Commencement Weekend: May 22-24, 2026

This information is subject to change. Please check back frequently for updates.

Friday, May 22

  • Student Recognition Events (times vary)
    The Warren Alpert Medical School

Receptions are held throughout the day for Primary Care-Population Medicine and Scholarly Concentrations programs graduates and their families, and for student awards.

  • Medical Community Celebration (7 p.m.)
    The Warren Alpert Medical School; free registration is required

Graduating students and their families join alumni, faculty, and staff for a festive kick-off to the weekend.

  • Campus Dance (9 p.m. - 1 a.m.)
    College Green and Ruth Simmons Quadrangle

One of Brown's best-loved Reunion and Commencement traditions, Campus Dance brings people to Brown to dance the night away under 600 paper lanterns. Tickets are required for all attendees and are available for purchase.

Saturday, May 23

  • MD'26 Class Photo (9 a.m.)
    Ruth Simmons Quadrangle
    Medical students should bring their full regalia (robe, tam, and hood) to the photo session and rehearsal.
  • Commencement Rehearsal (10 a.m.)
    First Unitarian Church, One Benevolent St., Providence
    This mandatory rehearsal is where graduating students receive their Commencement tickets. The Medical School Commencement is a ticketed event and each student receives four tickets for the church and one ticket for the adjacent livestream space.
  • Commencement Forums
    Various locations on campus and the Medical School

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. Most are held on campus; the Ruth Sauber Distinguished Alumni Lecture is presented by a medical alum and is held at the Medical School.

Sunday, May 24

  • Commencement Procession (8:45 a.m.)
    Starting at Angell St.

Medical students assemble for the traditional procession down College Hill. A University smart wristband is required to join the procession.

  • The Warren Alpert Medical School Commencement Ceremony (10 a.m.)
    First Unitarian Church, 1 Benevolent Street

Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences Dr. Mukesh K. Jain presides. The ceremony includes faculty and student addresses and degree conferral. The ceremony typically concludes at noon. An overflow space is available where guests can watch the ceremony via livestream; a ticket is required for the livestream room as well as the main church.

Things to Know