RISD’s Commencement is a colorful celebration suitable to topping off the intensity of the entire experience. Graduates typically take the opportunity to transform their caps and gowns in idiosyncratic ways – by painting, shredding, reimagining and embellishing them to make a more personal artistic statement or simply for fun. Some students choose to wear their own clothing or costumes, but in true RISD fashion, whatever they’re wearing, they’re themselves.
The 2013 Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 1 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in downtown Providence, adjacent to the space that houses the annual RISD Graduate Thesis Exhibition. Check the Commencement website for more about where to stay and what the weekend entails.
RISD Commencement 2013
Saturday, June 1, 10:30 am *
Rhode Island Convention Center
One Sabin Street, Providence, RI (map)
* doors open at 9:30 am with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis
EVENTS on Friday, May 31
- Rehearsal (mandatory for all graduating students)
- Graduate student hooding ceremony
- Departmental receptions
HOTELS
Please plan to reserve accommodations well in advance since hotels in the area fill up quickly. See a list of local accommodations. There a limited number of rooms reserved for RISD families at a reduced rate at The Providence Biltmore and The Omni Providence.
INVITATIONS
Commencement invitations will be sent to families in April. In the meantime, please address any questions to Student Affairs at 401 454-6600 or commencement@risd.edu
Read more about the 2012 celebration and watch video of key speakers »
Learn more about what to do in Providence while you're here. »