The Baccalaureate incorporates the many spiritual and cultural traditions of the Brown community. This multifaith service for undergraduates opens with a traditional Chinese lion dance performance, bearing blessing and congratulations to the graduates as they perform with dynamic energy to dispel misfortune and invite good fortune. The service continues with rituals, readings and prayers from Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and animist traditions, as well as choral and instrumental music, poetry, dance and Taiko drumming.

Baccalaureate is a service designed to bring graduating seniors together as a community. While families are invited to watch the program via livestream, the in-person event is meant for graduating students only, and, because of limited capacity, only students, performers and University leaders participating in the service are invited to the church grounds for the service.

One of the highlights of the Baccalaureate Service is the keynote address. The 2026 Baccalaureate speaker is Xochitl Gonzalez ’99, a New York Times bestselling author, Pulitzer Prize finalist, screenwriter and producer.

Graduating students should plan to arrive in regalia (gown only) at the First Baptist Church. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Students are strongly encouraged to arrive as early as possible and no later than 12:30 p.m. to allow adequate time for checking wristbands and securing seating on the church grounds.

Please note that in recent years the number of students from Brown’s graduating class attending the service has surpassed the seating capacity in the church. Seating inside the church is on a first come-basis for graduating seniors only. Once the church has reached capacity, graduating seniors will be directed to seating under a tent on the church grounds where a livestream will be displayed. Any student may choose to sit in the outdoor tent.

Families and other guests are invited to watch a livestream of the service from designated locations nearby. All locations are wheelchair-accessible and have assisted listening devices available. Locations include:

• MacMillan Hall, Room 117, 167 Thayer St.
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) administration building, 20 Washington Place
• RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Walk #7
• RISD Metcalf Auditorium, Chace Center, 20 North Main St.

View the Baccalaureate Service Program