Full Schedule of Events

Commencement Weekend consists of a number of events to recognize the accomplishments of our graduating class. Starting Friday, May 10, 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 12.

Friday, May 10, 2024

3:30 p.m., Baccalaureate Service of The Claremont Colleges

Location TBD

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

Marston Quadrangle

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 11, 2024

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. Schedule will be posted in April 2024.

 

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

Carnegie Hall Steps

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

Marston Quadrangle

This program, planned in partnership with the Senior Class leadership, features speakers as well as academic prizes and awards.

5:30 p.m., Class Day Dinner

Marston Quadrangle

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. 

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

Sunday, May 12, 2024

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

Marston Quadrangle

The 2024 Commencement ceremony will feature four distinguished speakers: former chief justice of California Tani Cantil-Sakauye, economist and nonprofit leader Cecilia Conrad, Occidental College President Harry Elam and medical geneticist Emil Kakkis ’82. In addition to addressing graduating students, the speakers will be conferred honorary degrees by the College. 

The ceremony lasts approximately two and a half hours. A reception follows immediately afterward.

No tickets are required for Commencement and there is no limit on the number of guests. Seating is available starting at 8 a.m. and is first-come, first-served.