Ceremony and Receptions

December 5 – December 14

Commencement Invitations

Degree candidates may collect reserved Commencement invitations for their families at the Commencement Help Desk, Level 2, in the Student Center (Building 18) anytime between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please ensure that the name(s) of your visitors have been confirmed with the Commencement Team prior to collecting the invitations. Invitations will only be given to degree candidates who have confirmed their guests with the Commencement Team. Degree candidates will also be requested to present their KAUST ID in order to receive their invitations..

Wednesday, December 14

Commencement Dress Rehearsal and Photography Session

Mandatory for all Degree Candidates

Location: Building 9, Level 2 Main Lecture Halls

Program: Final robe fitting; Photography sessions of respective Divisions; Run-through of the processional, seating, conferring of degrees, and walk across stage.

Time:

  • Regalia Final Fitting and Check: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Divisional Photographs: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Line-Up: 11:00 a.m.
  • Processional: 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, December 15

Eve of Commencement Celebration

This event is open to graduating students, their families and KAUST Commencement guests (guests will be requested to present their KAUST and/or Commencement ID).

Location: Marina Amphitheater (next to the Yacht Club)

Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Program: Dinner with a traditional Saudi menu (Arabic coffee, dates and food, including live cooking displays); Um Ali Saj (demonstration of traditional bread making); Two Saudi music bands with sword dances (including an Oud musician); Falcons; Bedouin tents and a Bedouin Village (arts and crafts displays, basket weaving from the Asir region, pottery painting, Henna painting demonstrations, and Arabic calligraphy writing).

Shuttle buses will operate from KAUST Inn from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Dress code: casual

Friday December 16

Commencement Day Program

Degree candidates should arrive for Divisional robing sessions according to the times listed below; these times correspond to specific Divisional Photo sessions. Please note these important times (if you are absent, it will not be possible to have make-up sessions). Following the Divisional photo sessions, students may choose to leave the preparation area; however, all students MUST return to Building 9 no later than 3 pm to begin lining up for the ceremony. Please be prompt.

  • Mathematics and Computational Science and Engineering (MCSE) Division
    1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.:
    Assemble inside Building 9, Lecture Halls for check-in and robing
    2:00 p.m.: Division Photo
  • Physical and Life Sciences and Engineering (PSE) Division
    1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.:
    Assemble inside Building 9, Lecture Halls for check-in and robing
    2:15 p.m.: Division Photo
  • Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering (CLSE) Division
    1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.:
    Assemble inside Building 9 Lecture Halls for check-in and robing
    2:45 p.m.: Division Photo
  • 3:15 pm:  ALL DIVISIONS, Faculty, and Senior Management members are requested to line-up for the Academic Processional in front of Building 9
    3:45 pm:  ALL DIVISIONS Academic Processional begins
    4:10 pm:  ALL DIVISIONS Commencement Program begins
  • Commencement Reception
    Graduates, their families, Faculty, and other invited guests are cordially invited to attend this reception.
    Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    Location: University Library

Friday December 16 – Saturday December 17

Academic Regalia Return

Please return the Academic Regalia (cap, gown and hood) during the following times:

  • Friday, December 16, 2011 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Lecture Hall, Building 9
  • Saturday, December 17, 2011, from 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lecture Hall, Building 9

Dress code for the Commencement Ceremony

It is compulsory that all degree candidates wear the full Academic Regalia – cap, gown and hood. Women may choose to wear an appropriately colored scarf (colored by Division and provided by the Commencement Team) under their caps. Dress code is smart/formal. The following examples would be appropriate:

  • Men
    • Smart, long, black pants/trousers; and/or thobe.
    • Conservative t-shirt without a collar, with sleeves (for under the Commencement gown). If you plan to remove the Commencement gown for the reception, please bring a long-sleeved formal shirt to change into.
    • Smart/formal, closed-toe, black shoes. No trainers, sports shoes, sandals, slippers, beach shoes, Crocs or flip-flops.
  • Women
    • Smart, long, black pants/trousers or a conservative black/dark-colored dress (with sleeves; skirt knee-length or longer) or a smart black skirt (knee-length or longer); and/or abaya.
    • If you are wearing trousers or a skirt, you may wear a conservative t-shirt without a collar, but with sleeves (for under the Commencement gown). If you plan to remove the Commencement gown for the reception, please bring a long-sleeved formal shirt to change into.
    • Smart/formal closed-toe, peep-toe, black shoes or sandals. Both flat and high-heeled shoes/sandals are allowed. No trainers, sport shoes, sandals, slippers, beach shoes, Crocs or flip-flops.

Seating

Degree Candidates and Faculty will sit in designated areas. For all other attendees, including family members and guests, seating will be on a first come, first served basis. All guests will be asked to present their invitations to be seated and have their KAUST or Commencement ID Badges ready for presentation if requested by members of Security Services. Guests will be seated by designated ushers and extra support will be available from KAUST Ambassadors. Additional information will be given at the Commencement Dress Rehearsal.

Photography and Video

On-site photography and video will be handled by official university photographers. This will also include photographs of graduates being congratulated by the President and their Dean on the stage. Since professional photography and video will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, so that all the participants can see the activities and enjoy the ceremony. An edited Class of 2011 Commencement DVD will be available for sale. Information about these purchases will be sent via email.

Diplomas

Diplomas will be distributed from the Registrar’s Office after the commencement ceremony. Students will be required to complete the Final Departure Clearance form prior to receiving their diploma, in conjunction with their Graduate Affairs Exit Advisor. For further information regarding diplomas please contact the Office of the Registrar (registrasoffice@kaust.edu.sa).

Diploma Frames

Custom-made diploma frames are now available for order at Bazar Baitak gift shop. The frame is specially designed for the KAUST diploma and is crafted of solid hardwood. A mat and glass are also included with the frame. The price of the frame is SAR 350. Payment in cash is required at the time of order. Degree candidates wishing to purchase frames must place their orders by December 10, 2011 (no exceptions are possible) to ensure delivery of the frames by Commencement day, December 16, 2011. Please contact employees of Bazar Baitak directly with your questions.

Bazar Baitak Gift Shop
Building H-4309-A, Discovery Square Tel: +966 (0)2 802-4078
Mobile: +966 544478445

Disclaimer: Bazar Baitak is an independent retailer not affiliated with KAUST. KAUST does not provide any warranty for goods or services by any independent retailers.

For additional information regarding Commencement activities, please contact the team at commencement@kaust.edu.sa, or drop by the information booths located at the Student Center (Building 18) from December 5 – December 15 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).