Advanced Degree Graduation Guest Information

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Commencement ceremony guests clapping in the stands

Dear Guests,

Graduation is an amazing milestone! 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. Rhode Island College has strict policies on alcohol, drugs, and other prohibited items that apply to all attendees. 

Join us today, May 14, for a joyous time to safely celebrate your loved one. Congratulations to all!

View Day-of-Ceremony Details

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Day-of-Ceremony Details

When and Where

The Rhode Island College (RIC) Advanced Degree Ceremony is held on the Rhode Island College in the Recreation Center. Rhode Island College is located at 600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Providence. The ceremony will begin promptly at 5:30 pm. Doors will open at 4 pm.

Parking is available in various lots on campus. To view parking areas you can toggle-on the Parking Lots checkbox on our interactive campus map.

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Ceremony Start Time

The ceremony will begin promptly at 5:30 pm. Please allow enough travel time to arrive at the Recreation Center on the beautiful Rhode Island College Campus. Doors will open for graduates and guests at 4 pm.

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Seating/Concessions

Seating Locations

Candidates will be seated by degree in the Main Arena. Guests will be seated on the bleacher areas, as well as floor seating. Seating is General Admission; therefore, seats are not assigned. For your further enjoyment, you will be able to view the ceremony on large screens for better stage visibility. 

Seat Chart for Advanced Degree Commencement

Concessions

Outside food is not permitted inside the Recreation Center. Refreshments will be available following the ceremony.

ADA Accessible Description of Degree Candidate Seating Chart in Recreation Center

At the top center is a large rectangular stage labeled “Stage.” In front of the stage are several rows of graduate seating divided into left and right sections by a center aisle. To the left of those graduate sections is ADA/RIC Faculty seating and to the right of the graduate sections is VIP seating.

The left student section will seat the following graduates (starting at the stage and moving backward): DNP, C.A.G.S., Clinical Mental Health, MSW, Business, Arts & Sciences, Nursing.

The right student section will seat the following graduates (starting at the stage and moving backward): DNP, Clinical Mental Health, MSW, Education.

The diagram uses contrasting color blocks to distinguish schools and seating groups for graduates, faculty, and guests.

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Disability Accommodations

Rhode Island College offers convenient facilities and features for persons with disabilities. Guests who have questions about Commencement accessibility or require disability accommodations to attend Commencement are encouraged to be in touch with the Commencement Office.

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Safety & Security

  • Prohibited: Weapons of any kind, drugs, noisemakers, laser pointers. 
  • Balloons: Balloons are prohibited in the Recreation Center. 
  • Alcohol: Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Rhode Island College Campus. 
  • Smoking: Rhode Island College is a smoke-free facility.

Any guest who is disrespectful of the Commencement Ceremony and or disruptive will be removed by 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.