Commencement 2019
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.
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.
Students should plan to arrive at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center no later than 3:30 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.
For directions to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, please visit their website.
The commencement ceremony will conclude about 7 p.m.
You can order your cap, tassel and gown through Oak Hall. The website to order regalia is now available through Oak Hall. To pick it up in the bookstore, you must order by April 1. If you prefer to ship your items home, the last day to order is May 1. Students are encouraged to place their orders by the deadlines. 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 – $25 plus tax
Extra tassel – $4.00 plus tax (optional)
First-generation stole – $25 plus tax (optional)
International stole, Rainbow stole, veteran stole - $25 plus tax (optional)
Student pickup for web orders shipped to the bookstore will begin May 7, 2019.
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 by April 15, 2019. Please us this link to access the form to order your regalia.
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 around 7 p.m. Administration and graduates will exit first. Guests will follow after the recessional ends.
Guests will not be allowed on the Dunkin’ Donuts Center floor during graduation. 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.
2019 commencement exercises will be held Thursday, May 16, at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence. Doors will open at 3 p.m. and graduates should report no later than 3:30. The commencement procession will begin at 4:15 p.m. and the ceremony is expected to conclude around 7 p.m.
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.
Public Access will air CCRI's commencement ceremony with a delayed broadcast. Dates for the broadcast will be announced prior to commencement.
Diploma covers will be awarded to graduates at commencement. Diplomas will be mailed approximately eight weeks after grades have been certified.
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. You should declare on your application for graduation the degree/program in which you want to march.
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 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 Dunkin' Donuts Center website.
No balloons, food or beverages may be brought in from outside.
Join us from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, for Grad Fest 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 more. Food and music will be provided at this event sponsored by the CCRI Alumni Association.
Ultimate Exposure is the official photographer for commencement. Proofs will be available to view online and can be ordered online, by phone or by mail.
Information on registering with Ultimate Exposures,the college's official photographer, will be updated shortly.
The commencement ceremony will be streamed live starting at 4:30 p.m.
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 26 deadline.
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.)
The free app Spotter can help you locate on-street parking spaces available in Providence.
For information on bus routes to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, access schedules on the RIPTA website.
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 to obtain the best possible seating. Doors open at 3 p.m. We will not know on which side you will be seated. Large video screens on either side of the stage will broadcast the entire ceremony.
No tickets are required to enter commencement ceremonies at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
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