The order of events during the ceremony is:
Because there is no formal rehearsal, the Graduate School has prepared this guide to help students prepare for and participate in the ceremony on Sunday, May 26. Please review the following instructions to understand how to participate. Videos provide a visual guide to each step of the process.
Graduates and faculty participating in the Doctoral Ceremony will continue on to Pembroke Field during the University Procession on Sunday morning. The Doctoral Ceremony will begin directly following the University Procession. Graduates should make sure to have their Grad Pass and ID with them when they line up for the Procession.
Click play to see the Procession route.
Upon arrival at the ceremony location, you will be directed where to sit. Please take a seat quickly so the program can begin promptly.
Click play to see an overhead illustration of where graduates will be seated. Graduates are represented by the cap icon.
When directed, stand by row and move in a line to the stairs at the left side of the stage. Your doctoral hood should be draped over your left arm. Shortly before you reach the left staircase you will have your Grad Pass scanned.
Your name will be announced on stage as you reach the top of the stairs. When you are called, cross to the middle of the stage to the Corporation member, shake with your right hand and take a diploma cover from the Corporation member with your left hand.
Click play to see how graduates will approach the stage.
Continue across the stage and stop in front of the two deans in charge of hooding. Hand your unbuttoned hood to one of the deans and turn to face the audience. The dean will place the hood over your head so it drapes down your back.
After your photo is taken, continue to the right side of the stage (facing the audience), exiting down the stairs on that side. Return the diploma cover to the person waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
October or February doctoral graduates: Continue straight to the photo station as directed.
May doctoral graduates: Go backstage to pick up your personal diploma cover, then continue to the photo station.
Please bring your Brown ID with you for proof of identification.
Click play to see how graduates will exit the stage.
Return to your original seat to watch the remainder of the ceremony, which includes the benediction, singing of the Alma Mater and recessional. Please do not leave early, out of respect for other graduates and their guests.
Click play to see the pathway for graduates from the stage back to their seat.
After the ceremony concludes, you and your guests are invited to make your way to the University Ceremony taking place on the College Green. The president will preside over this ceremony, conferring honorary degrees as well as symbolic degrees. On the College Green there is limited seating reserved for doctoral graduates as well as simulcast options for guests.
Departmental ceremonies are held after the University Ceremony. Check in with your program beforehand to see if you should attend the departmental ceremony or if your program is hosting an alternative event for graduate students.
