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Commencement 2024

Commencement

Department Overview

Friday, May 24

10:30 a.m. – 1 p.mSenior Brunch 
(for graduating class only)
405 Elm Avenue
Reception hosted by Vice President for Student Affairs.

2 p.m. Commencement Rehearsal
(required for seniors)
Location TBD

7:30 p.mSome Academic Department Receptions
Various locations (consult your department)
Gatherings for seniors and their families.

8 p.m. Last Collection with Candle-lighting Ceremony
Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
This tradition includes a talk by a faculty member and a student chosen by the senior class. 
Families and friends are welcome to attend.

Saturday, May 25

10 a.m. – 1 p.mBaccalaureate Brunch 
(open to all seniors and guests)
Dining Center
Complimentary buffet meal. 

1:30 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa
(Students learn of their selection on Thursday evening May 25)
Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
Initiation of new members of Phi Beta Kappa.  All are welcome. 

2:45 p.m. Baccalaureate procession forms
Wearing caps and gowns, seniors line up in front of Parrish.

3 p.m. Baccalaureate 
(no tickets required; all are welcome)
Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
Baccalaureate is intended to touch upon the moral and spiritual roots of the educational process and encourage commitment to a more just world. The ceremony includes a speaker, several moments of silence in observance of our Quaker tradition, and an inspirational reading.

– 7:30 p.m. Some Academic Department Receptions
Various locations (consult your department)
Gatherings for seniors and their families.

Time tbd. Fireworks 
Cunningham Fields

Sunday, May 26: Commencement Day

– 9:30 a.m. Senior Breakfast 
Pearson Lawn
Complimentary breakfast open to all seniors.

– 9:30 a.m. Family & Friends Breakfast 
Dining Center
Complimentary breakfast open to all guests of seniors.

– 1 p.m. Information Tent 
Magill Walk

8:15 – 9:30 a.m. Rose Selection 
Dean Bond Rose Garden    
A Swarthmore tradition where Arboretum staff members assist seniors in selecting roses to wear on their gowns.  

8:30 a.m. Commencement locations open for seating
(no tickets are required)
Parrish Lawn;  additional seating in Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC) and  Scheuer Room in Kohlberg Hall
Please note that seats fill quickly.  Luggage is prohibited.  Only service animals are permitted.
LPAC and the Scheuer Room, a family-friendly location, offer excellent alternatives in the case of inclement weather or excessive heat, or to better accommodate guests with special needs.  Simultaneous telecasts are in high definition.  

9:45 a.m. Commencement Procession Forms
Seniors wear caps and gowns

10 a.m. Commencement Celebration 
(no tickets are required)
Parrish Lawn;  additional seating in Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC) and  Scheuer Room in Kohlberg Hall
The Commencement Celebration will be held on Parrish Lawn, rain or shine.  Bring rain gear in case of inclement weather. Sunscreen is recommended. In the case of severe weather (e.g. lightning or strong wind gusts), we may decide to delay the ceremony. Please note that seats fill quickly.  Luggage is prohibited.  Only service animals are permitted.  Seating and parking may be prearranged for people with special needs; please contact ssmythe1@swarthmore.edu for details. 

Restrooms will be located in Parrish Hall and in and adjacent to Clothier Hall.

LPAC and the Scheuer Room, a family-friendly location, offer excellent alternatives in the case of inclement weather or excessive heat, or to better accommodate guests with special needs.  We strongly encourage the use of these air-conditioned venues.  Simultaneous telecasts are in high definition.  

Commencement Reception
Pearson Lawn
Following Commencement, all are welcome to enjoy light refreshments.

* listed times are close approximations and may be adjusted closer to the event.


Monday, May 27

8 a.m. Residence halls close