Congratulations to the Class of 2008! 

The 120th Commencement at Mills College will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008. With this ceremony the College publicly recognizes the achievements of its students and confers upon them the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of a Mills degree. The dignity and customs of this historic ceremony are rooted in medieval times, when colleges and universities developed methods and standards for marking progress in knowledge and professionalism.

In keeping with this tradition, the Mills Commencement ceremony will begin on Toyon Meadow promptly at 9:45 am and end about 12:00 pm, with an academic procession of Mills graduating students, alumnae/i, faculty, Trustees, College officers, and honored guests. The program will include remarks by President Janet L. Holmgren, the commencement address by internationally distinguished actress, singer, and dancer, Rita Moreno, other speeches, the conferring of degrees, and awarding of honorary degrees.

The traditional strawberry and champagne reception for graduating students, alumnae/i, faculty, and guests, held on the Art Museum Meadow, will follow the Commencement ceremony.

Each year, the Commencement organizing committee, acting in an advisory capacity to the President, plans this academic ceremony to maintain the traditions of the College and ensure that everything will run smoothly at this most important event of the College year.

The purpose of this document is to guide you through the necessary steps needed in order to be prepared for the great day. Please read through these pages carefully to ensure that you have fulfilled all requirements so you can obtain your diploma and, if desired, participate in the Commencement ceremony.

NOTE: If you have comments or questions, address them to Linda Northcott unless directed to someone else.

Linda Northcott, Mills College Events Office, Sage Hall 149, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland CA 94613, 510.430.3230, lln@mills.edu