General Information for Commencement 2018

• Accessible Accommodations
• Additional Information
• Arrival Information
• Bags
• Caps and Gowns
• Children
• Commencement Ceremony Etiquette
• Commencement Date
• Commencement Participation Policy
• Commencement Symbolism
• Delayed Broadcast
• Dinner in Providence
• Diplomas
• Dual Degrees
• Dunkin Donuts Center Building Policies
• Grad Fest
• Graduation Awards
• Graduation Photographs
• Honor Cords
• I Am No Longer Planning to March ...
• If I Am Receiving a Dual Degree, Can I March in Whatever Program I Want?
• Live Streaming
• Name in the Commencement Program
• Parking
• Seating
• Tickets
• Transcripts
• What is Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)?
• What is the Dress Code for Commencement?

Accessible Accommodations

Graduates needing accommodations for commencement must identify themselves prior to the ceremony by calling the Office of Student Affairs at 401-825-2179.

Guests needing accommodations should refer to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center website policies: Call 401-331-6700, Ext. 7154, during business hours or see a Guest Service representative for assistance during events. You may also email any inquiries.

Guests with special needs may access the lobby by using the ramp located on the Hilton Providence side of the building (left of the main entrance). Once inside the lobby, proceed to the main concourse area toward sections 101, 106, 110, 120 and 124; these sections are reserved for individuals with disabilities. Only one escort is permitted to remain with a special needs individual or an individual in a wheelchair. Fire laws are strictly enforced and do not permit leaving wheelchairs in the aisles. Services are provided for closed captioning for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired.

Additional Information

For information on commencement, call the Office of Student Affairs at 401-825-2179.

Arrival Information

Students should plan to arrive at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center no later than 3 p.m. on the day of graduation. Students ONLY should enter through the rear entrance door located on the left-hand side (when facing the building) between the Hilton Providence and the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

Guests should enter through the main entrance of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Main doors open at 3 p.m.

Dunkin’ Donuts Center
1 LaSalle Square
Providence, RI 02903

The commencement ceremony will conclude about 7:30 p.m.

Bags

Bags that are larger than 13-5/8 by 15-1/4 inches will not be permitted through the security zone. Baggage such as bags, briefcases, backpacks and luggage are strictly prohibited. Guests entering the Dunkin’ Donuts Center are subject to search at the discretion of management. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center does not provide storage for any confiscated baggage.

Caps and Gowns

You can order your cap, tassel and gown through Oak Hall through April 15. Students are encouraged to place their orders by the deadline. Any graduate who wants to order an extra tassel or stoles can do so through the website. Here is a list of expected prices:

Cap, tassel and gown – $20 plus tax

Extra tassel – $3.75 plus tax (optional)

First-generation stole – $19 plus tax (optional)

International stole, Rainbow stole, veteran stole – $30.25 plus tax (optional)

Student pickup for web orders will be May 7 to 11 at your campus bookstore.

On-campus purchasing in the bookstore will begin on April 16 and run through graduation. The bookstore will accept orders in store only and sizes ordered at the bookstore will be limited. No phone orders will be available. Only caps, gowns, extra tassels and first-generation stoles will be available in all stores; extra caps, veteran stoles, rainbow stoles and international stoles only are available through the website during the ordering dates.

NOTE: All outstanding debts to CCRI must be paid in full before you can pick up your cap and gown. A student ID or comparable identification is needed to pick up your cap and gown. 

Faculty and staff who plan to march in the Academic Procession must order regalia from the bookstore no later than April 7.

Children

Guests are encouraged to consider whether their young children will be able to sustain a long afternoon and evening at commencement. Doors open for guests at 3 p.m. and the ceremony should conclude between 7 and 7:30 p.m. This can be a lengthy period of time for children to sit quietly.

Commencement Ceremony Etiquette

To show respect for and to honor all our graduates, we ask that all graduates and their guests remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony, which is expected to conclude between 7 and 7:30 p.m. Administration and graduates will exit first. Guests will follow after the recessional ends.

Guests will not be allowed on the gymnasium floor during graduation. Security guards will be stationed at each bleacher aisle and next to the stage. They will ask guests to remain seated. Guests may take photographs from their seats; however, they will not be allowed in the stage area. A professional photographer will be near the stage to take photographs of all graduates as they approach the stage and as they receive their diploma covers.

Commencement Date

Commencement exercises will be held Thursday, May 17, 2018, at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence. Graduates should report no later than 3:15 p.m. The commencement procession will begin at 4:15 p.m. The ceremony is expected to conclude between 7 and 7:30 p.m.

Commencement Participation Policy

All students who need no more than six credit hours to complete their degree requirements may "walk through" and participate in the May commencement ceremony. Summer applicants who have six or fewer credit hours to complete and who wish to attend the preceding May ceremony must apply and indicate their preference to "walk through" in the appropriate section on their Intent to Graduate form.

Commencement Symbolism

Much of the symbolism found in academic ceremonies dates back to the Paris and Bologna universities of the 12th century, which were modeled on medieval craft guilds. Symbolism carried down through the intervening centuries continues to reflect the status and function of positions in academia and administration.

Colors

The banners behind the stage feature the colors representative of areas of study completed by the CCRI graduating class. Banner colors featured for CCRI graduates are:

Arts - White
Business - Drab
Dental Studies - Lilac
Education - Light Blue
Engineering - Orange
Fine Arts - Brown
Health and Rehabilitative Sciences - Sage Green
Law - Purple
Nursing - Apricot
Science - Gold
Social Service - Citron

You may notice a wider variety of colors represented in the hoods worn by faculty, staff, administration and distinguished guests. The color of the velvet edge represents their academic discipline, while the satin lining carries the colors of the institution granting the degree. Variation in the size and shape of the hoods represents the achievement of various advanced degrees. Doctoral hoods are the most elaborate and weighty.

Mace

The mace is carried by the grand marshal to symbolize the marshal’s authority in formal protocol. The CCRI mace was presented to the college at the 1965 inauguration of the first president, Dr. William F. Flanagan, by the Honorable Florence K. Murray, associate justice of the Superior Court. It was, from then on, known as the Judge Murray Mace. The mace itself was designed and crafted by local artisan Alfredo Sciarrotta of Newport.

Medallion (Chain of Office)

The president wears the presidential medallion on ceremonial occasions, symbolizing her civil position and responsibility for carrying out the mission and traditions of the college. The medallion was created, designed and donated by the talented employees at the Providence facility of Herff Jones Co. of Indiana Inc.

There are two components that make up the presidential medallion. The primary medallion depicts the college seal. The secondary medallion, a finely crafted combination of metal and gemstones, includes the title of “President” and six gemstones. Four crystals represent each of the four campuses, and two green stones symbolize "access and opportunity."

Delayed Broadcast

Public Access will air CCRI's commencement ceremony with a delayed broadcast on Cox Channel 15 and Verizon Channel 34. Dates will be announced soon.

Dinner in Providence

We suggest dinner reservations after 8 p.m. to allow time to exit the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and the downtown city area. There are a number of restaurants around Providence to have a dinner celebration with your family after the commencement ceremony. Please visit the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau or Yelp for lists and ratings of local restaurants.

Diplomas

Diploma covers will be awarded to graduates at commencement. Diplomas will be mailed to all spring and summer graduates approximately eight weeks after grades have been certified.

Dual Degrees

If you are receiving a dual degree, you will walk across the stage once; however, both degree accomplishments will be announced when the dean reads your name. Your name will appear in the commencement program under each degree/certificate awarded.

Dunkin' Donuts Center Building Policies

Baggage policy  Bags that are larger than 13-5/8 by 15-1/4 inches will not be permitted through the security zone. Baggage such as bags, briefcases, backpacks and luggage are strictly prohibited. Guests entering the Dunkin’ Donuts Center are subject to search at the discretion of management. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center does not provide storage for any confiscated baggage.

Metal detectors Walk-through metal detectors will be used at all entrances of the facility. Similar to procedures used at the airport, all patrons will walk through a metal detector prior to gaining access to the arena. If needed, security will perform pat-downs on patrons in addition to the metal detectors. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center recommends that patrons should plan to arrive earlier than normal to allow for this enhanced security process.

For a complete listing of all security protocol and accessible facilities, please visit the website. 

No balloons, food or beverages are allowed to be brought in from outside.

Grad Fest

Join us from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, for our first Grad Fest sponsored by the CCRI Alumni Association in the Great Hall at the Knight Campus. You will be able to order your cap and gown, complete the Intent to Graduate form, speak with representatives of CCRI’s Career Planning Office for help with résumé building, get help with transfer opportunities, learn about parking in Providence and view a video about what to expect on graduation day. Food and music will be provided.

Graduation Awards

Honors, High Honors and Highest Honors designations are determined based on students' GPAs as of Dec. 31, 2017. Academic achievement is recognized at graduation in the following manner:

Honors:

Designated students have achieved at least a 3.25 grade point average.

High Honors:

Designated students have achieved at least a 3.50 grade point average.

Highest Honors:

Designated students have achieved at least a 3.75 grade point average.

Kappa Beta Delta:

Kappa Beta Delta is an international honor society for the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs accredited business programs. The purposes of this society are to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among students of business, management and administration pursuing associate degrees and to encourage and promote personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind. To be considered for invitation, candidates must have completed 15 semester hours of credit with a minimum of six credit hours completed in business courses. The academic ranking of those considered must place them in the upper 20 percent of their class, with a minimum grade point average of 3.00.

Phi Theta Kappa:

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for community and junior colleges throughout the United States. Its intent is to recognize the most outstanding students at two-year institutions. In order to be initiated into Phi Theta Kappa at the Community College of Rhode Island, a student must have applied for membership, achieved a 3.75 grade point average or above and be of good character.

Psi Beta:

Psi Beta is the national honor society in psychology for students at community and junior colleges. The requirements for admission include a 3.00 cumulative average, two courses in psychology (including general psychology) with a "B" or better and participation in volunteer community service or other psychology-related activities.

Honors Program:

Honors Program graduates must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.25 and complete at least four honors projects to earn this special recognition.

Student veterans:

Student veterans wear a red, white and blue cord to signify their service to their country.

Graduation Photographs

GradImages is the official photographer for commencement. Proofs will be available to view online and can be ordered online, by phone or by mail. GradImages can be contacted at 1-800-261-2576 or by email.

Registering with GradImages provides the company with the information it needs to deliver your graduation proofs to you in a timely manner. You also may provide the company with email addresses of up to six friends and family members to allow them to celebrate in the accomplishment.

Honor Cords

Beginning the week of May 14, honor cords will be awarded to students attaining highest honors (3.75 - 4.00), high honors (3.50 - 3.74) and honors (3.25 - 3.49). Honors are based on a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) for the semester ending Dec. 31, 2017. Cords may be picked up in the Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Services in Warwick, Advising and Counseling in Lincoln, and Enrollment Services in Providence and Newport. Hours for pickup are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

I Am No Longer Planning to March ...

If you indicated on your Intent to Graduate form that you planned to march in the ceremony but have changed your mind, please contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 401-825-2003.

If I Am Receiving a Dual Degree, Can I March in Whatever Program I Want?

No, you should declare on your application for graduation the degree/program in which you want to march.

Live Streaming

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live starting at 4:30 p.m.

Name in the Commencement Program

The commencement program will reflect the names of all graduates who have filed their Intent to Graduate form by 4 p.m. on the April 30 deadline.

Parking

Event parking for the commencement ceremony is available at various privately owned lots around the city, as well as in the garage adjacent to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and at the Providence Place Mall parking garage (mall parking is free for the first two hours; the cost for two to five hours is $2.)

View a complete listing of parking in Providence.

The free app Spotter can help you locate on-street parking spaces available in Providence.

Information on accessible parking at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center is available at access-ri.org.

For information on bus routes to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, access schedules on the RIPTA website. 

Seating

With the exception of a few reserved sections, seating is open and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Families should plan to arrive at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center early enough to obtain the best possible seating. Doors open at 3 p.m. We will not know on which side your student will be seated. Large video screens on either side of the stage will broadcast the entire ceremony.

Guests with special needs may access the lobby by using the ramp located on the Hilton Providence side of the building (left of the main entrance). Once inside the lobby, proceed to the main concourse area toward sections 101, 106, 110, 120 and 124; these sections are reserved for individuals with disabilities. Only one escort is permitted to remain with a special needs individual or an individual in a wheelchair. Fire laws are strictly enforced and do not permit leaving wheelchairs in the aisles. Services are provided for closed captioning for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired.

No guests are allowed on the floor of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center for any reason, including taking photos.

Tickets

No tickets are required to enter commencement ceremonies at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Transcripts

Upon certification of grades, final transcripts should be available approximately two weeks after commencement. You will not be an official graduate until you have fulfilled all requirements.

What is Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)?

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society organization for community and junior colleges throughout the United States and abroad. Its intent is to recognize the most successful students academically. To be eligible for entrance to PTK at the Community College of Rhode Island, one must have a 3.75 index or above with 24 to 48 earned credits, be a matriculating degree-seeking student and be of good character. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is regarded as a high honor and is noted on a student's transcript. Students are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa each October and February based on their GPA and credits of the preceding semester. [Phi Theta Kappa website ]

What is the Dress Code for Commencement?

There is no formal dress code. Most people dress "smart, casual." Graduates should wear appropriate clothing. Footwear should be comfortable.