect St.).