Frequently Asked Questions
Saturday, May 17 at 10 am at the Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP), Providence, RI. Doors will open at 7:45 am for graduates and 8:15 am for families.
You can still order your regalia for Home Delivery until April 1.
Order Your Commencement Regalia
You may also purchase regalia at RIC's Official Bookstore, beginning April 3.
Bookstore Hours
Monday–Friday: 9 am–4 pm
Graduates may obtain up to 6 tickets at Grad Fest. Information about additional tickets will be available after Grad Fest via this website and through your RIC email. Stay Tuned!
Please be there no later than 8:15 am. Enter on the West Exchange Street side, at the lower level of the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Signs will be posted to direct you to the correct location. The procession will begin at 9:20 am promptly and the ceremony at 10 am.
All graduates are required to stay for the length of the ceremony. We expect the ceremony to last approximately 2 hours. With a start time of 10 am, you can plan your post celebrations confidently any time after 1 pm. Please allow time for traffic delays leaving the city.
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.
The Amica Mutual Pavilion 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.
The 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 line at 401-456-2776.
Only those attending the Commencement ceremony will receive tickets. Acceptance of tickets indicates you are registering to attend the ceremony.
Those eligible to participate in the May 17 ceremony include those graduates who have completed their coursework in the Fall of 2024 or those who will complete in May of 2025. Summer 2025 grads may also participate if they are registered to complete all course requirements throughout the summer sessions and have less than 9 credits to complete. If you graduated in the Summer of 2024 and did not participate in last year's ceremony and would like to attend this May, please reach out to the Commencement Office no later than March 31.
Students may walk if they are within 9 credits of completing their graduation requirements in the summer. Students walking in the May ceremony, but finishing in the summer, will be August graduates. Students registered for fall classes will walk in the 2026 ceremony.
Commencement is an official convocation and ceremony of the college. Regalia (cap and gown) is required for participation.
Diploma size for all undergraduates is 8" x 10".
Diplomas will be mailed approximately 6-8 weeks after the graduation date.
All diplomas are mailed from the vendor 6–8 weeks after the ceremony. The diplomas are not mailed directly from the Registrar's Office.
To be considered for Latin Honors you must have a minimum of 54 earned credits at Rhode Island College and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. GPAs of 3.25–3.59 will graduate Cum Laude (white cord); 3.60–3.84 will graduate Magna Cum Laude (burgundy); and 3.85–4.0 will graduate Summa Cum Laude (gold cord). Latin Honor Cords will be given out Friday, May 16 during the Senior Brunch in Donovan Dining. If you are not able to come to campus that day, your cord will be held for you at the AMP. Honor cords are for baccalaureate candidates only.
No. Latin Honors are based upon individual GPAs. If your GPA qualifies (see prior question) your cord may be picked up on May 16 or at the AMP.
Yes.
Take a look at career services for alumni and register for Handshake, our online job portal.
Tickets
You can pick up your 6 tickets on campus at the Box Office, in the lobby of Sapinsley Hall in the Nazarian Center from April 7–21. The Box Office is opened Monday–Friday: 10 am–4 pm.
Information about additional tickets will be available after Grad Fest via this website and through your RIC email.
Cap and Gown
You may purchase your regalia (cap and gown) at RIC's Official Bookstore, beginning April 3.
Bookstore Hours
Monday–Friday: 9 am–4 pm
