Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

From President John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot speech to Rice Football victories to Commencement ceremonies, historic Rice Stadium has been home to numerous remarkable moments. Helpful details for your visit to Rice Stadium are available below.

Rice Stadium Entry and Security Protocols

There will be a bag-check at each of the entrances to Rice Stadium. Only small (4.5" x 6.5" max) or clear (12"x16" max) bags will be permitted. Please allow extra time for bag check and security.

Prohibited items for both guests and degree candidates include:

  • Weapons of any kind
  • Banners, signs or flags
  • Artificial noisemakers
  • Balloons
  • Tobacco products
  • Laser pointers
  • Drones
  • Pets (Exception: service animals)
  • Oversized bags, large diaper bags, coolers, etc.

Guests are permitted to bring in food that is contained in a clear, plastic bag no larger than one gallon in size. Empty, reusable or factory sealed water bottles are permitted as well. Water will be available on the concourse to fill reusable water bottles.

    Weather

    The weather in Houston in May is very hot and humid. Light colors and fabrics are recommended for the outdoor ceremonies and we encourage guests to bring factory sealed bottled water with them. The Undergraduate Commencement 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 as there are not many shady areas in the stadium.

    Photography and Videography

    While receiving their diplomas, all graduates will be professionally photographed on the platform. Information on availability of those images will be sent to each graduate’s email address provided with his or her permanent address on file.

    A recording of the entire ceremony will be made and will include each graduate receiving the diploma. Video recordings of ceremonies will be available the week following Commencement on Rice’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/RiceUniversity.

    We ask that guests not leave their seats during the ceremony to take photographs of their graduate. Please observe all directions from the Marshals and ushers as they work to ensure the safety of our guests.

    Web Broadcast

    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 home page of https://commencement.rice.edu/video/current-event on the day of the event.

    Restrooms, Water, First Aid

    Restrooms are open on the concourses of Rice Stadium. Drinking water is available on the concourses, though we encourage guests to bring their own factory sealed water bottle. Please contact an usher if you are in need of medical attention. First aid triage is located on the east concourse, near section 115.

    For information regarding special accommodations, please see the disability resources page.