Lavender Graduation
Lavender Graduation is a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Ally, and Intersex graduating seniors and graduate students at Brandeis University.
Our inaugural Lavender Graduation ceremony occurred on April 24th, 2012 and was a rousing success! The 2013 Lavender Graduation Ceremony will be held on April 25th, 2013 from 6 o'clock in the evening to 8 o'clock in the evening. Coffee, punch, and desserts will be served.
The ceremony is open to all seniors and graduate students in all departments whose degrees are conferred February 2013, May 2013, or August 2013. Students who complete their degree requirements in December 2013 (conferred February 2014) are also able to participate if they feel that they will not be able to attend Lavender Graduation 2014.
All students must register for Lavender Graduation by Sunday April 14th, at 11:59 pm.
Register now!
This year we will be giving awards three awards during the Lavender Graduation ceremony. Students who are participating in the ceremony can make their nominations when they register. All other Brandeis faculty, staff, and students can complete the nomination form. You will need to use your Brandeis credentials to complete the form. Alumni who are interested in nominating someone and who no longer have a Brandeis email address can email Jesse directly.
Interested in attending as a guest? Lavender Graduation is open to all Brandeis allies, students, staff, faculty, alumni, and parents. RSVP to Jesse.
Frequently asked questions:
1) Do I need to be LGBTQ-identified to participate? Absolutely not! This event is open to all LGBTQ-identified AND ally graduates. Allies are welcome!
2) I wasn't involved in a queer "specific group" like QRC, QPA, or Trisk, can I still participate? Yes! All LGBTQ and Ally students are welcome to participate!
3)What will I get when I participate? Everyone who participates will receive a rainbow tassel and a certificate. Graduate students will also receive a rainbow honor cords. Your name and bio will be included in the event program.
4) Will the student papers be covering this event? What is the policy on confidentiality? In response to confidentiality concerns of students last year we worked with the student press to ensure that they only interviewed and photographed students who had consented. Further privacy measures include:
- Students can decide whether or not to include their name and/or biography in the program.
- Students can receive their cords/tassels and certificates without being present at the ceremony.
- Participant names will not be listed on the web-site.
- We will have a confidentiality announcement at the beginning of the event.
- We will ask all participants and guests to please refrain from posting event pictures on Facebook and other social media outlets without permission.
6) Even with those privacy measure in place, I am not comfortable attending. Can I still get a certificate and a tassel/cord? Yes! Just be in contact with us and we will create a packet for you to pick up.
7) What should I wear? While there isn't an official dress code, we ask that you dress in a manner that makes you feel good. We encourage you to dress somewhere between business casual and semi-formal. Drag is welcome!
If you have any other questions, please contact us today!