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

Celebrate the Class of 2026 as they reach a major milestone. Bryant’s Graduate Commencement honors the accomplishments and dedication of our master’s graduates with support from family, friends, faculty, and the Bryant community.

Watch Livestream
Thu, May 14 5:00 PM

Graduate Commencement Ceremony

Celebrate the Class of 2026

About the Graduate Ceremony

Bryant’s Graduate Commencement recognizes students completing master’s and doctoral programs in business, data science, communication, and healthcare fields. The ceremony reflects the University’s commitment to innovation, leadership, and lifelong learning — values that define Bryant’s graduate experience.

Following the ceremony, a reception will be held in Stepan Grand Hall to honor our graduates and guests.

Prepare for your Ceremony

Your Graduate Commencement experience — from arrival to celebration.

Before the Ceremony

Arrive early and be ready to celebrate your success.

  • Check in and pick up your name card in the Rotunda
  • Confirm your pronunciation by May 1
  • Arrive in full regalia
  • Line up by 4:15 PM at the designated graduate staging area (Rotunda)
  • Commencement Tent opens to guests at 4 PM

During the Ceremony

Experience the moment you’ve worked for.

  • Procession begins at 4:45 PM
  • Ceremony begins at 5:00 PM
  • No tickets required
  • Livestream available
Watch Livestream

After the Ceremony

Continue the celebration with your classmates, faculty, and family.

  • Reception immediately follows ceremony in Stepan Grand Hall
  • Light refreshments and photo opportunities
  • Share your Bryant moments using #BryantGrad2026
Directions to Reception

Ceremony at a Glance

  • Date & Time: Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • 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

Livestream & Digital Program

Can’t be on campus? Watch the Graduate Commencement live, or replay the ceremony anytime. Captions and ASL interpretation are included.

Watch Livestreams and View Digital Programs
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