Commencement Information for Students
Check back here for information on the dates, deadlines and important links you will need as we get closer to Commencement.
Graduate Hooding Ceremonies
Friday, May 29 at 12 pm and 2 pm eastern
RISD Auditorium
17 Canal Walk, Providence, RI
Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 30 at 9 am eastern
Rhode Island Convention Center
One Sabin Street, Providence, RI
Ticket information — action steps required
Ticket confirmation
The deadline to order your tickets is Friday, April 24.
Complete the form below to order up to four (4) tickets for your guests. You may request up to two (2) additional tickets in addition to your four free tickets. We will let you know if we are able to accommodate your request for additional tickets when you receive your confirmation email in May.
Ticket pickup
Students who place an order by the deadline will receive a confirmation email in May with more information about tickets. Your tickets will be available for pickup starting in late may. Your guests will need to present tickets to gain entry to the ceremony. Please only order as many tickets as you need so we can better accommodate students with larger parties.
Cap and gown
The deadline to order your free cap and gown is Tuesday, April 14.
All graduating students will receive a special RISD stole to wear with your cap and gown. You will also be able to order one extra stole of your choice for an additional charge. Orders will only be accepted through April 14.
Student speakers
Each year, two students—one undergraduate and one graduate—deliver speeches at Commencement. If you’re in good academic standing and would like to represent the Class of 2026 at this year’s event, we invite you to apply to address your class. The deadline to submit your application is April 5, 2026.
All submissions will be reviewed by a committee. If your submission is selected, you will work with an editor/speaking coach to develop and rehearse a speech to deliver at Commencement. Your speech will also appear on risd.edu and on RISD’s Vimeo channel.
Student Commencement awards
This year, one undergraduate student will be chosen as the winner of the endowed Steven Mendelson Community Service Award. The qualifications for this award are:
“A senior who through their energy, efforts, and devotion has significantly contributed to the quality, diversity, and development of the community we share at RISD, while fulfilling the requirements of a quality education.”
Community members are welcome to nominate any graduating undergraduate student who they believe fits the award criteria. The deadline to submit your nomination is April 1, 2026.
Don’t forget
There is a lot to remember as you prepare for graduation. Don’t forget to make plans for your housing and meals, mail forwarding and having a great time with your classmates!
Commencement week housing
All graduating students who live on campus must move out by noon (12 pm ET) on Sunday, May 31. If you have questions about housing, contact Residence Life at housing@risd.edu.
Meal plans
Residential meal allotments and off-campus meal plans are active through Friday, May 29. Please check the RISD Mobile App for available dining options.
Mail forwarding
Graduating students should make arrangements to have their mail forwarded to their new address. Please use this request form to have your mail forwarded.
More in Commencement
Fun and relatively informal, our colorful ceremony is a spirited, celebratory salute to our newest art and design standouts.
Find out about nearby transportation, hotels and lodging, and dining options, as well as important info for international families traveling to the US.
Contact us
Have questions about Commencement + Reunion Weekend? Please email us at commencement@risd.edu or call 401 454-6379.