A group of Bryant University undergraduates underneath the Commencement tent.
A group of Bryant University undergraduates underneath the Commencement tent.

Undergraduate Ceremony

Bryant’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony celebrates the achievements, resilience, and future of graduating students across every college and discipline. The ceremony brings together graduates, families, faculty, alumni, and friends to honor this important milestone.

Explore Replays & Highlights View Ceremony Program

About the Undergraduate Ceremony

Bryant’s Undergraduate Commencement celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2026 — recognizing students from every college and discipline. The ceremony honors their innovation, perseverance, and impact both on campus and in the community.

Held under the Main Commencement Tent, the event brings together graduates, families, faculty, and friends to mark the culmination of years of academic and personal growth.

More than 900 undergraduate degrees were conferred at Bryant’s 163rd Commencement.

Prepare for your Ceremony

Your Commencement experience is more than a ceremony — it’s a celebration of everything you’ve accomplished at Bryant. Review key details to help you prepare for the day.

Before the Ceremony

Review ceremony instructions, confirm regalia details, and plan your arrival to ensure a smooth Commencement experience.

  • Review ceremony logistics
  • Arrive in full regalia
  • Coordinate arrival with guests
  • Check parking and seating information

During the Ceremony

Celebrate alongside classmates, faculty, family, and friends as Bryant honors the accomplishments of graduating students.

  • Processional and conferral of degrees
  • Faculty and student speakers
  • Livestream and overflow viewing access
  • Recognition of graduates across all colleges
Watch the Replay

After the Ceremony

Continue the celebration with family, friends, photos, and Commencement Weekend traditions across campus.

  • Reception information
  • Photography locations
  • Campus celebration spots
  • Social sharing and memories

Ceremony Information

  • Location: Main Commencement Tent, Bryant University
  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  • Livestream: Available worldwide for family and friends
A group of Bryant University undergraduates pose for a photo during Commencement.
A group of 2025 Bryant University graduates carry the Class Flag.
A group of Bryant University graduates smile in a line.
Bryant University undergrads prepare to process during Commencement.
Bryant University Professor Michael Roberto stops to take a selfie with three students during Commencement.
Two Bryant University undergrads pose for a photo near the archway during Commencement.

Line-Up & Procession

  • Arrival: Graduates arrive by 8:30 AM in full regalia.
  • Check-In: (Between Chace Wellness Center and the Unistructure) Line up by major in alphabetical order
  • Procession Begins: 9:30 AM
  • Follow marshal instructions throughout the ceremony
  • Wear comfortable shoes — walking surfaces vary
  • Leave bags and personal items with family (storage is not available)

Tickets & Seating

  • Each undergraduate receives four (4) guest tickets for the Main Tent (no exceptions due to max capacity of the tent)
  • All guests — with or without tickets — may use overflow viewing (no ticket required)
  • Gates open at 7:30 AM; all ticketed guests seated by 9:30 AM
A proud family member holds up a "Congrats" sign during Commencement at Bryant University.
A family smiles during Commencement at Bryant University.
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.

Overflow Viewing & Accessibility

  • Overflow Rooms: The Interfaith Center, Academic Innovation Center, and Janikies Auditorium stream the ceremony live with full sound and captions.
  • 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).
  • 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

How many tickets does each graduate receive?

Each Graduate will receive four (4) tickets to the Commencement tent. There are no exceptions. Ticket information will be sent to graduates in April 2026.

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.

Each Graduate will receive four (4) tickets to the Commencement tent. There are no exceptions. Ticket information will be sent to graduates in April 2026.

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?

Yes. Livestream is available worldwide with captions and ASL interpretation.

Yes. Livestream is available worldwide with captions and ASL interpretation.

How do students get their diplomas?

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

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

What other ceremonies/services are there prior to Undergraduate Commencement?

Baccalaureate Service – Friday, May 15, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The Baccalaureate service is an interfaith ceremony of thanksgiving for graduates, families, and friends, led by Bryant chaplains featuring music, readings, and reflection. Students do not wear a cap and gown during this.

Baccalaureate Service – Friday, May 15, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The Baccalaureate service is an interfaith ceremony of thanksgiving for graduates, families, and friends, led by Bryant chaplains featuring music, readings, and reflection. Students do not wear a cap and gown during this.

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.

What time do students have to move out of their housing?

Students must move out of their housing by 6:00 pm on Saturday, May 16. For questions regarding the move-out process, please contact the Residential Life Office at reslife@bryant.edu or call (401) 232-6140.

Students must move out of their housing by 6:00 pm on Saturday, May 16. For questions regarding the move-out process, please contact the Residential Life Office at reslife@bryant.edu or call (401) 232-6140.

Questions?

For questions about Undergraduate Commencement logistics or participation, contact:

commencement@bryant.edu