Contact Information
For additional questions and information, please contact the Graduate Programs office.
Phone
(401) 232-6230
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.
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 and arrival details
- Confirm regalia requirements
- Plan parking and transportation
- Coordinate plans with your guests
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
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
- Date: Thursday, May 13, 2027
- Time: 5 p.m.
- 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
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
- Accessibility Requests: Guests who need accommodations are encouraged to submit requests in advance.
Graduate Ceremony Replays & Highlights
Relive memorable moments from the 2026 Graduate Commencement Ceremony, including featured speakers, graduate celebrations, and milestone moments.
Day-Of Ceremony Tips
What to Bring & Weather Plan
What to Bring
Come prepared with layers, sunscreen, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes.
Come prepared with layers, sunscreen, a water bottle, and 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, oversized signs, and items that could obstruct aisles or walkways are prohibited.
Drones, air horns, oversized signs, and items that could obstruct aisles or walkways are prohibited.
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.
Signed and reserved near the tent; placard required.
FAQs
Do guest need tickets?
Tickets are not required for the Graduate Commencement Ceremony, and graduates may invite family and friends to attend.
For guests who prefer an indoor viewing location, several alternative viewing spaces will be available with livestream access, including the Academic Innovation Center Forum, Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center, and Janikies Auditorium. Tickets are not required for these locations.
Tickets are not required for the Graduate Commencement Ceremony, and graduates may invite family and friends to attend.
For guests who prefer an indoor viewing location, several alternative viewing spaces will be available with livestream access, including the Academic Innovation Center Forum, Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center, and Janikies Auditorium. Tickets are not required for these locations.
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 2027 graduate diplomas will be distributed to graduates after commencement ceremonies.
Class of 2027 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 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 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 2, 2027. 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 2, 2027. For questions about applying to graduate, please reach out to the Registrar's Office at registrar@bryant.edu.