Why does RISD hold Commencement outdoors?
The ceremony takes place outdoors, rain or shine, because the site we use is the only space on campus large enough to accommodate more than 3,000 people – approximately 650 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,400 family members and friends. Students have told us that they prefer to hold Commencement on campus as opposed to at a nearby sports stadium or convention center.

Who is invited to Commencement?
Parents and other family members are our guests of honor, of course. Students may pick up as many as four more invitations to send out to additional family members and friends, and since the ceremony is held outdoors, no tickets are required to get in.

What time should we plan to arrive on Saturday morning?
The ceremony starts at 10 am, but graduating students need to be at the First Baptist Church to begin lining up no later than 9 am. We recommend that family and friends begin finding their seats as early as 8:30 am, which is when we open the seating area to guests.

If we show up ahead of time, is there a place to get a cup of coffee?
Yes, RISD Dining + Catering sells coffee and light breakfast items at the site. Other street vendors include florists and risd|works, which offers a selection of RISD insignia items (t-shirts, caps, totebags and the like).

What is the parking situation like?
On-street parking is available in the neighborhood surrounding the Commencement site, though you should be prepared to walk a short distance from where you park.

Are there special accommodations made for the elderly or disabled?
Yes. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 401 454-6600 or commencement@risd.edu in advance for information on special parking, entry and seating arrangements. Only one person may accompany each guest in need of special seating.

How long does the ceremony usually last?
Although the graduating class numbers over 600, we think it’s important to recognize each graduate individually. As each name is read, students walk across stage and accept a scrolled “receipt” for the official diploma, stopping to shake hands with the president and key faculty members. This, along with a series of short speeches in the beginning, generally takes close to two and a half hours.

Is there anything special about RISD’s diploma?
Every risd graduate receives an academic diploma designed by the late John Howard Benson, a distinguished sculptor and calligrapher who taught at risd from 1931–44. Each diploma is hand-lettered by calligrapher and alumna Alba Corrado [’60/Painting], a member of the Foundation Studies faculty. At Friday’s rehearsal, students also receive a “design diploma” – a fun commemorative object designed by a member of the graduating class.

If official diplomas aren’t given out at the ceremony, how and when do students get them?
Each graduate needs to stop by Market House immediately after the ceremony (but before 2:30 pm) to pick up his or her official Benson diploma. Anyone not planning to attend the ceremony should contact the Registrar’s Office to make alternate arrangements.

Do RISD students actually wear caps and gowns at Commencement?
Yes. And no. Students are issued inexpensive black caps and gowns several days in advance and encouraged to use their creative talents to make them their own. Some choose to wear the gowns and mortarboards as is, others opt for their own clothing and still others go all out embellishing the standard-issue garb or by creating unusual costumes. The result: RISD’s ceremony is generally more festive, colorful and informal than most.

Do parents have access to professional photographs of the event?
Yes. Photographers from PhotoGrads.com take pictures of each graduate approaching or exiting the stage and accepting his or her pseudo-diploma. Complimentary proofs of these photos will arrive at your home address within 7–10 days of the ceremony. If you provide a valid e-mail address in advance, PhotoGrads will also send you a direct link to the images online. There is no obligation to buy these photographs and the company provides an unconditional money-back guarantee. Please address all questions about Commencement photographs to service@photograds.com or call 866 572-0199.

Does RISD offer any overnight accommodations for families?
Yes, we have a limited number of rooms available in student residences. Each room offers one or two twin beds (sorry, no extra cots available), with a shared bathroom, lounge and kitchen. Linens are provided. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and no smoking or pets are allowed. Reservations require payment in full and must be made by May 13, 2009 (non-refundable thereafter).

rates: $75 per room, per night / $100 per room for both Friday and Saturday nights
reservations: Mary Anne Shanahan / 401 277-4967

Are there good places to eat on campus or nearby?
Yes! RISD’s own dining facilities serve great food and Providence is known for its many excellent restaurants. Click here for some area dining options.