Commencement Tips

We offer a few tips to help your Commencement experience be as pleasurable as possible.

Weather—“Rain Or Shine”

The morning Commencement Ceremony and afternoon President’s Picnic are outdoor events and will take place rain or shine. We recommend you check the local weather forecast for the day.

Suggested Attire

We urge you to dress comfortably and for the weather.

• Temperatures can vary during the day at this time of year. We suggest that for all weather conditions, you dress in layers for sun and/or rain protection. You might want to bring some sunscreen, but we’ll also have some available.
• For those who might be affected by warmer temperatures and direct sunlight, we’ve set up an alternate viewing area inside our adjacent indoor arena—and it’s air conditioned.
• The Commencement Ceremony and President’s Picnic take place on turf and grass. We recommend flat comfortable shoes. Try to avoid shoes such as high heels.

The President’s Picnic

The picnic will be co-hosted by the Academic Deans on the Hassan and Science Quadrangle. Each school will have a designated area at the picnic. Your school and colors will be marked with a sign on the lawn.

Transportation—Parking Lot and Shuttles

We strongly recommend that everyone use the provided shuttles from the parking lots. The distance from the parking lot to the East Campus Stadium is a considerable distance, especially in the heat or rain.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are located in and around the East Campus Stadium and are clearly identified.

On-Site Information

Event Ushers will be strategically positioned throughout the campus. They’ll be clearly identified with badges and red lanyards. We urge you to rely on them for direction and assistance.

Try to be respectful of others when moving around and taking pictures. And remember that there is a service that photographs every graduate as they walk across the stage and shake hands with Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson. Your son or daughter will receive information about how to purchase those photos.

Also, in order to be respectful to other graduates and their families, try and stay for the entire ceremony so that those who receive their diplomas later in the morning are not disrupted.


Questions? Please contact us at commencement@rpi.edu.