Commencement Weekend Activity Schedule 

Friday, May 16

9:00 am Rehearsal Continental Breakfast—Student Union

This continental breakfast is offered to all graduating students who will attend Commencement rehearsal.

9:00 - 10:00 am Cap & Gown Photos — Student Union

Bob Knight Photo will take individual cap and gown photos during the Rehearsal Breakfast. Please remember to bring your cap, gown, and hood if you would like to have your photo taken. Photos will be taken on a first-come first-serve basis.

10:00 am Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal—Lisser Theatre

Assemble near the stage. Important: All undergraduate Commencement participants must attend. Undergraduate students unable to attend the rehearsal for reasons beyond their control should contact the Student Activities Office, activity@mills.edu. Note: Graduate students are not required, but strongly encouraged, to attend as Mills College has its own unique traditions and procedures in this important ceremony.

5:30 pm Baccalaureate—Chapel

Baccalaureate is a time to honor all graduating students (undergraduates and graduates) and celebrate their accomplishments. This reflective ritual, which schools have held for centuries, helps mark your transition from student to alumna/alumnus. As part of the ceremony, graduating students are presented with the laurels (lauri) of the Baccalaureate Address by a member of the Mills community. At Mills, all graduating students are invited to bring family and friends to this time-honored celebration. Note: Candidates line up to march on the Chapel steps at 5:15 p.m. Wear robes but not hoods. Hats optional. If you have questions about Baccalaureate, please contact Reverend Erika Macs, Director of Spiritual and Religious Life, emacs@mills.edu or 510.430.3123.

Saturday, May 17

9:45 am Commencement Ceremony—Toyon Meadow

All candidates must assemble no later than 9:00 am on the Mills Oval, in front of Mills Hall, as announced at the rehearsal. Non-resident students should allow extra travel time for heavy traffic and parking.

Only candidates will march in the procession; candidates may choose any other candidate as a marching partner. Graduate student candidates march within their respective disciplines. Candidates with children should arrange for child care in advance. Children are welcome to sit with the candidates' guests in the audience section.

Candidates may carry a marching card, bottled water and a Commencement program but nothing else when marching; leave children, purses, wraps, books, etc. with friends or family.

IMPORTANT: Academic regalia must be worn. All candidates must be present at 9:00 am on the Mills Oval to pick up a marching card in order to march.

Note: Pets are not allowed at the Commencement or Reception events.

12:15 pm (start time approximate)–1:00 pm Strawberry and Champagne Commencement Reception—Art Museum Meadow

Reception for all candidates, their guests, and all other Commencement attendees. Meet under your division sign and say goodbye to your favorite professors and other students in your division.