Commencement FAQs

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 any One Stop Student Services office at any campus between 9 am–3 pm Monday–Friday starting May 1st. 

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) 

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. 

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! 

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]. 

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 

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.