Schedule of Events
Friday, May 19
10 a.m. Commencement Rehearsal
(required for seniors)
Parrish Lawn
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Senior Brunch
(for graduating class only)
405 Elm Avenue
Reception hosted by Vice President for Student Affairs.
4 – 7:30 p.m. Some 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.
Saturday, May 20
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Baccalaureate 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 the evening of Thursday, May 18)
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.
4 – 7:30 p.m. Some Academic Department Receptions
Various locations (consult your department)
Gatherings for seniors and their families.
5 – 8 p.m. Swattie Send-off
Swarthmore Town Center
Celebrate the Class of '23 commencement with outdoor dining, restaurant specials/food trucks, and two great Reggae bands.
9:15 p.m. Fireworks
Cunningham Field
Sunday, May 21: Commencement Day
8 – 9:30 a.m. Senior Breakfast
Trotter Lawn
Complimentary breakfast open to all seniors.
8 – 9:30 a.m. Family & Friends Breakfast
Dining Center
Complimentary breakfast open to all guests of seniors.
8 – 1 p.m. Information Tent
Clothier Hall Patio
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.
The ceremony will be live-streamed in three languages at indoor, air-conditioned locations across campus, including the Lang Performing Arts Center and the Scheuer Room inside Kohlberg Hall (English), Chang Hou Hall, Science Center (101) (Spanish), and Science Center 199 (Mandarin).
LPAC and the Scheuer Room, a family-friendly location, offer excellent alternatives in the case of overcrowding, 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.
9:45 a.m. Commencement Procession Forms
Line up in pairs in front of Trotter
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
Honorary Degree Recipients:
Bill Weber ’72 and Amy Vedder ’73
The Commencement Celebration will be held, 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.
LPAC and the Scheuer Room, a family-friendly location, offer excellent alternatives in the case of overcrowding, 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
Trotter 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 22
9 a.m. Residence halls close
