For Students

Commencement 2023

Ceremony

Saturday, May 13, 2023 

Begins at 5:00 p.m.

Elm Tree Lawn

  • Line up for graduates begins at 4 p.m. inside Honnald Gate (behind Denison Library/Drake Wing)
  • Processional to Elm Tree Lawn begins at 5 p.m; Denison Library
  • The Denison front doors open at 5 p.m. sharp to begin processional.

There is no limit to the number of guests per graduate who may attend.

  • Seating is open and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Attendees may begin lining up at 3:00 p.m. on the south side of Bowling Green; seating will begin at 3:30 p.m.
  • Seats have been reserved for those who have contacted the Public Events office and requested accommodations for disabilities.
  • All members of a party must be present to occupy a seat.

Celebration Dinner Dance

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Begins at 7:00 p.m.

Jaqua Quad

  • Registration is now open; graduates may register here for dinner dance tickets. 
  • Graduates will each receive three complimentary tickets (one per graduate, plus two additional).

Cap and Gown – Pick up and Drop Off

Pick Up

  • May 2 or 3
  • 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Drop Off 

  • After the Commencement ceremony
  • Upper Bowling Green Lawn in front of Wood Steps
  • Drop off gown and hood only (graduates keep cap and tassel)

Commencement Rehearsal

Thursday, May 11, 2023

5:00 p.m

Valencia Court

  • Rehearsal is mandatory for all graduates participating in the commencement ceremony
  • Students MUST arrive on time for a review of commencement ceremony procedures, last-minute announcements, and to receive important information regarding photography during the ceremony.
  • Caps and gowns are not needed for rehearsal.
  • Senior Class Photo

Senior Class Photo

Saturday, May 13, 2023

3:45 p.m.

Garrison Theater Steps

  • Arrive in cap and gown
  • The Class will move directly from the photo to lining up for the Commencement processional.

Audio Name Recording

All recordings must be completed by May 1, 2023. Follow the directions below to record your name:

  • Students will have the ability to record their name pronunciations directly through the portal.
  • Login to the portal at mycampus.scrippscollege.edu and select “Name Pronunciation”
  • Refer to the image to record or upload, and add phonetic spelling of your name.
  • Record your name as you indicated on the Diploma Name form submitted to the Registrar’s office. This is how your name will appear in the commencement program.
  • In addition to stating your name clearly, write a phonetic pronunciation.

ADA and Language Services

  • Scripps College makes available accessibility access for those who require it.
  • A campus map with accessibility access will be provided upon confirmation.
  • Humanities Auditorium will be equipped with a live feed of the ceremony. The auditorium is air conditioned and wheelchair accessible.
  • For those who require language assistance, a wireless audio system for simultaneous language interpretation of the Commencement ceremony is available. The service is offered at no charge, and identification will be required to pick up a headset.

Invitations and Announcements

Commencement invitations and announcements are available for purchase through Jostens, online only. Visit the Jostens site to have them sent to the address of your choice.

Senior Portraits

Graduates are invited to have their formal Commencement portrait taken with a professional photographer from Ultimate Exposures. An appointment is required.

March 23 and 30
3-8 p.m.
Balch Hall

The College Senior Survey (CSS)*

Congratulations graduating seniors from the Office of Assessment and Institutional Research!  As an upcoming graduate, you would have received an email message on April 17 from [email protected], inviting you to participate in this year’s College Senior Survey (CSS).

  • Why participate? Your input will help Scripps College understand your experiences inside and outside the classroom. Information about how you learned, were involved, and were engaged in the college community will help enhance our institution. Your insight is used to improve campus life and to create a more successful learning environment. We appreciate your willingness and the time you give to provide feedback on your college experience!
  • How to participate? The email message you received contains a customized web link that is unique to you — click on that link and it will take you to the online survey. If you cannot locate the email message from April 17, there will be reminder email messages with the link sent out to you in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for those.
  • Questions? If you have not received a survey link and believe you should have or if you have any questions at all regarding CSS, please contact the Office of Assessment and Institutional Research at [email protected].

*The CSS is a national survey developed by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA.