Commencement FAQ
The ceremony
RISD Commencement 2023 is Saturday, June 3 at Amica Mutual Pavilion (formerly the Dunkin' Donuts Center), located at One LaSalle Square, Providence, RI 02903. Please see the venue information section below for more details on the location, parking and directions.
We know that Commencement looks a little different for everyone. Please read the information below carefully for answers that you need to know if you are:
- a family member or guest.
- a Class of 2023 graduate.
- a faculty member, trustee, honorary degree recipient or stage party member.
We anticipate a crowd of nearly 5,000 people at Commencement and ask that you plan accordingly.
Families and guests
When do I need to arrive for the ceremony?
Doors open at 8 am. The Commencement ceremony begins promptly at 9 am.
Do I need a ticket to get into the venue?
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.
Is the venue an accessible building?
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.
Where can I get a Commencement program?
Commencement programs will be given out at the venue.
How long is the ceremony?
The full ceremony runs 2.5–3 hours.
Where can I meet my student or alum after Commencement?
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.
What is the Community Reception?
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.
Will I see my student receive their diploma?
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.
When will my student receive their official RISD diploma?
Graduates receive their official diploma later in June.
I would like to get breakfast before the ceremony. Where can I eat?
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.
What can we do in Providence after the ceremony and reception end?
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.
Who should I contact in case of an emergency?
In case of emergency, contact RISD Public Safety.
routine calls, 24-7: 401 454-6376
emergency calls, 24-7: 401 454-6666
Graduating students
What do I need to arrive for Commencement?
Graduating students must arrive at the Amica Mutual Pavilion at 8 am to line up.
How do I get into the Amica Mutual Pavilion?
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.
Where do I line up for the ceremony?
Enter through the venue’s rear loading dock doors and line up in the backstage hallway.
How long is Commencement?
The full ceremony lasts 2.5–3 hours.
I forgot to order my regalia. What can I do?
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.
When and where do I pick up tickets for my guest(s)?
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
Where can I meet my guest(s) after Commencement?
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.
What is the Community Reception?
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.
Will my friends and family see me receive my diploma?
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.
When will I receive my official RISD diploma?
Graduates will receive their official diploma later in June.
What can I do with my family and friends after the ceremony and reception end?
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.
Who should I contact in case of emergency?
In case of emergency, contact RISD Public Safety.
routine calls, 24-7: 401 454-6376
emergency calls, 24-7: 401 454-6666
Faculty, trustees, stage party and honorees
Who is part of the stage party?
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.
When do I need to arrive for Commencement?
Please plan to arrive at the venue by 8 am in order to pick up your robe and participate in processional lineup.
How do I get into the Amica Mutual Pavilion?
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.
Where do I pick up my robe and line up for the ceremony?
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.
I forgot to order a robe/hood/regalia. What do I do?
Spare robes and hoods will be available at the venue on a first come, first served basis.
How long is the ceremony?
The full Commencement ceremony runs 2.5–3 hours.
Venue information
Where can I find directions to the Amica Mutual Pavilion?
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
Where can I find venue parking?
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.
Are there restrictions on what I can bring into the venue?
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.
Are food and refreshments available at the venue?
All guests can purchase refreshments from the Amica Mutual Pavilion’s open concession stands.
Venue accessibility
The Amica Mutual Pavilion is an accessible building with a ramped entrance and specific areas to accommodate people who need accessible seating. If you have not already shared your guests’ special seating needs, please email commencement@risd.edu or call 401 454-6379 as far in advance as possible for information on entry and seating arrangements.
Where are the venue’s wheelchair/disability accessible sections?
Individuals who use wheelchairs may go to sections 101, 106, 110, 120 and 124. Please note that we cannot supply wheelchairs.
Will the ceremony include ASL interpretation?
Yes. An ASL translator will be on stage to interpret during the Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremonies.
Is accessible parking available?
For guests with mobility needs, accessible parking spots are available in the Rhode Island Convention Center garage. The garage’s address is:
North Garage Parking Lot
99 West Exchange Street
Providence, RI 02903
Important contact information, phone numbers and links
General Commencement information: risd.edu/commencement
General reunions information: alumni.risd.edu/reunions
Registration hotline: 401 454-6999
RISD Public Safety
routine calls, 24-7: 401 454-6376
emergency calls, 24-7: 401 454-6666