Commencement: 2013 Weekend Activity Schedule 

Friday, May 17

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Rehearsal Lunch—Student Union in Rothwell Center

This lunch is open to graduating students who attend Commencement rehearsal.

GradImages will take individual cap and gown photos during the Rehearsal Lunch. Interested students should bring cap, gown, and hood for the photo. Photos will be taken on a first-come basis.

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Mandatory College Senior Survey - Lisser Theatre

All seniors must complete this survey.

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Commencement Rehearsal—Lisser Theatre

Attendance at rehearsal is very important and all graduating students are strongly encouraged to attend. Mills College has its own unique traditions and procedures for the commencement ceremony so please adjust your schedule now in order to attend. We want everything to run smoothly for you and your family on this important occasion.

4:30 pm Baccalaureate—Chapel

Baccalaureate is open to all graduating students, family, friends, and the Mills Community. This celebratory ceremony, which schools have held for centuries, is intended as a "spiritual sendoff" marking the transition from student to alumnae and offers a time to honor all graduating students. Baccalaureate features such elements as music, dance, and words of wisdom.

Note: Candidates line up to march on the Chapel steps at 4:15 p.m. Wear robes but not hoods. Hats optional.

Saturday, May 18

9:45 am Commencement Ceremony—Holmgren Meadow

All candidates must assemble no later than 9:00 am on the Mills Oval, in front of Mills Hall, as announced at the rehearsal. Non-resident students should allow extra travel time for heavy traffic and parking.

Light food and beverages will be provided to graduating students near the lineup. Special Mills graduation reusable water bottles will be distributed to all candidates just before the lineup.

Only candidates will march in the procession. BS and BA candidates form one line; masters, certificate/credential, and doctoral candidates form a second line beside the BS/BA candidates. Undergraduate candidates may choose any other BS or BA candidate as a partner. Graduate student candidates may choose any other candidate within their academic discipline as a partner. Certificate and credential students may choose a like certificate or credential student as a partner. In order for partners to be seated together, they will line up in front or behind each other.

Candidates with children should arrange for child care in advance. Children are welcome to sit with the candidates' guests in the audience section. Youngsters who grow restless sitting in the chairs may, under supervision, also sit or play quietly in the open lawn area behind the seating area.

Candidates may carry a hood, Walking Card, water bottle, and a Commencement program but nothing else in the procession and only the hood and Walking Card while crossing the stage to be hooded and accept the diploma cover; leave children, purses, wraps, books, etc. with friends or family.

IMPORTANT: Academic regalia must be worn. In order to participate, all candidates must be present at 9:00 am on the Mills Oval to pick up a Walking Card.

Note: Pets are not allowed at the Commencement or Reception events.

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm (time approximate) Champagne & Strawberry Reception – Art Museum Meadow

Congratulations to all of our new alumnae! Immediately following the ceremony, follow the Mariachi band to the reception. Meet under division signs to say goodbye to favorite professors and other students.

12:15 – 1:45 Bent Twig Photo Session for Graduating Students and Alumnae Relatives – Art Museum Plaza

Graduating students who have a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, or other relative who graduated from Mills are known as Bent Twigs. Come with her or him to this photo session and then check out the photos with our Commencement coverage in the fall issue of the alumnae magazine, Mills Quarterly.