Commencement 2023 Frequently Asked Questions
Saturday, May 13 at 10 a.m. at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI. Doors will open at 8:15 a.m.
Order your Commencement regalia online.
You can still order your regalia for Home Delivery until April 5th. You may also purchase regalia at RIC's Official Bookstore beginning April 13.
Hours
Monday and Tuesday 9 - 5
Wednesday and Thursday 9 - 4
Friday 9 - 2
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!
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 14 - 24. The box office is opened Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.
Information about additional tickets will be available after Grad Fest via this website and through your RIC email. Stay Tuned!
Cap and Gown
You may purchase your regalia (cap and gown) at the RIC Official Bookstore beginning April 13th.
Hours
Monday and Tuesday: 9 am–5 pm
Wednesday and Thursday: 9 am–4 pm
Friday: 9 am–2 pm
Students who are graduating this May and demonstrate a financial hardship can apply for regalia support up until Friday, May 5, 2023 through the existing Student Emergency Request Funds application. Please see the application for more details regarding preference for fund requests.
Please be there no later than 8:30 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 9:15 am and the ceremony at 10 am.
Registration will be required for the ceremony, and the number of guest tickets allotted will be based upon the number of RSVPs and the most current COVID-19 guidelines at that time.
- 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 in the days leading up to the ceremonies. Please be advised that plans are subject to change.
All graduates are required to stay for the length of the ceremony. We expect the ceremony to last approximately 3 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.
Please call 401-456-8900 or email commencement@ric.edu. The Amica Mutual Pavilion offers convenient facilities and features for persons with disabilities. Please call 401-331-6700 ext. 7154 during business hours or see a Guest Service representative for assistance during events. You may also email 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 we continue to keep track of those needing services. Candidates who require accommodations for disability please contact 401-456-8900.
Only those attending the Commencement ceremony will receive tickets. Acceptance of tickets indicates you are registering to attend the ceremony.
Yes, you may. Those eligible to participate include those graduates who have completed their coursework in the Fall of 2022 or those who will complete in May of 2023. Summer 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.
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 2024 ceremony.
Yes, they are required for participation.
Diploma size for all undergraduates and master's degree candidates is 8” x 10”.
Ph.D. and DNP Candidates receive a 14" x 11."
Approximately 4–8 weeks after the graduation date.
All diplomas are mailed from the vendor 4–8 weeks after the ceremony. The diplomas are not mailed directly from the Records Office.
To be considered for graduation 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 Wednesday, May 10 in Gaige Hall Lobby from 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 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. Advanced degree candidates do not wear Latin Honor Cords, as all advanced degree candidates must have a higher s GPA to achieve their degree, as denoted by their regalia.
Yes.
Attend one of the Career Center's upcoming Job & Internship Fairs in the Student Union Ballroom:
- All Majors: Wednesday, April 5 from 11:30 am–1:30 pm
- Health and Human Services Majors: Wednesday, April 12 from 12:30–2 pm
Register on Handshake to see a list of participating employers!
