Information for Advanced Degree Ceremony Guests

Graduates embracing at RIC Commencement

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 on May 9th for a joyous time to safely celebrate your loved one.

Congratulations to all!

Important Information

Location/Parking

Rhode Island College Advanced Degree Ceremony is held in the Murray Center on the Rhode Island College campus, located at 600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue in the Mt. Pleasant area of Providence. The ceremony will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m.

Parking is available in various lots on campus. Parking lots H, I,and J are the closest to the entrance to the Murray Center. 

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 Murray Center. Refreshments will be available during the ceremony.

Safety & Security

Please refer to the pavilion's information on security and safety, including what you can and cannot bring with you to the Commencement Ceremony, for specifics beyond these: 

  • Security Check: Every guest will be subject to a security check and must enter through a magnetron machine. Bags larger than 12 5/8” x 15 ¼” will not be permitted through security.
  • Prohibited: Weapons of any kind, drugs, noisemakers, laser pointers. 
  • Balloons: Balloons are prohibited in the Murray Center. 
  • Alcohol:  Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Rhode Island College Campus. 
  • Smoking: Rhode Island College is a smoke-free facility.
  • Guest Services: Guest Services will be located at the ticket office located at the entrance of The Murray Center.

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. 

Planning Your Visit to Providence

For information about restaurants and hotels in the Providence and Warwick area, please visit Go Providence

Assistance for Guests with Disabilities or Medical needs:

Please call 401-456-2776 or 401-456-8900 or email commencement@ric.edu for assistance. Rhode Island College offers convenient facilities and features for persons with disabilities. Candidates who require accommodations for disability please contact 401-456-2776 or 401-456-8900.

Please Note: Guests who have questions about Commencement accessibility or require disability accommodations to attend Commencement are encouraged to contact the Commencement Office at 401-456-8900 or commencement@ric.edu as early as possible.

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.