KINGSTON, R.I.—Jan. 24, 2024—The University of Rhode Island is introducing a new commencement schedule and format for the spring 2024 ceremonies to better celebrate graduates and provide an enhanced and inclusive experience for graduates, families, and friends.

The University will honor graduates over three days, from Friday, May 17, through Sunday, May 19, in eight college-based ceremonies at the Thomas M. Ryan Center on the Kingston Campus. The ceremonies will recognize both undergraduate and graduate degree candidates from the respective colleges.

The full schedule for those ceremonies is below.

“Commencement is such an important milestone in the lives of our graduates and their families,” said President Marc Parlange. “Our primary goal during Commencement weekend is to provide a truly memorable, celebratory experience.”

Each participating graduate will have their name announced, and will cross the stage and have professional photos taken during their respective ceremony. The formal ceremonies also will feature a procession into the arena and a recessional at the close of the event, as well as remarks from the president, deans, and other invited guests.

The new format follows a deliberative process that invited feedback from recent graduates and their families, as well as from current students, faculty, and staff.

“We have spoken with dozens of recent graduates and their families about their Commencement experiences, and we have engaged in conversations with current students, faculty, and staff,” Parlange said. “The new format is the result of their feedback and ideas. We are confident this will provide a better overall experience for our graduates and guests and we are so excited to celebrate with them in May.”

The most notable change is that all ceremonies will be hosted indoors, at the University’s on-campus arena. With all ceremonies occurring in the Ryan Center, participants and guests will no longer be exposed to unpredictable or extreme weather conditions. The venue also offers a more welcoming environment for people with disabilities, and provides easier access to restrooms and food options.

Also new for 2024 is the elimination of a separate Graduate School ceremony. Graduate-degree candidates will now participate in and be recognized during their respective college ceremony.

The new spring format follows the successful introduction of a new fall commencement celebration. In December, more than 400 undergraduate and graduate students who completed degree requirements during the fall semester graduated during a formal ceremony at the Ryan Center.

The University also expects to host other celebratory events in conjunction with the formal ceremonies, with details to be shared closer to the date.

Registration will be required for all college ceremonies, and the number of guest tickets allotted will be based on the number of RSVPs and venue capacity. Additional information and a link to RSVP will be sent to eligible spring 2024 graduates at their URI email address in late January.

Please visit the Commencement website for the latest updates and additional details.

SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE

Ceremonies will recognize both undergraduate and graduate degree candidates from the respective colleges

Friday, May 17

11 a.m., College of Business

3 p.m., College of Pharmacy

Saturday, May 18

10 a.m., College of Arts and Sciences

3 p.m., College of Nursing

6 p.m., College of Engineering

Sunday, May 19

9 a.m., College of Health Sciences

2 p.m., Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education

5 p.m., College of the Environment and Life Sciences and Graduate School of Oceanography