Commencement Weekend consists of a number of events to recognize the accomplishments of our graduating class. Starting Friday, May 12, graduates and their families and guests can join in celebration with faculty and staff in a range of activities, culminating in the Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 14.
Friday, May 12, 2023
3:30 p.m., Baccalaureate Service of The Claremont Colleges
Bridges Hall of Music, Pomona College
This interfaith program is hosted by the The Chaplains Office for graduates of both the undergraduate and graduate schools of The Claremont Colleges.
5 p.m., Phi Beta Kappa Induction
The Pomona College Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, established in 1914, was the third (or, "Gamma") chapter established in California. Seniors and juniors "who are of good moral character, and who are distinguished for breadth of culture and excellence of scholarship" may be elected to membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
Students who will be installed into chapter are notified just prior to spring break.
Saturday, May 13, 2023
8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Departmental Receptions
Join our Pomona College academic department receptions in celebration of our graduates' achievements. Exact times and locations vary.
2:30 p.m., Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal
Fourth Street Pedestrian Walkway
This rehearsal is mandatory for all graduates who will participate in the Commencement Ceremony. Graduates should assemble on the walkway in front of Bridges Hall of Music.
3:30 p.m., Class Picture and Senior Parade
This annual tradition reverses the route of Sagehens "Through the Gates" during new student orientation at the start of each Pomona College student's on-campus experience. The senior parade ends at the Class Day Award Program, where families, guests and staff are waiting to celebrate.
4 p.m., Class Day Award Program
This program, planned in partnership with the Senior Class leadership, features class-selected speakers and performers, as well as academic prizes and awards.
5:30 p.m., Class Day Dinner
All graduates, families, faculty and staff are invited to this celebratory dinner. Tickets are required.
All Class Day Dinner tickets (both complimentary and paid) must be ordered online. Information about ordering tickets is available on the Class Day page. Check frequently for updates. For additional questions about tickets, please contact the Bridges Auditorium Box Office at BridgesAuditorium@pomona.edu.
8 - 10:30 p.m., Evening of Music & Art
8-9 p.m., Glee Club Concert, Bridges Hall of Music
8-10 p.m., Senior Art Exhibition, Studio Art Hall, Chan Gallery
9-10:30 p.m., Reception for participants and guests, Memorial Garden
Sunday, May 14, 2023
9:30 a.m., Procession assembles
Fourth Street Pedestrian Walkway
Graduates should assemble in the same location where they gathered for Commencement rehearsal, lining up in their designated order.
10 a.m., Commencement Exercises
The ceremony lasts approximately two and a half hours. A light luncheon follows immediately afterwards.
No tickets are required for Commencement. Seating is available starting at 8 a.m. and is first-come, first-served.