Friday, May 22, 2026:
MPA Award Ceremony
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Starr Plaza
The Watson School Alumni & MPA 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 and graduating MPA students.
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)
Commencement Forum — Global Threats and the Future of Public Service with Honorary Degree Recipient Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr.
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 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:
University Procession
9:45 a.m.
Faunce Arch
The University Procession is a joyous celebration. Candidates for degrees march across College Green and through the Van Wickle Gates. It is tradition for students to walk through the gates only twice while at Brown.
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