Commencement

Commencement is May 29–30, 2026

It’s not too soon to plan ahead for the Class of 2026 to take the Commencement stage. For any of your Commencement questions, please email us at commencement@risd.edu or call +1 401 454-6379.

Main ceremony

Saturday, May 30 at 9 am eastern
Rhode Island Convention Center
One Sabin Street, Providence, RI

For students who may have family traveling to the US to celebrate commencement with them. According to the US Department of State, an invitation letter or affidavit of support is not required to apply for a visitor visa. However, if students would like to write their own invitation letter/support letter for visiting family, you may wish to use this template from our International Student and Scholar Affairs office.

Commencement tickets will be available beginning in late February. Only graduating students may request tickets. Information on ordering caps, gowns, and regalia will be available in late February/ early March.

Graduate Hooding ceremonies

Friday, May 29 at 12 pm and 2 pm eastern
RISD Auditorium
17 Canal Walk, Providence, RI

Celebrate the Graduate Class of 2026 as they receive their graduate hoods at the RISD Auditorium on Friday, May 29 at 12 pm and 2 pm.

The 12 pm ceremony for the Architecture + Design division recognizes graduates receiving a master’s degree in Architecture, Furniture Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture or an MA in the Brown/RISD Design Engineering (MADE) program.

The 2 pm ceremony for the Fine Arts, Experimental and Foundation Studies and Liberal Arts divisions recognizes graduates receiving a master’s degree in Ceramics, Digital + Media, Glass, Global Arts and Cultures, Illustration, Jewelry + Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teaching + Learning in Art + Design (TLAD) and Textiles.

Departmental receptions

On the days before Commencement, various divisions and departments host celebratory gatherings and awards presentations open to graduating students, family members, and friends. Check back closer to Commencement for information on these receptions.

For graduating students

Find the steps you need to take as a graduating student, along with key dates and deadlines.

Quicklinks

For visiting families

Find helpful information as you plan your commencement visit including housing, dining and transportation options, as well as important information for international families traveling to the US.

Quicklinks

Important dates and deadlines

Special events

click the event link for location details

A group of people are toasting together at a table during RISD's reunion weekend.

RISD Reunion Weekend

May 28–31, 2026

This year’s reunions celebrate alumni from the classes of 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021, and a special two-year reunion for the Class of 2024. Reunion is an activity-filled, family-friendly weekend with plenty of community events. Visit alumni.risd.edu/reunions for more information.

A person in a green hat looks at a rack of wire crafts.

RISD Craft

Saturday, May 30, 2026
11 am–5 pm

Featuring over 100 RISD artists, makers and designers, RISD Craft is a highlight of Commencement + Reunion Weekend. RISD Craft is held each year on historic Benefit Street located in the center of campus.

Crowd of people celebrating in a tent with paper lanterns.

Post-commencement reception

Saturday, May 30, 2026
12–1:30 pm

Immediately following the Commencement Ceremony at Rhode Island Convention Center, our entire community is invited to celebrate the Class of 2026 at a festive reception back on campus.