Commencement Schedule of Events – Class of 2026
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Graduate Programs and The School of Continuing Education Commencement Exercises
6:30 p.m.
Peterson Recreation Center
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Procession begins at 6:20 p.m.
Commencement Exercises begin at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 15, 2026
ROTC Commissioning
2 p.m.
War Memorial Grotto
Contact the Department of Military Science at 401.865.2471 for details.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Academic Awards Ceremony
11 a.m.
Peterson Recreation Center
(enter via the Concannon Fitness Center)
Doors open at 10 a.m.
Procession begins at 10:50 a.m.
Ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m.
Graduates receiving honors or awards are expected to attend the ceremony. Graduates should assemble in Mullaney Gymnasium by 10:15 a.m. Families are invited to attend, and tickets are not required. Academic attire (cap and gown) is required. Please wear your cap with tassel hanging in front of the cap on right side. The hood is not worn at this ceremony. Bring your cord (distributed at Cap & Gown Day) to the ceremony.
Academic Honors are as follows:
Summa: 3.85, gold cord; Magna: 3.70, silver cord; Cum: 3.55 white cord. When instructed, place the cord around your neck with the knot at the back and tassels hanging down the front.
The ceremony is approximately one and one-half hours in length.
Commencement Mass
4 p.m.
Peterson Recreation Center
(enter via the Concannon Fitness Center)
Doors open at 3 p.m.
Procession begins at 3:40 p.m.
Mass begins at 4 p.m.
All graduates are invited to attend with their guests. Tickets are not required. Graduates should assemble in Mullaney Gymnasium by 3 p.m. Academic attire is required for graduates; attire is carried: cap with tassel, gown, and honors cords, if applicable. The hood is not worn at this ceremony. The procession will begin at 3:40 p.m. Late arriving guests will not be seated until after the processional is completed. An elevator is located in the lobby area of Peterson Recreation Center for guests with disabilities. Seating is limited in Peterson Recreation Center, but additional seating with a livestream of the event will be available in Mullaney Gymnasium.
After Mass, students will process to join their families at the Family Reception on Slavin Center Lawn. Please designate a specific rendezvous site outdoors where your family can plan to meet after Mass.
Family Reception
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (following the Mass)
Slavin Center Lawn
All guests attending the Commencement Mass are invited to attend this reception. No tickets are required. Refreshments and light snacks will be available.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Commencement Exercises
11 a.m.
Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 Lasalle Square, Providence, RI 02903
Doors open at 9 a.m.
Procession begins at 10:30 a.m.
Commencement Exercises begin at 11 a.m.
All graduates are expected to attend; all guests require a ticket for entry.. Academic attire is required, wear your cap with tassel, gown, hood, and if applicable, honors cord.
