Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement ceremonies for 2024 have been split into two: those earning graduate degrees (M.A., M.S.S., Ph.D.) will have their degrees conferred on Friday, May 17, at 5 p.m.; those earning an undergraduate degree (A.B.) will have their degrees conferred on Saturday, May 18, at 2 p.m.

At the Friday Commencement for graduate degree recipients, Former President Kim Cassidy confers the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Social Service, and the Doctorate onto the assembled candidates. The Masters candidates receive a diploma letter, while each Doctoral candidate is “hooded” by the Chair of the Faculty. At the Saturday Commencement, A.B. degrees are awarded in alphabetical order by academic department and alphabetical order by last name within a department.

Both the graduate ceremony on Friday, May 17, and the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 18, will take place under a tent.  There will be space adjacent to the tent for chairs, as well as chairs under the tent. The College landscape does not allow for additional tenting for guests. Mid-May in Philadelphia can range from hot and humid to cool and wet; we recommend guests dress in layers and have rain gear handy.

Tickets will be required to attend the ceremony and will be limited to 8 guests per degree candidate. Degree candidates will receive more detailed information on tickets in April. 

We will livestream both the graduate ceremony on Friday, May 17, and the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 18. There will be a link prominently displayed on the College’s homepage on Friday and Saturday.

We no longer require masking; individuals are encouraged to make a decision that best meets their health situation.  

Parking is available in all Bryn Mawr College lots. In the event that a lot is full, a uniformed Campus Safety office or a sign will direct you to the next available lot. 

Bryn Mawr campus shuttles will drive a continuous loop between the parking areas and campus.

Yes, you may take photographs from your seat; however, to avoid obstructing the views of others, you will not be allowed to approach the stage area. 

Bryn Mawr has contracted with Legacy Photographics to take a photograph of each graduate receiving his/her diploma letter from President Cassidy. Legacy Photographics will mail information about purchasing these photographs to the degree candidates.

The College does not benefit financially from this arrangement; it is provided as a service to graduates and their families. You are under no obligation to buy these photographs.

Reserved parking and reserved seating are available for guests with special needs.

In order for us to arrange this, please have the degree candidate complete and return the Request for Accommodation form as soon as possible.

For both ceremonies, parking placards for special parking are required. The parking placard will be checked when you enter the parking lot.

A map indicating these areas will be included with the parking placard(s). Degree candidates must pick up this information packet from Conferences and Events, lower level of the Campus Center, during the week of Commencement.