Campus Dance

Friday | evening

One of Brown’s best-loved Reunion Weekend traditions, Campus Dance brings together more than 10,000 Brown alumni, graduating students and guests to dance the night away under the stars for this outdoor ball on College Hill. The event is sponsored by the Brown Alumni Association, and tickets can be purchased through the Campus Dance registration website beginning in April.

Weekend Forums 

Saturday | morning and afternoon

Led by faculty, alumni and distinguished guests, these academic and topical colloquia are an integral part of Commencement and Reunion Weekend. All family members and guests are welcome to attend and forums do not require a ticket. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Baccalaureate 

Saturday | afternoon

Held at First Baptist Church in America, Baccalaureate is a multifaith ceremony for undergraduates that incorporates the many spiritual and cultural traditions of the Brown community. Due to limited seating capacity, only graduating seniors are allowed into the church. All guests and family members may watch the ceremony via livestream from designated locations.

University Procession

Sunday | morning

The University Procession is a joyous celebration. Candidates for degrees march across College Green and through the Van Wickle Gates. Undergraduate alumni who have returned for Reunion march with their classes. Once the last person is through the Van Wickle Gates, the Procession inverts and undergraduates continue down College Street with each participant applauding the others; doctoral students and medical students also process to their respective ceremony locations, with participants and spectators applauding the graduating students.

Parents, relatives and friends of graduating seniors are strongly advised to find seats on College Green during the University Procession, where they can view a livestream of the event. The Procession is made up of approximately 7,000 participants who line the route, making photography and lines of sight challenging for guests. 

Master’s Ceremony

Saturday | afternoon

Master’s and professional students gather on the College Green on Saturday of Commencement Weekend for the formal conferral of master’s and professional degrees.

Warren Alpert Medical School Commencement Ceremony

Sunday | morning

Graduating Warren Alpert Medical School students gather at the First Unitarian Church in Providence on Sunday of Commencement Weekend for the conferral of Brown medical degrees.

Doctoral Ceremony

Sunday | morning

Graduating doctoral students gather at Pembroke Field on Sunday of Commencement Weekend for the formal conferral of Doctor of Philosophy degrees. 

College Ceremony 

Sunday | morning

The senior class assembles on the lawn of the First Baptist Church in America on Sunday of Commencement Weekend for the official conferral of baccalaureate degrees.

University Ceremony

Sunday | afternoon

All graduates convene on the College Green on Sunday of Commencement Weekend for the symbolic conferring of degrees, presided over by the University president.

Departmental Ceremonies

Sunday | afternoon

Academic departments and programs hold separate departmental ceremonies throughout the weekend, mostly on Sunday following the University Ceremony, where graduating students’ names are read and graduating seniors cross the stage to receive their diplomas.