A record number of students will receive diplomas during graduation ceremonies scheduled for the second week of June.
Students graduating from master's and doctoral programs will receive their degrees on Monday, June 7. Graduation ceremonies for students in undergraduate programs will be held Wednesday, June 9.
The number of graduates this year is expected to be more than 1,500, a larger graduating class than any previous year. Since Bilkent graduations are well-attended by the families of students, it is not possible to accommodate all of them at the same time. Last year, the commencement exercises were held at the open theater, which has a capacity of 6,000. This year, in order to complete the dome of this structure, the inside of the theater is full of scaffolding, making it impossible to use the facility for commencements. Instead, the 2,000-capacity tent that was used until 1997 and provides protection from the sun will be used. Details about the ceremonies will be released later.
Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan will receive an honorary doctorate on June 7. The resolution of the University Senate conferring this honorary degree was based on his contributions to education and the further strengthening of relations between Jordan and Turkey. The Prince holds honorary doctorates from universities such as Durham (U.K.), Ulster (U.K.), Boğaziçi, and many others.
