Baccalaureate

Baccalaureate is a longstanding tradition at Queens, providing a special opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate diverse inspirational stories on the journey towards commencement. The Baccalaureate ceremony takes place in Belk Chapel each year and is a wonderful moment to gather as a community in celebration of our varied journeys at Queens. The service features reflective stories shared by graduating students and faculty and words of wisdom for our journeys beyond Queens.

What is Baccalaureate?

With its roots in a 15th-century Oxford University tradition of graduating students giving “sermons” before their send-off, Baccalaureate has evolved to become a ceremony that marks the end of a student’s educational journey in a way that is more religious or spiritually oriented than Commencement. Baccalaureate typically features readings from scripture, musical selections, prayers of blessing and gratitude, and reflections on the deeper meaning and significance of education by students, faculty, and staff. The ceremony is open to those of all faith traditions—or none at all—who desire to pause, reflect, celebrate, and be inspired at this important moment in a graduate’s life. All graduating students and their guests are invited to attend.

Baccalaureate 2025

Graduates are encouraged to invite family and friends to join them for this special interfaith service, which will take place Friday, May 2, at 3 p.m. in Belk Chapel. The theme of this year’s ceremony will be ‘transition’, which encompasses many levels appropriate for both students and the Queens community.

To reserve a spot at this important ceremony, please register.

Parking

Please use the North Parking Deck or the Harris Admissions parking lot for the event.

Graduation Reception

Following the Baccalaureate ceremony, join us for a graduate reception on the Hall Brown Terrace behind Queens Hall to celebrate your accomplishments with fellow graduates, faculty, family, and friends.

Contact Us

For additional information or to request any special accommodations or needs, please contact Chaplain Adrian Bird (birda@queens.edu).