Rice will confer degrees upon 3,066 graduates — the most in the university’s history — during its 113th commencement ceremonies May 8-9.
The graduating class includes 1,367 undergraduates — with 20 students receiving professional degrees in architecture — along with 1,429 students earning advanced master’s degrees and 207 doctoral candidates.
John Green, the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, influential educator and global YouTube phenomenon, will serve as the speaker for the undergraduate ceremony. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 9 at Rice Stadium.
Tickets are required for Rice commencement ceremonies. Degree candidates must claim and send tickets to their guests. An email with details on how to claim tickets has been sent to each degree candidate’s Rice email address.
Commencement will be broadcast over the internet for family members and friends who are not able to attend the ceremony. A live stream of all ceremonies will be available 20 minutes before scheduled start times.
Participants, friends and families are encouraged to Text 2026RICEGRAD to 888-777 to subscribe to updates.
There will be a clear bag policy in effect: Only small (4.5 inches by 6.5 inches) or clear (12 inches by 16 inches) bags will be permitted. Commencement ceremonies will have bag checks at all venue entrances. Please visit the Information for Families and Guests page for venue entry guidelines and a full list of prohibited items.
The schedule for the weekend follows:
Friday, May 8
- 2 p.m., Tudor Fieldhouse, Jones Graduate School of Business (MBA) Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 9
- 9 a.m., Tudor Fieldhouse, Doctoral Commencement Ceremony
- 2 p.m., Tudor Fieldhouse, Advanced Degrees Commencement Ceremony (includes Bachelor of Architecture as well as Jones School MAcc and MA degree recipients)
- 7 p.m., Rice Stadium, Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
The undergraduate ceremony in Rice Stadium will take place rain or shine. Guests can bring umbrellas for rain or if they wish to use them in the sun for shade.
For more information, including all policies and procedures for commencement events, visit the Rice commencement website .