Rice: Unconventional Wisdom
Commencement

Commencement

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. What do I do if I'm not attending Commencement?

  2. What is the attire for Commencement?

  3. With whom do I speak to confirm that I am graduating and/or confirm the spelling of my name in the Commencement program?

  4. What is Convocation?

  5. Who is the Commencement speaker?

  6. One of my guests cannot walk long distances or climb the stairs on the shuttle bus, can I drop him/her off at the Sallyport?

  7. Do degree candidates have to attend a rehearsal?

  8. What if I have a question that was not answered by this website?

  9. When will I receive my diploma?

 

  1. What do I do if I'm not attending Commencement?
    Please notify the Office of the Registrar at registrar@rice.edu to advise them that you will not be attending.

  2. What is the attire for Commencement?
    The weather in Houston in May is very hot and humid, and all events held indoors will be in air-conditioned venues. Men typically wear nice shirts and slacks or a coat and tie to the indoor events. However, the Commencement ceremony itself will be held outside, and most men find coats and ties to be uncomfortable. Ladies typically wear nice slacks, skirts, or dresses. Light colors and fabrics are recommended for the outdoor ceremony.

  3. With whom do I speak to confirm that I am graduating and/or confirm the spelling of my name in the Commencement program?
    Please notify the Office of the Registrar at registrar@rice.edu.

  4. What is Convocation?
    Convocation is a gathering sponsored by the Association of Rice Alumni (ARA) to welcome the Class of 2010 to the ARA. There will be remarks by the ARA president, and some awards will be presented. Degree candidates do not need to wear their academic regalia, and reservations are not necessary.

  5. Who is the Commencement speaker?
    TBD. Please check back soon.

  6. One of my guests cannot walk long distances or climb the stairs on the shuttle bus, can I drop him/her off at the Sallyport?
    No cars will be allowed to enter the campus Inner Loop on Saturday, May 15, without a special parking pass for the Cohen House Lot.

  7. Do degree candidates have to attend a rehearsal?
    No. Marshals will direct you during the ceremony.

  8. What if I have a question that was not answered by this website?
    Please contact your son or daughter or call the individual numbers listed above. Degree candidates should contact their college or department secretary.

  9. When will I receive my diploma?
    The Office of the Registrar will make the diploma order the Monday following the Commencement ceremony - Monday, May 17. Processing at the diploma company takes approximately six to eight weeks. Diplomas will be available to degree recipients for pick up in the Office of the Registrar, 116 Allen Center, from (date TBA), between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Beginning (date TBA), all diplomas not picked up in person will be mailed in a protective tube via certified mail to the degree recipient's permanent address as listed in ESTHER. Diplomas sent internationally will be shipped via Federal Express and can only be delivered to a physical address, not a P.O. box. All graduating students are encouraged to log into their ESTHER accounts to update their contact information as necessary. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.

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Last updated 05/07/09