Commencement FAQ

Doors open at 8 am. The Commencement ceremony begins promptly at 9 am.

Yes. All guests need a ticket to enter the venue. Your student must pick up their guest tickets by 4 pm on Friday, June 2 at the RISD Career Center. 

Seating is open and available to ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes. The Amica Mutual Pavilion has a ramped entrance and specific areas to accommodate those needing accessible seating. Please see the venue accessibility section of this page for more information.

Commencement programs will be given out at the venue.

The full ceremony runs 2.5–3 hours.

For safety reasons and to keep events flowing seamlessly, we strongly encourage friends and family of graduates to establish a meeting place outside of the venue or en route to Market Square.

Families and guests are not allowed backstage at any time before, during or after the ceremony.

We invite our entire community to celebrate the Class of 2023 at this festive reception in Market Square and along the Riverwalk, located at the intersection of North Main and College Streets. It is approximately a 15-minute walk from the Amica Mutual Pavilion to Market Square. Signs and RISD volunteers will help guests along the way. Look for volunteers in the bright pink “RISD Staff” shirts.

Walking directions

RISD calls each graduate’s name as they walk across the stage at Commencement. Students receive a placeholder diploma during the ceremony. We also show the diploma conferral on large screens throughout the venue.

Graduates receive their official diploma later in June.

Providence has many breakfast spots near RISD and the Amica Mutual Pavilion. However, it is best to check if reservations are required. Venue doors open at 8 am, with concession stands open during the ceremony.

Many RISD Commencement and Reunion Weekend events are open to the community. We encourage you to stop by RISD Craft on Benefit Street and browse the work of over 100 alumni artists and designers or drop in on RISD Grad Show 2023. You can also visit the RISD Museum, which has adjusted hours and free admission for from June 1–4.

To close out Commencement evening, you can take in a special WaterFire event along the Providence River.

In case of emergency, contact RISD Public Safety.

routine calls, 24-7: 401 454-6376
emergency calls, 24-7: 401 454-6666

Graduating students must arrive at the Amica Mutual Pavilion at 8 am to line up.

The Class of 2023 will enter through the venue’s rear loading dock entrance. Proceed down La Salle Square (the alley to the left of the building) and around to the rear of the building. Enter via the ground-level loading dock doors.

Enter through the venue’s rear loading dock doors and line up in the backstage hallway.

The full ceremony lasts 2.5–3 hours.

There will be extra regalia available for graduating class members at the RISD Store through Thursday, June 1. In addition, on Saturday before the ceremony, there will be extra regalia on site at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. 

Graduating students received notification of their ticket allotment and can pick up tickets at the RISD Career Center through Friday, June 3 at 4 pm. You must pick up your tickets by this time.

Pickup location

RISD Career Center
20 Washington Place

Pickup dates and times

Wednesday, May 24–Friday, May 26: 9 am–4 pm
Tuesday, May 30–Friday, June 2: 9 am–4 pm

For safety reasons and to keep events flowing seamlessly, we strongly encourage friends and family of graduates to establish a meeting place outside of the Amica Mutual Pavilion or en route to Market Square.

Families and guests are not allowed backstage at any time before, during or after the ceremony.

We invite our entire community to celebrate the Class of 2023 at this festive reception in Market Square and along the Riverwalk, located at the intersection of North Main and College Streets. It is approximately a 15 minute walk from the commencement venue to Market Square. Signs and RISD volunteers will help guests along the way. Look for volunteers in the bright pink RISD Staff shirts.

Walking directions

RISD calls each graduate’s name as they walk across the stage at Commencement. Students receive a placeholder diploma during the ceremony. We also show the diploma conferral on large screens throughout the venue.

Graduates will receive their official diploma later in June.

Many RISD Commencement and Reunion Weekend events are open to the community. We encourage you to stop by RISD Craft on Benefit Street and browse the work of over 100 alumni artists and designers or drop in on RISD Grad Show 2022. You can also visit the RISD Museum, which has adjusted hours and free admission for from June 1–4.

To close out Commencement evening, you can take in a special WaterFire event along the Providence River.

In case of emergency, contact RISD Public Safety.

routine calls, 24-7: 401 454-6376
emergency calls, 24-7: 401 454-6666

The stage party is made up of the president, provost, honorary degree recipients, trustees (including board chair(s)), cabinet members, deans, department heads and graduate program directors.

Please plan to arrive at the venue by 8 am in order to pick up your robe and participate in processional lineup.

Please enter through the side entrance to the left of the main entrance, past the accessibility ramp (at the intersection of La Salle Square and Sabin Street).

Follow the signs down the front hallway to the elevators and stairs, and then proceed upstairs. You will also receive specific instructions via email ahead of time.

The stage party and faculty robing area is located on the third floor, in the restaurant overlooking the arena.

Breakfast and coffee will be available.

Spare robes and hoods will be available at the venue on a first come, first served basis.

The full Commencement ceremony runs 2.5–3 hours.

Go to the venue’s website for Amica Mutual Pavilion directions.

For directions via GPS you can use either of the following addresses:

One LaSalle Square
Providence, RI 02903

or

One Sabin Street
Providence, RI 02903

Paid parking is available in the Rhode Island Convention Center garage, adjacent to the Amica Mutual Pavilion:

North Garage Parking Lot
99 West Exchange Street
Providence, RI 02903

For guests with mobility needs, accessible parking spots are available in the Rhode Island Convention Center garage.

More parking options

Amica Mutual Pavilion does not allow strollers, balloons or anything that will block line of sight.

Additionally, baggage such as handbags, briefcases, backpacks or luggage are strictly prohibited. Guests entering the venue are subject to search at the discretion of management. The venue does not provide storage for confiscated baggage.

Find more information about venue restrictions on the Amica Mutual Pavilion website.

All guests can purchase refreshments from the Amica Mutual Pavilion’s open concession stands.