Information for Graduates

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RIC Student at Commencement

Dear Graduates,
Commencement is an amazing day! You have completed a proud accomplishment for you, and your family and loved ones. We want to remind everyone that it is essential to celebrate responsibly and respectfully. We recognize that everyone is going to enjoy the day in different ways, but we can all do so in ways that protect our individual and interpersonal safety. The Dunkin' Donuts Center has strict policies on alcohol, drugs, and other prohibited items that apply to ALL attendees. 

Join us on Commencement Day for a time to safely celebrate you, your fellow graduates and all that you have accomplished.

Happy Graduation!

Important Information for Graduates

Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Recreation Center

Grad Fest is your one-stop location obtain your guest tickets, pick up your Commencement regalia, get your general questions answered about the 2022 Commencement Ceremony.

RIC students at Grad Fest

Purchase your Regalia (cap and gown)

It is essential!
If you did not order your regalia on-line, you will be able to purchase it at the RIC bookstore after April 13, 2022.

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Diploma Distribution, and Recessional

Line-up

  • Proceed to your assigned location:

Ph.D. Candidates

  • Please line up with (your accompanying professor)
  • Marshals will ensure you will be in the correct location in the line-up

Master’s Candidates

  • Those receiving C.A.G.S., Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MSW will line up in the front sections of your Master’s sections.
  • Please line-up in Masters-1 or Master-2 sections
  • Please check in with your designated Faculty Marshal or Marshal Assistant. 

Baccalaureate Candidates

  • Candidates are lined up by school 
  • Education, Business and Arts & Sciences have two sections – please line up in the correct section

Processional and Seating of Graduates

  • Once you process on the Dunkin’ Donuts Center floor, a faculty marshal will direct you to your seat in your assigned seating block.
  • Please be seated in your seating block during the ceremony.
     

All Candidates

  • Plan to arrive at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center no later than 8:30 a.m. (in your cap and gown).
  • Enter at the lower level of the Dunkin’ Donut Center (West Exchange Street side).  Signs will be posted to direct you to the correct location.
  • All graduates must go through a security check and walk through a metal detector.
  • Once you enter check-in to receive your procession card. 
     

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Diploma Case Distribution

Ph.D. & DNP Graduates

  • Ph.D. & DNP graduates will receive their diplomas first.
  • Ph.D. & DNP graduates are escorted to the stage by their accompanying professor on the RIGHT side of the stage
  • Once you receive your diploma, please return to your seating location

Master’s Graduates

  • C.A.G.S., Master's of Sceicne in Mental Health Counseling, and MSW candidates will be hooded on stage.
  • All other master graduates will wear their hoods as they enter the arena and will receive their diploma cases at two distribution points in the middle of the stage.
  • Once you receive your diploma case, please return to your seating location.

Baccalaureate Graduates 

  • Baccalaureate graduates will receive their diploma case at two distribution points in the middle of the stage.
  • Once you receive your diploma case, please return to your seating location.

Recessional 

  • Once the final diploma case is distributed, the class president will read his farewell remarks to the class, followed by the president of the Alumni Association’s welcome and induction of the graduates into the Rhode Island College alumni community.
  • President will direct graduates to recess.
     

Your Diploma

Your diploma will be mailed to the home address on record with the Records Office.  To ensure delivery of your diploma, please check that your home address is correct.  You can only update your mailing address on MyRIC; not your home address.  You will need to contact the Records Office at records@ric.edu to change your home address or fill out a Change of Information form. Diplomas will be mailed approximately 4 weeks of Commencement.
 

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Commencement Photography

Grad Images is the official Commencement photographer. Grad Images will be on the stage to take individual photographs of graduates as they receive their diploma case. Proofs will be emailed to graduates within 5-10 business days after the ceremony and photos may be ordered at that time. For additional information, Please contact Grad Images at 800-261-2576 or by email at giservices@gradimages.com. 

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Assistance for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who plan to attend Commencement and who may need accommodations should please contact the Disability Services Center at 401-456-2776 or by email at dsc@ric.edu.

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Health & Safety Information

Registration will be required for all in-person individual college ceremonies, and the number of guest tickets allotted will be based upon the number of RSVPs and COVID-19 guidelines.

  • Vaccination recommended but not required
  • Masks optional. Masks will be available to graduates in attendance and worn based on personal choice. 
  • No physical distancing for seating

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rhode Island Department of Health, and RIC COVID-19 Task Force will be closely monitored and followed, leading up to the ceremonies. 

Please be advised that plans are subject to change.