Commencement Information for Students

Below you will find information on the dates, deadlines and important links you will need as we get closer to Commencement.

Graduate Hooding Ceremonies

Friday, May 30 at 12 pm and 2 pm eastern
RISD Auditorium
17 Canal Walk, Providence RI

Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 31 at 9 am eastern (doors open 8 am)
Amica Mutual Pavilion
One Lasalle Square, Providence RI

Commencement 2025

Visit our main event page for important information about RISD’s 2025 Commencement celebration.

Quicklinks
Image from Commencement 2024 students looking toward a stage

Ticket information — action steps required

Ticket confirmation

To confirm the number of tickets you need for Commencement 2025, you must complete the updated ticketing form below by Friday, April 25. You will need to provide the full name (first and last) for each guest. Please note that the form provides space for you to note any accessibility requirements or ADA accommodations that your guests will need.

You may order up to eight free tickets for your guests. Please order only as many tickets as you know you will need so we can better accommodate students with larger parties. Guests will need to present their tickets to gain entry to the ceremony. 

The deadline to complete the form is Friday, April 25.

Order your Commencement tickets

Ticket pickup

Your tickets will be available for pickup starting in late May. If you submitted your ticket order by the deadline above, you will receive a confirmation email in May with more information about tickets including ticket pickup. 

Cap and gown

The deadline to order your cap and gown is April 16, no orders will be accepted after this date.

Graduating students receive a special RISD stole to wear with their cap and gown. You will have the option to order one additional stole of your choice for an extra charge.

You will pick up your regalia at the RISD Store on or after May 22, 2025. More information on cap and gown pickup will be available closer to Commencement. If you have any questions in the meantime, please email risdstore@risd.edu.

Order your cap and gown at no cost

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!

More in Commencement

Commencement 2025

Fun and relatively informal, our colorful ceremony is a spirited, celebratory salute to our newest art and design standouts.

For families

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 2025? Please email us at commencement@risd.edu or call 401 454-6379.