Commencement Information for Families

Only graduating students may order tickets to Commencement. Graduating students will receive information on ordering their Commencement tickets in February 2027.

The Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) is an accessible building. For Graduate Hooding, the accessible entrance for RISD Auditorium is located on Amos Street.

We ask that graduating students let us know about the special seating needs of their families and guests when reserving tickets for Commencement. You may also email us at commencement@risd.edu or call 401 454-6379. Please contact us well in advance for information on entry and seating arrangements.

An American Sign Language (ASL) translator will be on stage during Commencement as well as at the Graduate Hooding Ceremonies. The Commencement program will include translations of ceremony details and the president’s welcome message in more than 20 languages.\

All graduating students will need to show a government-issued or student ID and pass through the AMP’s metal detectors in order to enter the building. Guests may also be required to show ID, along with their ticket, and pass through metal detectors in order to enter.

Amica Mutual Pavilion bag policy

To uphold health and safety protocols, minimize contact and ensure a swifter entry process, the AMP strongly discourages guests from bringing large bags to events. If a bag is necessary, the following restrictions apply:

• Backpacks, luggage, briefcases of any size are considered prohibited items and are not allowed in the arena.
• Bags that measure larger than 14”x14”x6” are considered prohibited items and are not allowed in the arena.
• Bags that measure between 6”x4”x1.5” to 14”x 14”x6” are subject to visual inspection.
• Diaper bags and bags needed for medical purposes are permitted and will be subject to inspection.

We kindly ask that you contact the AMP via email at amppvd@pvdricenter.com twenty-four hours prior to the event if you require additional accommodations before arrival.

Reminder: Guests with prohibited items will not be permitted entry to the arena. The AMP does NOT provide on-site storage. Guests are asked to plan accordingly.

Amica Mutual Pavilion policy for banners and signs

Signs measuring 8½” x 11” or less that adhere to the AMP’s Guest Code of Conduct are permitted in the arena. However, management may prohibit and confiscate signs that violate the Guest Code of Conduct, are not event-related, excessive in size, contain indecent or derogatory comments or images, political statements, or commercial references. Signs and banners may NOT be hung anywhere in the AMP. Signs or banners with poles or sticks are NOT permitted.

Please visit the link below for a full list of venue FAQ’s and guidance on policies.

Review AMP’s building policies

Start planning your visit to campus! Discounted hotels in the area will be posted later this fall, but for now you can get started by exploring our Visiting Campus resources.

You may also search for more hotel options in and around Providence on hotels.com, tripadvisor.com, and other travel and hospitality sites.

AIRPORTS

T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
Warwick, RI (12 miles from Providence)

Our campus in Providence is about a 15-20 minute ride from Green Airport. You can find flight information at pvdairport.com or by calling 401 737-8222. Many local hotels offer shuttle service to and from the airport.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Boston, MA (55 miles from Providence)

Depending on traffic, Logan Airport is about a 1.5-hour drive to our campus. You can find flight information at massport.com/logan-airport and 800 23-LOGAN (800 235-6426).

TRAINS

Both Amtrak and the Massachusetts MBTA offer service to Providence.

Schedules and fares can be found at amtrak.com or 800 USA-RAIL (800 872-7245).

The MBTA’s Attleboro/Stoughton Line provides service between Providence and Boston. Schedules and fares can be found at mbta.com and 617 222-3200.

BUSES

Peter Pan Bus Company provides daily express service to and from Green Airport in Warwick and Logan Airport in Boston. They also offer services to and from major metro areas such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Schedules are available online or by calling 401 751-8800.

Greyhound provides bus service to and from Providence to major metropolitan areas like Boston, New York and Washington, DC. Schedules and fares are available online or by calling 800 229-9424, 402 330-8552 (if you’re calling from abroad without toll-free access), 800 752-4841 (for assistance for passengers with disabilities) or 800 345-3109 (TDD).

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is Rhode Island's local bus service for easy and inexpensive transportation within Rhode Island, including Providence/Newport ferries.

RENTAL CARS

If you are traveling by plane and need to reserve a rental car, you can find a list of rental services on the Green Airport and Logan Airport websites.

RIDESHARING AND CAR-SHARING

On-demand transportation is available through Uber and Lyft, and at dozens of zipcar locations on or near campus.

RISD SHUTTLE SERVICE

Guests with mobility needs requiring transportation from campus to commencement events should call RISD Rides at 401 427-6915.

Providence has a vibrant food culture offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences. You will find many options within a short walk of our College Hill campus and in the downtown area surrounding the Commencement venue.

Tables fill up fast throughout the city during Commencement week, so be sure to plan ahead as soon as possible.