Rice Business MBA Commencement

Rice University’s commencement ceremonies are private, ticketed events. A ticket is required for entry to both the Tudor Fieldhouse and Rice Stadium ceremonies. Below is important information about the ticket claiming process for all ceremonies.

• Each MBA degree candidate can request up to ten (10) guest tickets. Degree candidates may request additional tickets, as needed. Tickets are not transferable. Requests for additional tickets must be submitted by Wednesday, May 6, and will be approved if space permits.
• An email with details on how to claim tickets will be sent to each degree candidate’s Rice email address. It is the degree candidate’s responsibility to claim their guest tickets via the unique URL sent to them.
• Once guest tickets have been claimed by the degree candidate, it is their responsibility to send the tickets to their guests. The system will provide an option to either email the tickets to guests or to print the tickets. Guests will need to either pull up the ticket on their mobile device or have a physical copy to gain entry to the venue.
• All guests over the age of 2 years old will be required to have a ticket for entry.
• Rice students, faculty and staff guests will be granted entry with their Rice ID.
• Re-entry into the fieldhouse will not be permitted after exiting.

Invitations to claim guest tickets will remain open until the conclusion of commencement weekend.

Ceremony Entry
There will be a bag-check at each entrance of Tudor Fieldhouse. 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 for both guests and degree candidates items include:

• Weapons of any kind
• Banners, signs or flags
• Artificial noisemakers
• Balloons
• Pets (Exception: service animals)
• Tobacco products
• Laser pointers
• Drones
• Food and Beverages (Exceptions: food for small children or medical issues; factory sealed bottled water)

Parking

For guests who need special assistance, a small number of parking spaces have been reserved in the Moody Lot near Tudor Fieldhouse. These reserved spaces are available for the MBA, Advanced Degree, 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, submit your request via this online form. 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. A reserved area at the front of Section 102 is available for those needing this service. If needed, please see a staff member for assistance in finding this area. 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.

Guest vehicles can park at one of the following locations:

All vehicles must park in West Lots 2, 3, 4, or Greenbriar Lot. You may enter campus at Entrance 8 on University Boulevard at Stockton or Entrance 17 on Rice Boulevard at Shepherd for easy access to parking in the West Lots. Please do not park in unauthorized locations.

Graduates are advised to wear shoes that are comfortable for walking long distances.

Yes. Your name will be listed on your class’s program even if you’re unable to attend.

The MBA Commencement Ceremony is being held indoors at Tudor Fieldhouse.

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.

The livestream will be available at business.rice.edu/commencement.