KINGSTON, R.I. – Dec. 6, 2024 – The University of Rhode Island will celebrate the accomplishments of more than 550 undergraduate and graduate students at the 2024 Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. in the Ryan Center on the Kingston Campus.
URI’s fall commencement was added last year as a new tradition on the annual commencement calendar, allowing the University to recognize students who complete their degrees in the fall and might not be able to return for the spring commencement ceremony. The new ceremony has proven popular as more than 550 students have registered to participate this fall – about 150 students above the University’s first fall commencement. About 3,000 friends and family are expected to cheer on the graduates.
Fall commencement will feature one, unified ceremony that honors doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree candidates – unlike the spring festivities that are spread out over eight college-based ceremonies. The spring ceremonies are set for May 16-18, 2025. Graduates who participate in the fall ceremony can also return for the spring program.
URI President Marc Parlange will preside over the ceremony, which will include remarks from URI Board of Trustees member Cortney Nicolato ‘01, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Wolfe, and a student speaker who has yet to be named.
Parking and other information
Parking: Guests are asked to park in in Lot 25 (Plains Road).
Ryan Center bag policy: Guests attending commencement will be subject to the standard Ryan Center bag policy and are permitted one clear plastic or vinyl bag that does not exceed 12”x6”x12”; or one clear drawstring bag not to exceed 12”x12”; or one, one-gallon clear plastic bag. A small clutch no larger than 4.5”x6.5” may also be carried in addition to one clear bag. Diaper bags (with child) and bags approved for medical needs will be permitted after a search by security personnel. All other bags, backpacks, totes, and coolers are strictly prohibited. An exception will be made for empty plastic water bottles of up to 32 ounces.
A note to members of the 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 Dawn Bergantino at 401-874-4147 or dawn_bergantino@uri.edu; or Anthony Laroche at 401-837-8275 or anthony_laroche@uri.edu to make arrangements.