Commencement 2026

Arrival and Entrance

Guests
Guests should enter the Ryan Center through the north lobby entrance. Doors will open for guests one hour before the start of each ceremony.

Graduates
Graduates will be directed around the left side of the Ryan Center to enter through the south lobby entrance for registration. Graduates should arrive one hour before the start of their ceremony.

Faculty
Marching faculty will be directed around the right side of the building to enter through the staff/media entrance and register inside the loading dock area. Marching faculty should arrive one hour before the start of their college ceremony.

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Other Logistics

Security, Bags, and Permitted Items
Everyone entering the Ryan Center will be screened by security personnel. Signs, flags, banners, noisemakers, and helium balloons are included in the list of prohibited items. A clear plastic or vinyl bag that does not exceed 12-by-6-by-12 inches, one clear drawstring bag not to exceed 12-by-12 inches, or a single 1-gallon clear plastic or zip-close bag is permitted. A small clutch no larger than 4.5-by-6.5 inches may also be carried in addition to one clear bag. Please review the Ryan Center bag policy for complete details.

Concessions
Refreshments will be available for purchase at the Ryan Center. The Rams Zone gift shop in the Ryan Center will be open on the day of the ceremony, offering a variety of Rhody merchandise to purchase. Flower vendors will also be on-site.

Photography
Photographers from GradImages will take professional photos of graduates as they cross the stage during the ceremony. There will also be large lighted “URI” letters on display outside the north side of the Ryan Center for graduates to use as a backdrop for photos.

Disability Accommodations
The Ryan Center is accessible to all guests. All accessibility requests and questions regarding the venue can be directed to the Ryan Center box office. Attendees can contact the box office at 401.874.7267 or visit online or in person at the Ryan Center. Only trained service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are welcome at the Ryan Center.

Commencement Programs
There will be a link on the Commencement website to download an electronic version of the Commencement program. To avoid technical delays, guests are encouraged to download the program to their smartphone or device before entering the Ryan Center.

Emergency Assistance
For emergency assistance (police/fire/medical), please call 911. The Department of Public Safety depends on community members to report suspicious behavior and emergencies. Please report any suspicious activity by calling 401.874.2121.