A woman prepares to be honored during the Graduate Commencement Ceremony at Bryant University.
A woman prepares to be honored during the Graduate Commencement Ceremony at Bryant University.

Graduate Ceremony

Bryant’s Graduate Commencement Ceremony honors master’s graduates as they celebrate academic achievement, leadership, and the next chapter of their professional journeys.

Explore Replays & Highlights View Ceremony Program

About the Graduate Ceremony

Bryant’s Graduate Commencement Ceremony recognizes students completing advanced degrees across business, healthcare, communication, data science, and related fields. The ceremony reflects Bryant’s commitment to innovation, leadership, and lifelong learning while celebrating the accomplishments of graduate students and their families.

A post-ceremony reception brings together graduates, faculty, alumni, and guests in celebration of this important milestone.

Prepare for your Ceremony

Your Graduate Commencement experience — from arrival to celebration.

 

Before the Ceremony

Arrive prepared and ready to celebrate your accomplishments alongside classmates, faculty, family, and friends.

  • Review ceremony logistics
  • Confirm regalia and arrival details
  • Check ceremony and parking information
  • Coordinate guest arrival plans

During the Ceremony

Celebrate the culmination of your graduate journey during Bryant’s Graduate Commencement Ceremony.

  • Processional and conferral of degrees
  • Graduate recognition
  • Faculty and university remarks
  • Livestream access for family and guests
Watch Replay

After the Ceremony

Continue the celebration with classmates, faculty, family, and friends during post-ceremony receptions and campus gatherings.

  • Reception information
  • Photography opportunities
  • Alumni connections
  • Social sharing moments

Ceremony at a Glance

  • Location: Main Commencement Tent, Bryant University
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Guest Seating: Open seating; no tickets required
  • Livestream: Ceremony streamed live for family and friends worldwide
Bryant University President Ross Gittell poses for a photo with a recent graduate.
Bryant University graduate students process through the Archway.
Bryant University Professor Lori Coakley
An ASL interpreter performs during commencement at Bryant University.
The Quinlan / Brown Academic Innovation Center at Bryant University.
The Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center at Bryant University.

Accessibility & Guest Experience

  • Accessibility: Bryant University will have the following special accommodations available during all ceremonies: assisted listening devices, ASL interpretation, closed captioning, wheelchair seating, and accessible parking (placard required).
  • On-Campus Viewing: Rooms available if needed with livestream and full sound
  • Requests: Please submit accessibility requests in advance
Request Accessibility Accommodations

Replays & Highlights

Watch ceremony replays and revisit memorable moments from Commencement Weekend, including featured speakers, celebrations, and milestone moments.

 

Explore Replays & Highlights
A Bryant University graduate gives a high five to Professor Alison Butler during Commencement.
A Bryant University student stands at a podium and delivers a speech during Commencement.
A group of Bryant University students walks in the procession line during Commencement.

Day-Of Ceremony Tips

What to Bring & Weather Plan

What to Bring

Layers, sunscreen, water bottle, comfortable shoes

Layers, sunscreen, water bottle, comfortable shoes

Weather

The ceremony will be held rain or shine under the Commencement Tent. In the event of extreme weather, an emergency weather plan will be posted on the Commencement website on event day.

The ceremony will be held rain or shine under the Commencement Tent. In the event of extreme weather, an emergency weather plan will be posted on the Commencement website on event day.

Prohibited Items

Drones, air horns, large signs, aisle obstructions.

Drones, air horns, large signs, aisle obstructions.

Directions & Parking

Main Entrance

Bryant University, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917. Follow Commencement signage once on campus.

Bryant University, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917. Follow Commencement signage once on campus.

ADA Parking

Signed and reserved near the tent; placard required.

Interactive Campus Map

Signed and reserved near the tent; placard required.

Interactive Campus Map

FAQs

Do guest need tickets?

Tickets are not required for this ceremony, and all graduates and guests are welcome to attend.

Additional guests are welcome to campus on graduation day and several alternate viewing options will be available for the livestream including the Academic Innovation Center Forum, the Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center, and the Janikies Auditorium. The additional viewing areas do not require a ticket.

Tickets are not required for this ceremony, and all graduates and guests are welcome to attend.

Additional guests are welcome to campus on graduation day and several alternate viewing options will be available for the livestream including the Academic Innovation Center Forum, the Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center, and the Janikies Auditorium. The additional viewing areas do not require a ticket.

Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

The ceremonies will be streamed to the Bryant website and the Commencement website.

The ceremonies will be streamed to the Bryant website and the Commencement website.

How do students get their diplomas?

Class of 2026 graduate diplomas will be distributed to graduates after commencement ceremonies.

Class of 2026 graduate diplomas will be distributed to graduates after commencement ceremonies.

What time do students have to be there the day of the ceremony?

Details regarding arrival time will be announced closer to commencement.

Details regarding arrival time will be announced closer to commencement.

Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?

The university partners with GradImages for Commencement ceremonies. GradImages has professional photographers that will take two photos of each graduate, one on stage as they receive their diploma and one as they exit the commencement stage. Photos will be available on the Grad Images website after after the ceremony. For questions regarding commencement photos, please reach out to GradImages directly at (800) 261-2576.

The university partners with GradImages for Commencement ceremonies. GradImages has professional photographers that will take two photos of each graduate, one on stage as they receive their diploma and one as they exit the commencement stage. Photos will be available on the Grad Images website after after the ceremony. For questions regarding commencement photos, please reach out to GradImages directly at (800) 261-2576.

What are reader cards?

Reader cards are required to process and participate in the ceremony. They are used to call the graduate’s name on the day of the ceremony. Graduates will receive their reader card prior to commencement.

Reader cards are required to process and participate in the ceremony. They are used to call the graduate’s name on the day of the ceremony. Graduates will receive their reader card prior to commencement.

Do I need to apply to graduate?

Yes. The university requires students to complete the application to graduate in Banner. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 3, 2026. For questions about applying to graduate, please reach out to the Registrar's Office at registrar@bryant.edu.

Yes. The university requires students to complete the application to graduate in Banner. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 3, 2026. For questions about applying to graduate, please reach out to the Registrar's Office at registrar@bryant.edu.

Contact Information

For additional questions and information, please contact the Graduate Programs office.

Phone
(401) 232-6230
gradprog@bryant.edu