2020 Commencement

The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce the Class of 2020 in-person Commencement schedule, planned for Friday, October 1, 2021, at the Ryan Center on the Kingston Campus.


Ceremony Videos

Graduate School Ceremony – 11am

Undergraduate Ceremony – 4pm


Ticket Information

An email was sent out to all graduates who have registered to attend their in-person ceremony, with a link to share with parents/guests for ordering a maximum of two electronic tickets. All guests, regardless of age, must have an electronic ticket with a unique QR code to enter the venue.

What to Expect

Participating graduates will dress in traditional regalia, have their names announced, cross the stage, and have professional photos taken.

The University has recently modified its Campus Event Policy, including COVID-19 vaccination requirements for some events. The following guidelines will be followed to ensure the success of the Class of 2020 commencement ceremonies and protect the health and safety of all involved.

  • Masks will be required for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, inside the Ryan Center.
  • Seating will be assigned through the Ryan Center Box Office for all guests.
  • While many large campus events are now requiring proof of vaccination, the URI Class of 2020 Commencement ceremonies will not require proof of vaccination because the number of attendees does not exceed 35% of venue capacity, which allows for sufficient social distancing.

Graduates must be pre-registered. They will be directed to a registration station upon arrival. The Commencement ceremonies will also be live-streamed and recorded for family and friends to view virtually.

Show Your Rhody Pride

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, please be advised that plans are subject to change. Public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the URI COVID-19 Task Force will be closely monitored and followed, leading up to the ceremony.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Ryan Center Box Office at 401.874.7267, online at theryancenter.com, or in-person at the Ryan Center Box Office at least five business days in advance. For TTY assistance, please call the R.I. Relay Service at 711.


See a recap of the 2020 Virtual Recognition Weekend