Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement ceremonies for 2025 have been split into two: those earning graduate degrees (M.A., M.S.S., Ph.D.) will have their degrees conferred on Friday, May 16, at 5 p.m.; those earning an undergraduate degree (A.B.) will have their degrees conferred on Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m.

At the Friday Commencement for graduate degree recipients, President Wendy Cadge 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 16, and the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 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 for the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday and 12 guests for the graduate ceremony on Friday. Degree candidates will receive more detailed information on tickets in April.  The College community can obtain tickets directly from the Conferences and Events office the week of Commencement.   

We will livestream both the graduate ceremony on Friday, May 16, and the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 17. 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 Cadge. 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.

A Request for Accommodation form will be sent to each degree candidate in spring.  The form should be completed and returned by early May.

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). If special seating under the tent is required, separate tickets are issued.  Degree candidates must pick up this information packet which includes parking placards and/or special seating tickets from Conferences and Events, lower level of the Campus Center, during the week of Commencement.