Undergraduate Checklist

Ready to walk? There are just a few things to take care of before the big day:

1. Review Your Academic Record

Fall 2024 Commencement: Undergraduates who have completed degree requirements by August or December 2024, are eligible to participate in the Fall 2024 Commencement ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, December 14th at 10 a.m. in the Ryan Center.

Your receipt of commencement information or participation in the ceremony does not, in any way, constitute certification for graduation.

If you are unsure of your academic status, meet with your academic advisor to ensure that you have met the eligibility requirements.

At your College Ceremony, you will be called to cross the stage and you will receive a diploma cover. 

To qualify for degree honors a student must:

  • Be an undergraduate student.
  • Students who complete at least sixty (60) credits of their work at the University are eligible to graduate with honors. At least fifty-five (55) of these sixty (60) credits must be graded. Except for the remedial course MTH 099, and courses offered through Cambridge Education Group (CEG 101, CEG 102, CEG 103), all courses, including those utilizing second grade option, are included in the calculation of the grade point average for graduation honors.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.30 for Cum Laude; 3.50 for Magna Cum Laude; 3.70 for Summa Cum Laude.
    *Please note – honors status at the May 2024 ceremonies is based upon December 2023 grades. Honors status at the December 2024 ceremony is based upon the last full semester completed (Spring or Summer 2024). Official honors status will be reflected on diplomas, which are mailed directly to graduates.

2. Check The Spelling of Your Name

Your primary name (not preferred name) will be on your diploma, in the commencement program, and in any local newspaper listing. You may also add a “degree name” if you wish to include your middle initial or name on the diploma.

Also:

  • Remove any restrictions you may have set including any Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) holds that will prevent your name from appearing in the commencement program or in your local newspaper by April 1. (October 30th for the December Commencement ceremony). To check your FERPA settings, log into e-Campus, click the e-Campus tile, then go to Self Service–> Campus Personal Information –> FERPA Restrictions –> Edit FERPA/Directory Restrictions. To ensure your information is available in the program and to local papers, uncheck all boxes and click SAVE at the bottom.
  • Make sure your name, home (not mailing) address and email address are accurate. Your address on e-Campus is where Enrollment Services will send your degree diploma.
  • Ensure that there are no sanctions or restrictions on your e-Campus record. It is your responsibility to review and resolve any sanctions in order to receive your diploma.

3. Order Your Cap & Gown

Fall 2024 Commencement: If you plan to participate Fall 2024 Commencement, you must wear academic regalia. Regalia may be purchased online through the URI Campus Store at ramszone.uri.edu beginning November 1, 2024. Bachelor’s regalia package includes a gown, cap and tassel.  These items are not returnable.  A URI student ID is required. The deadline to order regalia is December 5th.

Spring 2024 Commencement: If you plan to participate in May 2024 Commencement, you must wear academic regalia. Regalia may be purchased online through the URI Campus Store at ramszone.uri.edu beginning April 1, 2024. Bachelor’s regalia package includes a gown, cap and tassel.  These items are not returnable.  A URI student ID is required. The deadline to order your regalia is May 9, 2024.

Where can you purchase Honor Society cords?

Honor Society cords and affiliation stoles are not available at the Campus Store and must be ordered directly from the National Honor Societies or organization/club. URI does not have cords denoting GPA.  Stoles representing URI clubs, organizations, the Greek System, etc. are ordered and supplied to the members by the group, sometimes in coordination with their national organization.

What’s your tassel color?

  • Arts and Sciences: B.A., white; B.S., gold; B.M., pink; B.F.A., brown
  • Business: drab (light brown)
  • Education: light blue
  • Engineering: orange
  • Environment and Life Sciences: B.A., white; and B.S., maize
  • Health Sciences: sage
  • Nursing: apricot
  • Pharmacy: B.S.P.S., olive; Pharm.D., black tassel

The tassel is worn on the right until the degree has been conferred, at which time it is flipped to the left side.

4. Share your post graduation plans by completing the First Destination Survey!

URI’s First Destination Survey (FDS) (https://web.uri.edu/career/first-destination-survey/) is for undergraduate degree recipients to share information regarding next steps after graduation, like employment or continuing education, during the first 6 months after graduation.The survey typically takes only 4 minutes to complete.

Your response is important! Survey results inform future advising and career preparation resources for current Rhody Rams, and allows us to better understand your path after graduation – but only if you submit your survey! 

Contact URIFDS-group@uri.edu if you have questions or experience issues completing the survey.

Update your status today!

*If you haven’t finalized your plans yet, that’s okay! We will send you reminders and you can submit as soon as you confirm your next step (survey will remain open for 6 months after graduation).

Answer the Rhody Senior Challenge

Congratulations! Before officially becoming alumni, we invite you to start your legacy by making a gift to RhodyNow, which provides immediate support to all facets of the University. Gifts of all sizes make an impact and your participation is what matters most! Help answer the Challenge, and encourage your classmates to do the same!
Visit https://www.alumni.uri.edu/rhody-senior-challenge for more details.