Commencement
Commencement is the business school's ceremony celebrating the graduating students, formally investing them with the master's hood and the authority of their new designation as MBAs and Rice alumni!
Note: Master of Accounting students will participate in Rice’s Advanced Degree Commencement (ADC) ceremony, which will be held in Tudor Fieldhouse on the morning of Saturday, May 4. More information on the ADC will be posted on commencement.rice.edu.
MBA Commencement
- Friday, May 3 at 2:00 pm
- Tudor Fieldhouse
MBA Students' regalia for bookstore pickup is March 24. The bookstore hours M-F are from 9am to 6pm and Saturday is from 10am to 3pm. Please find an associate and show a photo ID upon arrival. If you would prefer your regalia be shipped to your home or place of residence, the deadline to place your order is Sunday, March 31.
Class of 2024, visit the Rice Portal to update your contact information and get an @alumni.rice.edu email address. Note you must be logged into Rice Portal to fill out the email request form; this link will take you to a login page first.
Commencement Speaker
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Doors will open 1 hour prior to each ceremony. There will be a bag-check at each of the entrances to Tudor Fieldhouse. Guests are permitted to bring small or clear bags only, with the exception of diaper bags. Prohibited items include:
- Weapons of any kind
- Unauthorized banners, signs or flags
- Artificial noisemakers
- Balloons
- Oversized bags, briefcases, coolers, etc. (Exception: diaper bags)
- Pets (Exception: service animals)
- Tobacco products
- Food and Beverages (Exceptions: food for small children or medical issues; factory sealed bottled water)
- Laser pointers
- Drones
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Parking
For guests requiring special assistance, a very limited number of parking spaces have been reserved in the Moody Lot near Tudor Fieldhouse for the Jones School (MBA), Advanced Degrees, and Doctoral Commencement ceremonies. 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 submit your request via the online form at tinyurl.com/Rice2024SpecialParking. A designated drop off zone is located in front of Tudor Fieldhouse for drivers to drop off guests prior to parking.
Hard of Hearing
- An American Sign Language interpreter will be signing the ceremonies in Tudor Fieldhouse. There will be a reserved area at the front of Section 102 for those needing this service. Please see a staff member for assistance in finding this area, if needed. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A limited number of assisted listening devices for the ceremony will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit a staff member in the lobby for assistance.
Accessible Seating
All special accommodation seating is located on the second level of Autry Court, Tudor Fieldhouse. Persons with wheelchairs should use the elevators to access this level. Please note that ADA seating is limited.
All special accommodation seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you need further assistance for a guest or student requiring special accommodation, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu. A two-week notice for special accommodation is appreciated.
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Guest vehicles can park at either of the following locations: (1) enter at Entrance 8 on University Boulevard at Stockton or Entrance 17 on Rice Boulevard at Shepherd and park in the West Lots or (2) enter at Entrance 20 on Rice Boulevard and park in the North Lot. Parking will be free in these lots. Students may park in their preferred campus parking lot.
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Graduates are advised to wear shoes that are comfortable when walking long distances. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
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Yes. Your name will be listed on your class’s program even if you’re unable to attend.
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The MBA Commencement Ceremony will be held indoors at Tudor Fieldhouse.
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Students will be lined up by program in alphabetical order. Additional details including check-in time and location will be provided one week before the ceremony.
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The livestream will be available at business.rice.edu/commencement.
Commencement Archives
Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremony
December 5, 2023, Tudor Field House
Video | Photos
Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony
May 5, 2023, Rice Stadium
Video | Photos
Fall 2022 Commencement Ceremony
Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremony
May 6, 2022, Tudor Fieldhouse and McNair Hall
MBA Video | MAcc Video | MBA Photos | MAcc Photos
Spring 2020 and 2021 Commencement Ceremony
May 14, 2021, Rice Stadium
Video | MBA Photos | MAcc Photos