Commencement 2026

Friday, May 22, 2026:

MPA Award Ceremony
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Starr Plaza

The Watson School Alumni Reception
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
The Agora and Chapman Sun Court, Stephen Robert ’62 Hall
A reception for all Watson School alumni.

Saturday, May 23, 2026:

Commencement Forum — The Influence and Innovation of City Politics: A Conversation with Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
True North Classroom (101)

Commencement Breakfast Reception
10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
The Agora and Chapman Sun Court, Stephen Robert ’62 Hall
For 2026 graduates of the Watson School and their families.

Commencement Forum — The Great Divide: A Conversation with Chris Hayes ’01
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
True North Classroom (101)

Class of 2026 Baccalaureate Service
1:00 p.m.
First Baptist Church in America
Baccalaureate is a multi-faith ceremony for the undergraduate Class of 2026 that incorporates the many spiritual and cultural traditions of the Brown community.

Class of 2026 Master's Commencement Ceremony
4:00 p.m.
College Green
The ceremony celebrates the academic achievements of master’s graduates and includes an invocation, student speaker, awards presentation, conferral of degrees and benediction.

Sunday, May 24, 2026:

Commencement Procession
9:45 a.m.
Faunce Arch
The Commencement Procession is a joyous celebration. Candidates for degrees march across College Green and through the Van Wickle Gates, which are opened only twice each year.

Class of 2026 Departmental Ceremonies
2:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Various locations
Academic departments recognize graduates at separate ceremonies held in buildings and tents across campus following the University ceremony. These ceremonies provide a more intimate atmosphere for families and graduates.

  • IAPA Departmental Diploma Ceremony
    Olney-Margolies Athletic Center (OMAC), 229 Hope Street

Learn more about the 2026 Brown University Commencement