Frequently Asked Questions
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 5:30 pm in The Recreation Center on the Rhode Island College Campus. Doors will open at 4 pm.
You can still purchase your regalia for the ceremony at RIC's Official Bookstore, beginning April 8.
Bookstore Hours
- Monday–Friday: 9 am–4 pm
Graduates will be able to obtain up to 4 tickets at Grad Fest.
If we are able to offer additional tickets to the Advanced Degree Ceremony on May 14, we will inform the candidates via email shortly after Grad Fest on April 8. Stay Tuned!!
Please be there no later than 4:15 pm. Signs will be posted to direct you to the correct location. The procession will begin promptly at 5:30 pm.
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 5:30 pm, you can plan your post celebrations confidently any time after 7:30 pm. There will be a reception for family and friends to follow on campus. Please allow time for traffic delays leaving the campus.
Parking is available in several lots on campus. Signs will be posted for graduate and guest parking. Parking Lots B and A are the closest to venue and where graduates are asked to enter.
Please contact the Center for Disability Access for further information on registering guests.
Only those attending the Commencement ceremony will receive tickets. Acceptance of tickets indicates you are registering to attend the ceremony.
Please check with the Registrar's Office or contact your academic advisor for your eligibility status.
Commencement is an official convocation and ceremony of the college. Regalia (cap and gown) is required for participation.
- Diploma size for all masters degree candidates is 8" x 10".
- DNP and Ph.D. candidates will receive a diploma that is 11" x 14".
Diplomas will be mailed approximately 6–8 weeks after the graduation date.
Diplomas are mailed from the vendor 6–8 weeks after the ceremony. The diplomas are not mailed directly from the Registrar's Office.
Advanced Degree candidates do not receive or wear academic honor cords. Your advanced degree regalia signifies academic excellence. To attain a masters degree or higher, one must have achieved the academic GPA which denotes such excellence.
