J&W Commencement > Providence

Please review this information carefully. It is given in lieu of a practice session. Your cooperation with and understanding of what is expected of you will guarantee a smooth, enjoyable ceremony for you, your family, and guests. All ceremonies last about two hours.

Undergraduate Ceremonies: Dunkin' Donuts Center (DDC)
Graduates must enter through the lower level receiving entrance on the West Exchange Street side of the building and go immediately to the Exhibition Hall. Upon entering, graduates must pick up name cards that will be used by announcers when they receive their degree. After picking up your name card, graduates will assemble by college. Follow the signs in the Exhibition Hall to the area reserved for your college. You will then line up to form the academic procession with your faculty. Be sure you have your name card with you before you begin the procession.
Family and guests should enter the DDC through the main lobby on Fountain Street.

Graduate Ceremonies: Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) Graduates must immediately go to the robing area in PPAC and assemble by degree and major. Staff will distribute name cards that will be used by announcers when you receive your degree. Be sure you have your name card with you before you begin the process. After picking up your name card, follow the signs to the area reserved for your degree and major. You will then line up to form the academic procession.

Guest Seating There is unlimited open seating for family, friends and guests. Guests do not need invitations or tickets for admission for either ceremony. Guests are asked to enter through the main entrances and proceed directly to their seats. The concourse level of the DDC is available for wheelchair seating (Sections 120 and 106) for the undergraduate ceremonies as well as a designated handicapped seating area for the graduate ceremonies at PPAC. Wheelchairs are not provided.

The Procession Programs will be available at each ceremony and will include the order of exercises. The ceremony begins with the academic procession lead by the graduates, followed by faculty and the platform party. Check back here for links to the programs and order of exercises when they become available.

Conferring of Degrees At a certain point during Commencement, the vice president of 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 you to the stage/riser in an orderly fashion. Once you reach the stage/riser, present your individual name card to the announcer. As your name is read, you will proceed to center stage to greet the dean. After that, proceed down the staircase and promptly return to your seat as directed by the ushers.

Benediction and Recession The ceremony concludes with the benediction. Graduates are to stand as the platform party leaves the area. You will be directed by the ushers for a swift and orderly exit. Do not leave the area until directed to do so by an usher.

A Note on Conduct The university makes every attempt to plan and conduct a meaningful, dignified ceremony. The significance of this day, the recognition of your academic achievements, should be observed with respect. Disorderly conduct, rowdiness or the presence of alcohol or drugs will be grounds for immediate ejection, and may result in your diploma being retained by the university.

Graduates are advised to use rest room facilities prior to the start of the ceremony, as you will not be permitted to leave your seats once the ceremony begins. You are required to remain seated in the audience throughout the program. Parents, family, and friends are encouraged to follow this example, as leaving the ceremony demonstrates extreme disrespect to all in attendance.

Photography To maintain the solemnity of the ceremony, no one will be allowed onto the main floor to take photographs. A professional photographer has been retained to take no-obligation photos of the graduates. These photos will be made available by Chappell Studios, Inc., who will contact you directly and give you the opportunity to purchase photos. Chappell Studios will also film the ceremonies. If interested, please complete a video request form for your ceremony.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates and guests are welcome to return to the stage/riser and pose for photos using the platform as a memorable backdrop.