- What do I do if I'm not attending Commencement?
Please notify the Office of the Registrar at registrar@rice.edu to advise them that you will not be attending.
- What is the attire for Commencement?
The weather in Houston in May is very hot and humid, and all events held indoors will be in air-conditioned venues. Men typically wear nice shirts and slacks or a coat and tie to the indoor events. However, the Commencement ceremony itself will be held outside, and most men find coats and ties to be uncomfortable. Ladies typically wear nice slacks, skirts, or dresses. Light colors and fabrics are recommended for the outdoor ceremony.
- With whom do I speak to confirm that I am graduating and/or confirm the spelling of my name in the Commencement program?
Please notify the Office of the Registrar at registrar@rice.edu.
- What is Convocation?
Convocation is a gathering sponsored by the Association of Rice Alumni (ARA) to welcome the Class of 2013 to the ARA. There will be remarks by the ARA president, and some awards will be presented. Degree candidates do not need to wear their academic regalia, and reservations are not necessary.
- Who is the Commencement speaker?
World-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will give the
commencement address at Rice University’s 100th graduation ceremony May
11, 2013.
- One of my guests cannot walk long distances or climb the stairs on the shuttle bus, can I drop him/her off at the Sallyport?
Yes, you can drop off guests who cannot walk long distances or climb the stairs on the shuttle buss. However, we ask that you quickly drop your guest off and proceed to an appropriate parking lot. No cars will be allowed to park along the Inner Loop on Saturday, May 11. A very limited number of parking spaces have been reserved in the Lovett
Lot near Cohen House for guests requiring special assistance. These
passes are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so please
reserve your pass early. To reserve a pass to this parking area, please
call 713-348-2112 or email commencement@rice.edu. An electric cart will be available to transport those guests from the Lovett Lot to the Academic Quadrangle.
- Do degree candidates have to attend a rehearsal?
No. Marshals will direct you during the ceremony
- What if I have a question that was not answered by this website?
Please contact your son or daughter or call the individual numbers listed above. Degree candidates should contact their college or department secretary.
- When will I receive my diploma?
The Office of the Registrar will make the diploma order the Monday following the Commencement ceremony - Monday, May 13. Processing at the diploma company takes approximately six to eight weeks. Diplomas will be available to degree recipients for pick up in the Office of the Registrar, 116 Allen Center, from Monday, July 16 - Friday, July 19 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Beginning Monday, July 22 all diplomas not picked up in person will be mailed in a protective tube via certified mail to the degree recipient's permanent address as listed in ESTHER. Diplomas for international students will be sent from the Office of the Registrar via Registered Mail through the United States Postal Service. However, if an international student wishes to have his/her diploma shipped via FedEx, the student will be responsible for all shipping fees and expenses. The Office of the Registrar will not cover any costs for diplomas shipped via FedEx. The student must email registrar@rice.edu with the correct mailing address and credit card information including the name on the card, the card number, and the card expiration date for billing purposes.All graduating students are encouraged to log into their ESTHER accounts to update their contact information as necessary. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.
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