Commencement FAQs

We Have Answers

 

If I completed my degree in December or still need to take a few courses this summer can I still participate in this year’s Commencement event?

Yes. all students who need no more than two classes, or up to eight credit hours, to complete their degree requirements are eligible to participate in the Commencement event. These applicants must complete the Intent to Graduate for the summer term.

Please note if you fail to complete your requirements by the end of the summer term, you must re-complete the Intent to Graduate process the semester you actually complete your degree requirements, to receive your diploma.

How do I know if I qualify for honors?
Academic achievement will be recognized at Commencement for students who have met the following criteria:

• Graduation Honors: 3.25 to 3.49 cumulative grade point index

• Graduation High Honors: 3.50 to 3.74 cumulative grade point index

• Graduation Highest Honors: 3.75 to 4.0 cumulative grade point index

• Honors are based on a student’s cumulative GPA for the semester ending on December 31

Note: To be eligible for honors, students must earn at least one half of the credits for their program at CCRI.

What is the difference between a Commencement ceremony and graduation?

Commencement ceremonies are the celebration of your graduation!  The Commencement ceremony is May 12th, 2026. Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree or certificate after successful completion and assessment of all program requirements. 
Remember, attending commencement does not mean you've graduated.

To be officially graduated, you must complete all the requirements for your degree and submit an Intent to Graduate form. You will receive your formal diploma once you have completed your degree requirements.

Do I need tickets for guests?

No, tickets are not required.  There is no guest limit for Commencement; however, seating is first-come, first-served. Doors will open at 3pm for guests.

Is there a dress code?

Business casual under your robe is appropriate for this formal occassion. We recommend comfortable shoes for the processional walk and waiting to cross the stage.

Where can I pick up my honor cords?

At GradFest, April 13th 1:30-3pm Knight Campus, Great Hall. Or, after GradFest at any One Stop Student Services office at any campus on Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm from time of GradFest to Friday, May 8th.

What is a March Card and where do I get one?

Your March Card is the piece of paper with your name on it that you will hand to the reader at the top of the stage on Commencement day to read your name over the loudspeaker when it's time to cross the stage.

If necessary, please clearly print on your card the best way to pronounce your name.
March Cards will be available at GradFest, or, after GradFest at any  One Stop Student Services office at any campus between 9 am–3 pm Monday–Friday from GradFest- Friday, May 8th.

If you don't have a March Card on the day of Commencement, you will need to check in at the event, please arrive early to avoid any delays.

How do I ensure my name is pronounced properly at commencement?

When you receive your March Card, make sure to write your name phonetically on the back; in other words, write your name exactly how you want it pronounced. 

Keep your March Card with you at all times the day of Commencement and when you get to the top of the stage before you walk, hand your card to the reader, who will then read your phonetic spelling as you cross the stage.

Below are examples of names with their phonetic spellings in parentheses:

• Samuel Liu (SAM-U-EL LEE-OO)
• Njiba Mbye (NAH-GEE-BAH MMM-BOO-EEE)
• Kasey J. Panagopoulos (KAY-SEE  JAY PAH-NAH-GOP-OOH-LOS)

What time should I arrive?

Graduates who attend the commencement ceremony should plan to arrive at the Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) in Providence between 2:30pm - 3pm. Graduates only should enter the AMP through the back-door entrance located on the left-hand side (facing the building) of the AMP between the Hilton Providence and the venue or from the right-hand side (facing the building) between the AMP and the Convention Center Garage.

Guests will enter through the main entrance, the front of the building.  Doors to the venue will open for guests at 3pm.

Where should I park?

Closest parking to the Amica Mutual Pavillion, is the Convention Center Garage. The address is: Amica Mutual Pavilion & RICC North Parking Garage, 99 W Exchange St, Providence, RI 02903. The cost for this garage is between $15–20 for the duration of the event.

Alternatively, the Providence Place Mall is also within walking distance, at a rate of $2 every five hours. Then, you're also welcome to scout your own parking spot depending on any accessibility needs you or your guests might have.

What do I do once I arrive?

If you already have your March Card,  simply follow the signage within the building to find your place in the processional line.  The processional line is the order you'll march into the venue, it's in order based on your academic division then A-Z:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS)
• Business, Science, and Technology (BSAT)
• Health and Rehabilitative Sciences (HARS)

If you don't have your March Card, go to the Check In table, organized by the first letter of your last name. Once you have your March Card, you can line up for the procession. We march into the venue to start the ceremony at 4 pm, do not miss this moment!

Do I receive my diploma on commencement day?

No. On commencement day, all graduates receive a diploma cover. Diplomas are mailed approximately six to eight weeks following the date of graduation, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The Office of One Stop Student Services is responsible for clearing you for graduation. Once you are cleared, your degree will be awarded, and your diploma will be ordered.

Diplomas will be mailed to the address in our records. You will be responsible for reporting any change of address information to the Office of One Stop Student Services or updating the information in MyCCRI. Learn how to update your information online.

If you have not received your diploma eight weeks after your graduation date, check your online transcript to see if your degree was conferred. If the degree has been conferred and you still don’t have your diploma, contact the Office of One Stop Student Services that you have not received your diploma. If your degree was not conferred, check with the Office of One Stop Student Services. 

If you have questions about your personal graduation information, contact [email protected] and include your CCRI student ID number.

Note: the Commencement email is simply for the event itself: [email protected].

Will Commencement be live-streamed?

Yes! Those who cannot attend in person can watch the entire ceremony live on our Commencement website at ccri.edu/commencement. Please share the link with family and friends!

When my degree will be confirmed?

Students will be confirmed as a graduate of the Community College of Rhode Island if degree requirements for the program of study in which they are enrolled have been satisfied according to the following schedule:

• Spring graduates will be confirmed in June
• Fall graduates will be confirmed in January
• Summer graduates will be confirmed in August

Can I have my degree posted early?

No. CCRI policy is to have all degrees posted at once in fairness to all students - No exceptions.

Can I receive a diploma cover if I do not attend the event?

No. The diploma cover is a special part of the event, you must attend in person to receive this.

How do I obtain official proof of graduation?

An official transcript is your official proof of graduation. Visit our Request Official Transcript website to learn more about how to request a copy of your official transcript. Before requesting a transcript, please make sure to review your degree evaluation to make sure your degree is posted. You can find the instructions on our Degree Evaluation website.

Can I request a duplicate diploma?

Yes. You must complete the Duplicate Diploma Request form and contact the Bursar’s office to arrange payment. A $10 duplicate diploma payment must be made payable to CCRI at the Bursar’s office. Visit the Bursar's office website for contact information. 

Once you complete the process, you can send the form and proof of payment to [email protected] and we will order the diploma for you. The order of the duplicate diploma may take approximately six to eight weeks for processing.

If you need official proof of graduation, please visit our official transcript page to learn more about how to request a copy.