Baccalaureate Ceremony Guest Information

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Graduates embracing at RIC Commencement

Dear Guests,

Commencement is an amazing day! We're so pleased that today you'll be sharing in the proud accomplishment of your graduate. We want to remind you that it is essential to celebrate responsibly and respectfully. We recognize that everyone is going to enjoy the day differently, but we can all do so in ways that protect our individual and interpersonal safety. The Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) has strict policies on alcohol, drugs, and other prohibited items that apply to ALL attendees. 

Join us on May 17 for a time to safely celebrate your loved one.

Congratulations to All!

Important Information

When and Where

Date, Time, Location

The Rhode Island College Commencement Ceremony is held on Saturday, May 17 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion at 1 LaSalle Square, Providence, RI 02903. The ceremony will begin at 10 am, with the procession starting at 9:20 am. Doors will open at 8:15 am for guests.

Parking

Parking is available in two garages adjacent to the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC) and next to the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Both are located on West Exchange Street and parking is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Amica Mutual Pavilion provides additional information on directions and parking.

Ceremony Start Time

The procession of graduates will begin at 9:20 am and the Commencement Ceremony starts at 10 am. Doors will open for guests at 8:15 am.

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Seating/Concessions

Seating

Candidates are seated by school. Sitting in sections 113–117 and 217–224 is not recommended, due to lack of stage visibility. Your tickets are General Admission: therefore, seating is not assigned.

Seat Chart for Commencement

Concessions

Outside food is not permitted inside the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Concession stands are located throughout Level 2 (concourse level) in the venue, offering a variety of items.

Disability Accommodations at the AMP

The Amica Mutual Pavilion has asked that Rhode Island College keep track of those needing services. Candidates who require accommodations for disability please call the Commencement Office at 401-456-8900 or call the Center for Disability Access at 401-456-2776.

The AMP offers convenient facilities and features for persons with disabilities. Please call the AMP at 401-331-6700 ext. 7154 during business hours or see a Guest Service representative for assistance during the event. You may also email the AMP at theamppvd@pvdricenter.com with any inquiries. Wheelchair accessible locations are in sections: 101, 104, 106, 110, 120, 124, and 126. 

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Safety & Security

Please refer to the pavilion's information on security and safety, including what you can and cannot bring with you to the Commencement Ceremony, for specifics beyond these: 

  • Security Check: Every guest will be subject to a security check and must enter through a magnetron machine. Bags larger than 12 5/8” x 15 ¼” will not be permitted through security.
  • Prohibited: Weapons of any kind, drugs, noisemakers, laser pointers. 
  • Balloons: Balloons are prohibited in the Amica Mutual Pavilion. 
  • Alcohol: Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the building. 
  • Smoking: Amica Mutual Pavilion is a smoke-free facility.
  • Guest Services: Guest Services is located on the concourse level across from Section 128.

Any guest who is disrespectful of the Commencement Ceremony and or disruptive will be removed by Amica Mutual Pavilion security and will not be allowed back into the arena. 

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Planning Your Visit to Providence

For information about restaurants and hotels in the Providence and Warwick area, please visit Go Providence.

Rhode Island College entrance

Contact Us

Commencement Office

The Commencement Office works to ensure that our graduates, their families, and our campus community enjoys a memorable ceremony and celebration that is student-centered and family oriented.