Guests are encouraged to wear business casual or business attire befitting the importance of the ceremony.

Degree candidates must order Regalia by the stated deadlines to be worn at the Commencement ceremony at all times. More information can be found on the Academic Regalia page of the Commencement website. Degree candidates should plan to wear lightweight clothing underneath the gown and comfortable shoes. When choosing clothing to wear under the Regalia, degree candidates should be aware that legs (below the knee) and feet show below the gown. Degree candidates may not carry items such as handbags.

The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will take place in the stadium, rain or shine.

Commencement will be broadcast over the internet for family members and friends who are not able to attend the ceremony. The links will go live 20 minutes before scheduled start times. They also appear on the Commencement website the day of the event.

Please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@rice.edu.

No. Marshals will direct degree candidates during the ceremony.

The processing and printing at the diploma company will take approximately four weeks for May degree recipients (both graduate-level and undergraduate-level). For December graduate-level degree recipients, the processing and printing at the diploma company will take approximately four weeks. For December undergraduate-level degree recipients, the processing and printing at the diploma company will take approximately four weeks after the commencement ceremony held the following May. Diplomas will be mailed to the address provided by degree candidates on the submitted application for graduation. The diploma will list your name, degree, and any applicable university honors (Latin Honors and/or the Distinction in Research and Creative Work). Completed majors, minors, and certificates are not listed on the diploma.

The name displayed on your diploma and the address to which it will be mailed can be viewed and edited by logging into ESTHER and navigating to: ESTHER > Students - General > Graduation > Verify Diploma Information > Diploma Name and Address. If you wish to change the mailing address AFTER commencement, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 713-348-4999 or registrar@rice.edu to inquire if the address is able to be changed.

Rice University diplomas are large in size and generally require framing by a professional framer. The dimensions are 17 inches wide by 23 inches tall. To purchase your official Rice University diploma frame, visit the Rice Campus Store or purchase online at ShopRiceU.com. For more information on diplomas, visit the Diplomas page maintained by the Office of the Registrar.

Degree candidates should contact their college coordinator (undergraduates) or department coordinator (graduate students). General questions can also be directed to commencement@rice.edu or 713-348-2112.