Class of 2026 Commencement

Graduate Reception 

President Ioannis N. Miaoulis cordially invites you to a reception in honor of your graduation. It will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the University Residence.

• Kindly RSVP by May 5, 2026 Heidi Dagwan, hdagwan@rwu.edu
• Eligible graduating students only; no guests are allowed
• Please include requests for any special assistance needed to attend this reception.
• Business attire is required.
• A shuttle will run continuously from the Alumni & Admissions Center to the University Residence. 

Commencement Ball

Celebrate your achievements at the Commencement Ball—an unforgettable evening for both undergraduate and graduate students! The event will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center and will include a plated dinner, cash bar, DJ entertainment, and dancing.

• Date: Saturday, May 9
• Time: 6:00 p.m.
• Tickets: Go on sale March 30 (you’ll receive an email with the ticket link)
• Questions? Contact: classof2026@g.rwu.edu

Commencement Rehearsal

The Thursday before Commencement there will be a rehearsal at 12:00 p.m. in the Campus Recreation Center Fieldhouse. Important Instructions will be given at the rehearsal, including arrival time, procession and recession into tents and school ceremonies.

• Rehearsal is not mandatory.
• The student speakers and national anthem singer rehearsal will be at the Main Athletic Field stage at 3:30 p.m.

Commencement BBQ

The Graduate BBQ will follow directly after rehearsal at 12:30 p.m. on the lawn in front of the MNS building. If it rains it will move to the Upper Commons.

We will have a variety food trucks for concessions and lunch during Commencement! This new addition was a hit last year and we're excited to expand the options this year!

• Food trucks will be parked in front of the Marine & Natural Sciences building and the basketball courts for folks to enjoy some local eats!
• There will be picnic tables in front of MNS for folks to enjoy their food and relax between ceremonies.
• There are also various places to eat outside or inside throughout campus - all buildings will be open!
• Graduates & Guests will be responsible for paying for their food from the food trucks

Commencement Brunch 

Enjoy elegant service, including upgraded buffet of brunch and lunch items, including carved ham, local seafood and a cash bar.

Times

Choose one of two seating times:

• 10:30 a.m to  12:00 p.m.
• 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Tickets

$55 for adults
$15 for children (4 – 12)
Free for children under 4

Purchase tickets for Commencement Brunch

Other Concessions on Campus

Hawk's Nest (Campus Recreation Center) and the Global Cafe (bottom floor of the Global Heritage Hall) will be open for anyone wishing to purchase a beverage or food throughout the day.

There will also be one concession tent near The Commons selling drinks and snacks that you can purchase!

All Extension School students will participate in the Main Commencement Ceremony alongside undergraduate, graduate and law students. You will process for your degree in your respective school ceremony.

Name Cards, Tassels, and Cords will be distributed before the ceremony.

Additionally, Graduation Stoles for CTE, ESL, and EAP candidates will also be handed out before the ceremony.

If you are an ESL, CTE, and YR-4 EAP student please submit your phonetic spelling to graduationcoordinator@rwu.edu. 

Be sure to check your contact information in Roger Central to ensure your diploma is mailed to the correct address!

Please note that you are eligible to apply as the Commencement National Anthem singer as well as the Undergraduate Student Speaker, see expandable sections for more details.

Island Photography is our official Commencement Photographer. They will be providing professional photo coverage for every graduate as they are recognized during the ceremony. Proofs will be delivered via email within 48-72 hours after the ceremony. 

Please contact their customer service team if you have any concerns or questions. custserv@islandphoto.com or Phone # 800-869-0908.

Additional professional photographers will also be on site during and after the ceremony to take photos of graduates. Photos will be available online after the event—please see the Photo Gallery section above for the full collection and download link.

Families are encouraged to take photos of their graduate before and after the ceremony. No standing at seats and/or blocking aisles will be allowed during the ceremony.

Accessibility & Mobility Assistance

Roger Williams University is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming Commencement experience for all guests.

The following accommodations will be available during the ceremony:

Accessible Parking
Designated handicap-accessible parking spaces will be available in Lot D, located near the Commencement venue.

Guest Drop-Off Area
A convenient drop-off location will be available at the circle driveway between the Law School and the Performing Arts Center (Lot 10). Guests requiring drop-off access should enter campus through the North Campus Entrance. After guests are dropped off, drivers will be directed to park in Lot D.

Accessible Seating
Designated accessible seating will be available at all Commencement ceremonies for guests who require it.

Mobility Assistance
Golf carts will be dedicated to assisting guests with mobility needs and helping individuals travel between locations across campus. These golf carts will be stationed at the handicapped drop-off location, the Admissions Building, North Campus, and other designated locations throughout the day.

Sign Language Interpretation
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present at the main Commencement ceremony and at any school or college ceremony where interpretation services have been requested.

Guests who anticipate needing mobility assistance or other accessibility accommodations are encouraged to indicate their needs when submitting their RSVP or by contacting the Office of Special Events directly at events@rwu.edu, so that arrangements can be made.

Hotels

Please visit the University's Accommodations page for a full list of hotels and bed & breakfasts in the area.

Concessions on Campus

There will be 20-30 food trucks that you can purchase concessions from! They will be located in front of the Marine and Natural Sciences Building and the basketball courts.

Hawk's Nest (Campus Recreation Center) and the Global Cafe (bottom floor of the Global Heritage Hall) will be open for anyone wishing to purchase a beverage or food throughout the day.

There will also be one concession tent near The Commons selling drinks and snack that you can purchase!

See expandable section for more details!

Florist

Commencement Flowers Inc., a professional florist, will be on hand before and during Commencement. They will be located near the front entrance to the tent on the field. For your convenience, you can pre-purchase and reserve flowers ahead of time and have them available for pick-up at Commencement. 

Book Store

More details to come!

The gates to the Athletic Field where the Main Commencement Ceremony takes place open at 7:00 AM. It is recommended that guests are in their seats by 8:30 AM if they would like to be seated before the processional enters the field. While we encourage guests to arrive early, no one is allowed onto the field before 7:00 AM.

Please, for the courtesy of others, there is no excessive seat saving.

Please note that the ceremony does take place outdoors on the main athletic field with no tent.  We urge all guests to be prepared and dress accordingly for the weather.

There is accessible seating at all Commencement Ceremonies!

Fire Regulations

Fire regulations prohibit anyone from standing in the aisles under the tent. All egress paths must remain free and clear of obstructions.

Prohibited Items

Large bags, balloons, signs, noisemakers, confetti, bullhorns, alcohol, and any other object and/or substance that would prove disruptive to your fellow guests will NOT be allowed at any ceremony.

Pets

Only service animals specifically trained to assist a person with a disability are permitted at Commencement.  The service animal must wear its credentials.  No pets are allowed.

Please plan to arrive early. Graduates living on campus must park in the parking garage only. Guests and graduates arriving from off campus must enter through the North Campus Access road and will be directed by Public Safety to appropriate parking lots. If you are entering campus via Metacom Ave you will be directed to park at Mt. Hope Farm. Public Safety will be present to direct guests to the appropriate lot. 

Accessible Parking

Public Safety will allow curbside drop off for those needing special assistance to attend the main Commencement Ceremony. There will be officers directing traffic and helping guide folks to this drop off location.

The drop-off point will be located at the circle drive between the Law School and Performing Arts Center, Lot 10. Guests will enter the campus through the north Campus entrance. Guests will be dropped off and then the driver will be directed to Lot D.

Every parking lot on campus has designated accessible parking spaces. 

This year we are excited to announce that we will have 6, 6 passenger golf carts dedicated to helping folks get around campus. These golf carts will be located at the Main Ceremony / Handicapped drop off location, North Campus and various locations throughout the day.

Parking Instructions

Lots A-C: General Parking 

Lot D: Accessible Parking

Lot H: General Parking

Lot 7: General Parking 

Lot 10: Accessible Drop-off

Lot 9: Reserved Parking

• Guests and graduates arriving from off campus will enter through the North Campus Construction Entrance. Please Note - if you’re coming from Metacom Ave you will be directed to park at Mt. Hope Farm.
• Graduates living on campus MUST park near their residence hall.
• Guests and graduates from off campus will be directed where to park as they get to campus.
• Lot 10 will be the designated Accessible drop off

If you require any special assistance to attend Commencement please email events@rwu.edu.

Lot Closures

The following lots will be closed on the Thursday before Commencement by 6:00 p.m.

• Lot 1 (Alumni & Admissions Center)
• Lots 11 & 12 (East of the mailroom)
• Lot 13 (Bayside Sea breeze)
• Lot 10 (behind School of Law and near Performing Arts Center)
• Lot D (North Lot, Law School Student Parking Lot)
• Lot C (across from tennis courts on North Campus Road)

Effective the Thursday before Commencement at 6:00 pm, all students remaining on campus will be required to park near their Residence Hall.

Friday - Commencement

Faculty and staff are required and must park at off-site locations at either Mount Hope Farm on Rt. 136 (Metacom Avenue) or Almeida Residential Apartments, 201 Bayview Ave, Bristol, RI 02809.

Almeida Shuttle: pick up in front of Almeida and drop off at Admissions.  Return trips will be from the Main Shuttle stop.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM, there will be a rehearsal in the Campus Recreation Center Fieldhouse for ALL graduates participating in the ceremony on Friday, this includes, School of Law, Graduate, and University College Students. Important instructions will be given at the rehearsal, including arrival time, procession and recession into the tents, and school ceremonies. 

Rehearsal is NOT mandatory!

The student speakers and national anthem singer rehearsal will be at the Main Athletic Field stage at 3:30PM!

Students intending to graduate and/or participate in the May commencement ceremony must apply to graduate in RogerCentral in the Graduation Overview tab. Students may only participate in the commencement ceremony if they will complete all of their degree requirements by the end of the Spring semester or be 2 courses/8 credits short of completing their requirements (undergraduates) or 1 course short of completing their requirements (graduates).

May graduation applications were due on March 1. If you have not submitted your application, please do so immediately.

Completing your graduation application notifies the University of your intention to graduate which:

• Gets your name on the official graduation list
• Provides us with the name that will go on your diploma
• Provides us with the address your diploma will be sent to
• Allows the registrar’s office to evaluate your progress towards degree completion

Students who complete degree requirements in the Winter Intersession will have their degrees conferred in May. If you previously applied to graduate at the end of the Spring semester and find that your plans have changed, please email graduationcoordinator@rwu.edu so that your record can be updated.

Please note: graduates who would like their name to appear in the commencement program must apply to graduate and be cleared to participate in the commencement ceremony by March 1.  Students that apply to graduate after this date may not be included in the commencement program due to printing deadline dates.

We’re continuing the Roger Williams tradition of a senior class gift—an opportunity for you and your families to leave a lasting impact on your soon-to-be alma mater.

You can direct your gift to the area that means the most to you, whether that’s:

• Financial aid and scholarships
• Athletics
• The Alumni Association Fund

Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us reach our collective goal and supports future RWU students.

Donor Recognition & Perks

All student donors are invited to a champagne toast at the President’s home ahead of the Senior Class Reception on May 12

• Donate $20.26 to receive a limited-edition RWU Alumni pint glass + graduation tassels
• Donate $5 or more to receive a commemorative navy and baby blue tassel with a 2026 charm to wear at commencement

Class Legacy Goal

If our class reaches the $25,000 goal, two Adirondack chairs on campus will be dedicated in honor of the Class of 2026, complete with a commemorative plaque—a lasting place to return to and remember your time at RWU.

Make Your Gift

Ready to be part of the legacy? 

Make Your Senior Class Gift

When can I pick up my cap & gown if I preordered online?

The bookstore will begin distribution in April. The exact date will be announced; look out for an email!

When can I pick up my cap & gown if I did not preorder?

Don't worry - EVERYONE will be getting a cap & gown! The bookstore will have a bulk order that they
will begin distributing on May 1st. You simply have to go to the bookstore between May 1st and May 16th,
give them your height, and they will hand you your cap & gown bundle. Any extra stoles will be
available for purchase in the store, as well.

Does regalia cost anything?

Each graduate is responsible for securing and purchasing their commencement regalia.

Regalia Ordering Information

To ensure you are prepared for the big day, please place your order online no later than March 20th.
Order Website: herff.ly/rogerwilliams
Campus Pickup: $0
Shipping options are available at checkout.

Please pick up your name reader card in the Fieldhouse before the Main Ceremony! If you are NOT attending the Main Ceremony there will be name reader cards and blanks at every school ceremony as well!

If you are an ESL, CTE, and YR-4 EAP student please submit your phonetic spelling to graduationcoordinator@rwu.edu. 

To add Phonetic Spelling online

Log into Roger Central

1.  Click on Graduation Overview 

2.  Under Application Status, click Application submitted 

3.  Graduation Application, add Phonetic Spelling and Save

Students that graduated in August or December should contact graduationcoordinator@rwu.edu to input your phonetic spelling

ALL graduates are encouraged to apply to sing the National Anthem on their Commencement Day!  All students who have been cleared for graduation are eligible to apply. 

Please email mbrigan@rwu.edu for the National Anthem Singer application.

Requirements and auditioning information are included on the applications. 

If you have questions regarding this application process, please call 401-254-3166 or email events@rwu.edu

The student speakers and national anthem singer rehearsal will be at the Main Athletic Field stage at 3:30PM on 5.15.25!

There will be 2 Commencement student speakers this year!

• Undergraduate Student Speaker - undergrad & University College students can apply for this 
• Graduate Student Speaker - Graduate and Law students can apply for this
• Speeches should be no longer than 3 minutes 
• For questions regarding this application process, please call 401-254-3042 or email rwustudentlife@rwu.edu.
• Student Speaker Application

If you cannot find your answer on this webpage or need further help, please see the departments below to contact: