Dates & Ceremonies
To allow for the comfort of graduates and guests, there are 3 commencement ceremonies; each focuses on individual colleges. Please plan accordingly for the applicable ceremony. Note: each lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Join the Facebook event.
Thursday, May 16, 2013 at the Providence Performing Arts Center:
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center:
Commencement Exercises Detailed commencement programs available at each ceremony will outline the order of exercises, and list the name and degree information of eligible graduates. The ceremony begins with the academic procession lead by the graduates, followed by faculty and the platform party. At a certain point, the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Providence Campus will ask graduates to stand. The vice president will then formally present them, on behalf of the faculty, to the president. The president will confer the degree upon these individuals and then ask them to be seated. The process will then be repeated for each degree being conferred.
At a designated time, ushers will escort graduates to the stage/riser in an orderly fashion where they present their name cards to the announcer. As the student’s name is read, they will proceed to center stage to greet the dean and then proceed down the staircase to promptly return to their seat as directed by the ushers.
The ceremony concludes with the benediction. Graduates are directed to stand as the platform party leaves the area. They are then directed by the ushers for a swift and orderly exit. Graduates should not leave the area until directed to do so by an usher.
Generally, commencement exercises include:
Academic Procession International Parade of Flags Welcome National Anthem Invocation Greetings Presidential Address Student Address Presentation of Honorary Degree Candidates Conferring of Honorary Degrees Commencement Address Presentation of Degree Candidates Conferring of Degrees Induction into the Alumni Association Benediction Academic Recessional