Schedule of Events
Friday, May 24
10 a.m. — Commencement Rehearsal
(required for seniors)
Lang Performing Arts Center
Seniors can use their OneCard to pick up Commencement tickets for their families in the LPAC lobby after rehearsal.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Senior Brunch
(for graduating class only)
405 Elm Avenue
Reception hosted by Vice President for Student Affairs.
4 – 7:30 p.m. Some Academic Department Receptions
Various locations (consult your department)
Gatherings for seniors and their families.
8 p.m. Last Collection with Candle-lighting Ceremony
Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
This tradition includes a talk by a faculty member and a student chosen by the senior class.
Families and friends are welcome to attend.
Saturday, May 25
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Baccalaureate Brunch
(open to all seniors and guests)
Dining Center
Complimentary buffet meal.
1:30 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa
(Students learn of their selection on Thursday evening May 25)
Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
Initiation of new members of Phi Beta Kappa. All are welcome.
2:45 p.m. Baccalaureate procession forms
Wearing caps and gowns, seniors line up in front of Parrish.
3 p.m. Baccalaureate
(no tickets required)
Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
Baccalaureate is intended to touch upon the moral and spiritual roots of the educational process and encourage commitment to a more just world. The ceremony includes a speaker, several moments of silence in observance of our Quaker tradition, and an inspirational reading. All are welcome.
Speaker: Lisa Smulyan '76, Henry C. and Charlotte Turner Professor of Educational Studies
4 – 7:30 p.m. Some Academic Department Receptions
Various locations (consult your department)
Gatherings for seniors and their families.
5 p.m. Swattie Send-Off
Swarthmore Town Center
A celebration of the Class of 2024 including food trucks and live music.
9:15 Fireworks
Cunningham Fields
Sunday, May 26: Commencement Day
All Commencement events will take place at the Mann Center.
8 a.m. Transportation to the Mann Center.
Buses for graduates depart from Field House Lane. Graduates must bring their OnceCard to board the buses.
8:30 Buses for families to the Mann Center begin to depart from Field House Lane.
8:30-10:45 a.m. Senior Breakfast
Complimentary breakfast open to all seniors.
9-10:15 a.m. Rose Selection
A Swarthmore tradition where Arboretum staff members assist seniors in selecting roses to wear on their gowns.
9 a.m. Mann Center doors open to the public.
9-10:45 a.m. Family & Friends Breakfast
Complimentary breakfast open to all guests of seniors.
9:45 a.m. Last bus for families leaves for the Mann Center from Field House Lane.
10:15 a.m. Commencement Procession Forms
Seniors wear caps and gowns.
11 a.m. Commencement Ceremony
The Commencement Ceremony will be held, rain or shine. Seating and parking may be prearranged for people with special needs; please contact Susan Smythe, ssmythe1@swarthmore.edu, for details.
Commencement Reception
Following the ceremony, all are welcome at the reception to enjoy light refreshments.
* listed times are close approximations and may be adjusted closer to the event.
Monday, May 27
8 a.m. Residence halls close
