KINGSTON, R.I. Dec. 14, 2023 – The University of Rhode Island will hold a new fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m., to celebrate undergraduate and graduate students who complete their degree requirements by the end of the current semester. The celebration will be held at the Ryan Center on the Kingston Campus. The ceremony will be livestreamed and recorded. A link will be available on the URI Commencement website.

WHO: Marc Parlange, president of the University; Barbara Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs; faculty, staff and more than 400 undergraduate and graduate students.

WHAT: The occasion will feature one unified ceremony recognizing doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree candidates. Spring ceremonies are set for May 17 through 19, 2024. Graduates who participate in the fall ceremony may also return for the spring program.

WHY: Many graduates will be employed or in graduate school at the time of the spring ceremony and may not have the flexibility to return to Kingston for the May event. On average, more than 90 percent of URI graduates are employed or pursuing graduate studies within six months of their URI graduation. By introducing a fall commencement, the University is providing a more immediate opportunity for graduates and families to celebrate their achievements. The new celebration does not replace the University’s spring commencement ceremonies, but, rather, introduces an additional ceremony to the annual commencement calendar. 

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, 10 a.m.

WHERE: The Ryan Center, Kingston Campus

NOTE TO MEDIA: Registration is required; media credentials and parking will be provided on an as-available basis. Office of External Relations and Communications staff will be on hand to assist with media seating and camera locations. Contact Dave Lavallee at 401-874-5862; 401-465-4291 (cell); or dlavallee@uri.edu to make arrangements.