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
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.)
Commencement Speaker
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Doors will open one 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 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.
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Guest vehicles can park at one of the following locations:
- Enter campus at either Entrance 8 (University Boulevard at Stockton) or Entrance 17 (Rice Boulevard at Shepherd) and park in the West Lots.
- Enter campus at Entrance 20 (Rice Boulevard) and park in the North Lot.
Parking will be free in these lots. Students may park in their preferred lot.
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Graduates are advised to wear shoes that are comfortable for walking long distances.
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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 is being 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.
2024 MBA 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