{"id":13185,"date":"2021-04-02T18:05:53","date_gmt":"2021-04-02T22:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/?page_id=13185"},"modified":"2026-02-10T14:03:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T19:03:18","slug":"visit","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-menu-wrapper\"><nav id=\"\" class=\"cl-menu  \" data-name=\"visit\" data-show-title=\"0\"><ul id=\"menu-visit\" class=\"cl-menu-list cl-menu-list-no-js\"><li id=\"menu-item-13203\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-13203\"><a href=\"#travel\">Travel and Parking<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-13206\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-13206\"><a href=\"#food\">Food and Lodging<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-13209\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-13209\"><a href=\"#disability\">Disability Accommodations<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-13212\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-13212\"><a href=\"#grad\">Grad Gifts<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-13215\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-13215\"><a href=\"#security\">Security<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/nav><\/section>\n<p><a name=\"travel\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Travel and Parking<\/h2>\n<p>The main campus of the University of Rhode Island is located in Kingston, Rhode Island, 30 miles south of Providence and 80 miles from Boston.<\/p>\n<h3>Car Travel<\/h3>\n<p>For more detailed directions to the URI campus, visit the University\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/visit\/maps-and-directions\/\">Maps and Directions page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Air, Train and Bus Travel<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Train: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amtrak.com\/home.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amtrak<\/a> 800.872.7245. The Kingston railroad station is less than a mile from URI.<\/li>\n<li>Plane: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pvdairport.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">T.F. Green International Airport<\/a>, about 20 miles from URI, bus transportation and rental cars available.<\/li>\n<li>Bus:\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ripta.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">R.I. Public Transit Authority<\/a> (RIPTA) 401.781.9400, 800.244.0444. There is a scheduled stop at the Memorial Union on campus and a request can be made to be dropped off on Route 138 in front of Keaney Gymnasium, which is conveniently located near the Ryan Center.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/peterpanbus.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Peter Pan Bus Lines<\/a> 800.556.3815 connects Providence and Newport to many locations nationwide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>General Parking<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ryan Center&nbsp;<br \/>\n<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/904\/URI-KingstonCampusMap-Web-FINAL.pdf\">General Parking<\/a> is available in Plains Road Lot (<a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/904\/URI-KingstonCampusMap-Web-FINAL.pdf\">Lot 25<\/a>) for ceremonies being held at the Ryan Center.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<p><a name=\"food\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Food and Lodging<\/h2>\n<h3>On-campus Dining<\/h3>\n<p>Refreshments will be available for purchase at The Ryan Center.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Local Dining and Lodging<\/h3>\n<p>As South County is a tourism destination, we recommend that you make your lodging and dining reservations early. The following websites can assist your visit to Southern Rhode Island:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.southcountyri.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South County Tourism Council<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.discovernewport.org\/where-to-stay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover Newport<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitrhodeisland.com\/where-to-stay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rhode Island Tourism Division<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Here are some lodging options located throughout Rhode Island.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crownehotelwarwick.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crown Plaza Hotel &amp; Holiday Inn Express, Warwick<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hammettshotel.com\/\">Hammetts, Newport<\/a>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/hotels\/cvtrihx-hampton-coventry-warwick-area\/?SEO_id=GMB-HX-CVTRIHX&amp;y_source=1_MjA4NTE0Ny03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hampton Inn, Coventry<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/hamptoninn.hilton.com\/en\/hp\/groups\/personalized\/W\/WRWHSHX-T10-20210927\/index.jhtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hampton Inn, Warwick<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/hotels\/pvdgigi-hilton-garden-inn-providence-airport-warwick\/?SEO_id=GMB-GI-PVDGIGI&amp;y_source=1_MjA4MTcwOC03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hilton Garden Inn, Warwick<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hyatt.com\/en-US\/hotel\/rhode-island\/hyatt-place-warwick-providence-airport\/pvdzw?src=adm_sem_agn_360i_crp_ppc_D+Brand-Warwick-NonGP_google_Brand-Warwick-HP+Warwick+Rhode+Island-Exact_e_hyatt%20place%20warwick%20rhode%20island_Brand&amp;&amp;src=adm_sem_agn_360i_crp_ppc_D+Brand-Warwick-NonGP_google_Brand-Warwick-HP+Warwick+Rhode+Island-Exact_%7bbidmatchtype%7d_hyatt%20place%20warwick%20rhode%20island_Brand&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwieuGBhAsEiwA1Ly_nRumwvbroGWT25-g2Os4wJgAssGXeb2EOQEgx3ZgttYmoFAr_9A1AxoCapYQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hyatt Place, Warwick<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/islandhousenewport.com\/\">Island House, Newport<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/hotels\/pvdwrup-nylo-providence-warwick-hotel\/\">NYLO, Warwick<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeatrice.com\/\">The Beatrice<\/a>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/preservesportingclub.com\/\">The Preserve<\/a><br \/>\n<a name=\"shabbat\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<h2>Disability Accommodations<\/h2>\n<p>The University has a host of services available to ensure that all people enjoy Commencement to the fullest.<\/p>\n<h3>General Disability Assistance and Information<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Ryan Center feature wheelchair-accessible guest entrances and accessible seating options.&nbsp; <\/span><b>Preferred seating for persons with visual and hearing impairments is available <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSf8KyNUtM4Fz-a586iRTlghUloJhed5tpsM4koPNr_LEOYdwQ\/viewform\">upon request<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdiY8MlhOP1W3nDp8KKSH1-50c9XuajcddrrtKNWVwIlyrwrA\/viewform\">.<\/a>&nbsp; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assistive listening devices and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services are available upon request.<br \/>\nAmerican Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services will be available for each ceremony.&nbsp;<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Additional questions regarding accessibility requests can be directed to the Office of Disability, Access and Inclusion (401.874.2098 or dai@uri.edu) or the Ryan Center (401-874-7267 or in-person at the Ryan Center Box Office). &nbsp; More information regarding the Ryan Center\u2019s ADA accommodations can be found <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theryancenter.com\/sports\/2023\/1\/2\/ada-seating.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Only Certified Service Animals are permitted on campus during Commencement exercises. Pets and Emotional Support Animals are not allowed.<\/p>\n<h3>Jewish Sabbath\/<span class=\"il\">Shabbat<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Spring Commencement&nbsp;<\/strong>coincides with the Jewish Sabbath\/<span class=\"il\">Shabbat<\/span>&nbsp;(sundown on Friday to an hour after sundown on Saturday). Work and travel restrictions may apply to those who observe&nbsp;<span class=\"il\">Shabbat<\/span>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Those whose level of observance necessitates having lodging within walking distance to the Ryan Center or who have other logistical needs due to&nbsp;<span class=\"il\">Shabbat<\/span>, are invited to call or email Amy Olson, Director of URI Hillel (401) 874-2740,&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:amyolson@uri.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">amyolson@uri.edu<\/a>, to discuss their needs and how they might be accommodated. The University of Rhode Island will make every effort to make graduation accessible to all.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Accessible Seating<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find appropriate seating for themselves and their families.&nbsp; All accessible seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><i>The Ryan Center<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The center features accessible seating and companion seating at all levels.&nbsp; For large parties, every effort will be made to seat additional members of the party close to the accessible seating area.&nbsp; Should you have questions regarding your accessible seating please call 401-874-7267 to speak with a ticket representative.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be available at the ceremony. Reserved seating will be provided for the person requiring the interpreter.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CART\/Captioning will be available through the live stream of all ceremonies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assistive Listening Devices are available at the Accessibility Requests\/Disability Services table located at the venue entrance or drop-off location. To ensure that the devices are promptly returned, a major credit card or a driver\u2019s license is required to use the devices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For those planning to attend a commencement ceremony that are in need of any of the previously mentioned services, please complete the<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSfH-lfkuQ81IOYUokpAT1IXsxml3MVpLmDaXotsgFjLmvNefQ\/viewform\"><strong> Spring 2025 Commencement Accommodations Request Form.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Drop Off &amp; Parking<\/h3>\n<p><strong><em>The Ryan Center<\/em><br \/>\n<\/strong>Disability accessible parking is located on a first-come, first-served basis in the Ram Parking Lot (<a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/904\/URI-KingstonCampusMap-Web-FINAL.pdf\">Lot 23<\/a>) for those who have an ADA Parking Pass. Additional ADA parking is also available in Brookside (Lot 22).<br \/>\nTo access the west entrance of the Ram Lot, please take Butterfield Road off of Flagg Road to West Alumni Ave.&nbsp;<br \/>\nFor those guests with limited mobility or using scooters or wheelchairs, a disability drop-off is available at the west side of the North Lobby entrance, however vehicles must be parked in the Brookside Lot&nbsp; (Lot 22) after dropping off guests.<\/p>\n<h3>Wheelchair Rentals<\/h3>\n<p>Attendees requiring wheeled mobility aids are strongly encouraged to reserve necessary equipment through the many medical equipment rental companies in the local area. Wheelchairs, walkers and scooters may be rented from local vendors in the area that provide short term loans for a fee. Please contact individual vendors to confirm prices and availability. The University of Rhode Island provides this information as a service and is not responsible for vendor performance.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mobilityequipmentforless.com\/\">Mobility Equipment Recyclers of New England<\/a><br \/>\n6802 Post Road<br \/>\nNorth Kingstown, RI 02852<br \/>\n(401) 294-4111<br \/>\nRents power wheelchair, manual wheelchairs and scooters<\/p>\n<p>Alpha Surgical Inc.<br \/>\n1894 Smith Street<br \/>\nNorth Providence, RI<br \/>\n401-353-9090<br \/>\nRents manual wheelchairs only<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.alphasurgical.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.alphasurgical.com<\/a><\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><a name=\"grad\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Grad Gifts&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<h3>Grad Gifts at the URI Campus Store<\/h3>\n<p><strong style=\"font-family: Charter, Georgia, serif;font-size: 20px\">The Rams Zone store (located in the Ryan Center) <\/strong>will be open day of ceremony, offering a variety of Rhody merchandise. Flower vendors will also be on-site.<br \/>\nHours of operation will be one hour prior to the ceremony.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Charter, Georgia, serif;font-size: 20px\">If you had a senior portrait taken, and ordered your yearbook when you made your senior portrait appointment you are all set.&nbsp; Yearbooks will include pictures from Commencement and will be mailed in late fall 2025 to the address you provided when the book was ordered. For more information, contact the Renaissance yearbook staff at 401.874.5897 or uriyearbook@gmail.com. To order a yearbook use <\/span><a style=\"font-family: Charter, Georgia, serif;font-size: 20px\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jostens.com\/apps\/store\/productBrowse\/1043209\/University-of-Rhode-Island\/2023-Yearbook\/2022083017470076372\/CATALOG_SHOP\/\">this link.<\/a><span style=\"font-family: Charter, Georgia, serif;font-size: 20px\"> Deadline to order your book <\/span><strong style=\"font-family: Charter, Georgia, serif;font-size: 20px\">was announced for late June 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Portraits &amp; Announcements<\/h3>\n<p>Formal photographs taken during your ceremony may be ordered from Grad Images (800.424.3686). Personalized printed announcements are available from Jostens; please allow 4-8 weeks for printing.<\/p>\n<h3>Rings<\/h3>\n<p>Information on commemorative graduation rings is also available from the URI Campus Store. During graduation and other advertised dates, representatives from the ring company will be at the store to display ring samples and take orders. To order please email Bruce Rock at <a href=\"mailto:bruce.rock@balfour-rep.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bruce.rock@balfour-rep.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Diploma Frames<\/h3>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to frame it! Diploma frames can be purchased through the Campus Store and online at <a href=\"http:\/\/ramszone.uri.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ramszone.uri.edu<\/a>.<br \/>\nFor more information, call 401.874.2722, or visit the URI Campus Store.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><a name=\"security\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Security<\/h2>\n<p>Security screenings will be taking place at all entry points to the URI ceremony. Please be advised certain items are NOT PERMITTED, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>alcoholic beverages<\/li>\n<li>bags, coolers, or backpacks larger than 12\u2033 x 6\u2033 x 12\u2033<\/li>\n<li>balloons<\/li>\n<li>coolers<\/li>\n<li>drones or remote control toys<\/li>\n<li>irritants<\/li>\n<li>pets (please see the policy regarding Certified Service Animals here)<\/li>\n<li>selfie sticks (hand-held extension poles for cameras and mobile devices)<\/li>\n<li>strollers larger than 31\u2033 long and 51\u2033 wide<\/li>\n<li>tripod stands or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack<\/li>\n<li>weapons of any kind or object that appear to be weapons (toy guns, toy blasters, squirt guns, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>wrapped gifts (all gifts must be able to be opened for inspection)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Smoking is not permitted.<\/p>\n<h3>Bag Check Policy<\/h3>\n<p>Attendees are encouraged to not bring bags and personal items to the ceremony. All bags and persons are subject to random search upon entry and\/or any other time during Commencement. &nbsp;A clear plastic or vinyl bag that does not exceed 12\u201dx6\u201dx12\u201d, or one clear drawstring bag not to exceed 12\u201dx12\u201d, or one, one-gallon clear plastic or zip-lock bag is permitted. A small clutch no larger than 4.5\u201d x 6.5\u201d may also be carried in addition to one clear bag.<\/p>\n<p>Diaper bags (with child) and bags approved for medical needs will be permitted after a search by security personnel. All other bags, backpacks, totes, and coolers are strictly prohibited.&nbsp;To expedite the security screening process, we encourage attendees to leave bags in their secured vehicles. Patrons with prohibited bags and articles will be turned away at the entrance and items will not be held for patrons, so please plan accordingly.<\/p>\n<p>Attendees are reminded to keep possessions on their person at all times. Unattended packages and bags will be examined by security personnel and secured. Anyone who observes anything suspicious should immediately contact Campus Police at 401-874-2121.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Travel and Parking The main campus of the University of Rhode Island is located in Kingston, Rhode Island, 30 miles south of Providence and 80 miles from Boston. Car Travel For more detailed directions to the URI campus, visit the University\u2019s Maps and Directions page. Air, Train and Bus Travel Train: Amtrak 800.872.7245. The Kingston [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":581,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-13185","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/581"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13185"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13185\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16559,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13185\/revisions\/16559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}