Information for Advanced Degree Graduates

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MSW student being hooded at Advanced Degree Commencement

Dear Graduates,

Commencement is an amazing day! You have achieved a proud accomplishment for yourself, and for your family and loved ones. 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. The campus 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!

Day of Ceremony

Diploma Distribution and Recessional

Line-up

  • Please enter the lower level of The Murray Center and proceed to your assigned location noted on your procession card

Ph.D. and DNP Candidates

  • Please line up with (your accompanying professor)
  • Place your hood over your left arm to prepare for hooding 
  • 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 Master's of Social Work will line up in the front sections of your Master’s sections. Please place your hood over left arm as you process into the arena.  
  • Please check in with your designated Faculty Marshal or Marshal Assistant
  • Master of Nursing, Education, Arts, Accountancy, and Health Care Administration will follow. Candidates should wear their hoods into the arena. 

Processional and Seating of Graduates

  • Once you process onto the arena, a Faculty Marshal will direct you to your seat in your assigned seating block
  • Please remain seated in your seating block during the ceremony
     

All Candidates

  • Plan to arrive at the Murray Center no later than 4:15 p.m. (in your cap and gown).
  • All graduates must go through a security check and walk through a metal detector.
  • Once you enter, check-in to receive your procession card. 
     

Next

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 Science 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 case as they cross the stage. 
  • Once you receive your diploma case, please return to your seating location.

Recessional 

  • Once the final diploma case is distributed, President Warner will officially close the ceremony and 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 4-6 weeks after 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.

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.