Ryan Center Hosting 2013 Commencement

Release courtesy of the University of Rhode Island Department of Communications and Marketing.

University of Rhode Island President David M. Dooley has announced that URI's 127th undergraduate commencement exercises will be held at the Thomas M. Ryan Center on Sunday, May 19.

The decision to move commencement to the Ryan Center this year reflects the ongoing assessment of safety and security measures across the university.

The Ryan Center is the largest and most appropriate venue to accommodate the more than 3,000 undergraduates and some of their guests. Each graduating student will receive two guest tickets with their cap and gown.

The Ryan Center already serves as an alternative location for commencement. The University has a comprehensive plan in place for that site. This will be the second time since 2009 that the Ryan Center has been used for the main commencement ceremony.

It is at the individual college ceremonies where families and friends will be able to see the important moment – when their student crosses the stage to receive their degree. No tickets are needed at these locations.

"The decision to activate our alternative location plan this year was made after a review of multiple alternatives and a thorough examination of best practices for ensuring safety at such a large and critical event," Dooley said.

“Recent events remind us all that, even in the safety of our own communities, we must be vigilant. These events have reinforced our resolve to improve all that we do to ensure the safety of our community. We want everyone who attends our 2013 Commencement ceremonies to have a day full of joy and pride.  That begins with doing all we can to provide a safe environment for our celebrations."

Every graduating senior will receive two tickets for their guests to attend the 90-minute main ceremony, at which commencement speeches and honorary degrees are presented.  

The main ceremony will be streamed live on large screens at five satellite viewing locations - Edwards Hall, Keaney Gymnasium, Mackal Field House, Fine Arts Center Recital Hall and the Memorial Union Ram’s Den.

To enter the Ryan Center, all individuals must show URI campus identification, a Ryan Center pass or commencement regalia (caps and gowns). The Ryan Center prohibits re-entry to all events, including commencement.

After the main ceremony ends at about 2 p.m., the deans and students from each of the colleges will leave the Ryan Center for their college ceremonies. Visit the URI Commencement website for details.

The university recommends that students and guests evaluate the contents of their bags and pockets as they may be subject to search, as needed.

Guests are prohibited from bringing backpacks or duffel bags. Bags larger than 1 cubic foot (12” x 12” x 12”) will not be permitted unless there is a medical or childcare related reason; in such cases they may be subject to additional security and increased delays. People with these special needs should plan on arriving early to accommodate any potential delay. The best practice is to leave all bags in your car(s).

Although security measures will take a little time, commencement staff will be there to assist and welcome guests.

Remember to bring tickets and/or other credentials.

Commencement Program

• 9:30 a.m.         College of Engineering, Mackal Field House
• 10 a.m.            College Continuing Education, Fine Arts Center Recital Hall
• 10 a.m.            Doors open to Ryan Center. Bachelor's degree recipients and two guests with tickets arrive at          Ryan Center.
• All additional guests may go to their student's college site or one of the five satellite sites.
• 12:30 p.m.       Main Ceremony, which includes speeches and honorary degree presentations, Ryan Center
• 2 p.m.            Individual college ceremonies take place at which all family and friends will see their graduate cross the stage and receive their degree.

College Ceremony Locations

• College of Arts and Sciences, Ryan Center
• College of Continuing Education, Fine Arts Center Recital Hall (10 a.m.)
• College of Business Administration, Keaney Gymnasium
• College of Engineering, Mackal Field House (9:30 a.m.)
• College of the Environment and Life Sciences, Ryan Center
• College of Human Science and Services, Mackal Field House (2 p.m.)
• College of Nursing, Fine Arts Center Recital Hall (2 p.m.)
• College of Pharmacy, Edwards Auditorium

Members of the University community are being notified of the location change and students, faculty and staff have been asked to discuss the changes so that everyone knows what to expect.