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

Undergraduate Ceremony

Celebrate the Class of 2026 as they take the next step in their journey. Bryant’s Undergraduate Commencement honors their achievements and resilience alongside family, friends, faculty, and the Bryant community.

Watch Livestream
Sat, May 16 10:00 AM

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

Celebrate the Class of 2026

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 will be conferred at Bryant’s 163rd Commencement.

Senior Graduation Fair - Thursday, April 30

Kick off your Commencement preparations at the Senior Graduation Fair at the Fisher Student Center Patio (rain plan: Rotunda), your one-stop event for everything you need before the big day. Graduates can:

  • Pick up or finalize regalia
  • Receive Reader Name Card
  • Confirm name pronunciation
  • Verify graduation application status
  • Review tickets, seating, arrival, and accessibility details
  • Meet with key offices — Registrar, Alumni Engagement, Bookstore, Public Safety, and more
  • Take photos and celebrate with classmates

Graduates who plan to attend the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies must attend this event to participate.

Prepare for your Ceremony

Your Commencement is more than a ceremony—it’s your moment to shine. Here’s how to make the most of your day, from checking in and lining up to tossing your cap and celebrating with family and friends.

Before the Ceremony

Arrive early, check in, and get ready to celebrate your success.

  • Attend the Senior Graduation Fair on April 30
  • Verify your name pronunciation by May 1
  • Line up by 8:30 AM in full regalia
  • Gates open at 7:30 AM; ticket holders should be seated by 9:45 AM

During the Ceremony

Experience the moment you’ve worked toward with your classmates, faculty, and family cheering you on.

  • The Undergraduate Ceremony begins at 10:00 AM in the Main Commencement Tent
  • Each graduate receives four guest tickets for seating under the tent
  • Overflow viewing available in the AIC Forum, Janikies Auditorium and the Interfaith Center
  • Livestream access is open to friends and family everywhere
Watch Livestream

After the Ceremony

Celebrate your achievement and share your pride.

  • Gather with family, friends, and faculty for photos and congratulations
  • Join the New Alumni Reception at the Grand Hall for light refreshments and memories
  • Share your moments using #BryantGrad2026
Directions to Reception

Ceremony at a Glance

  • Date & Time: Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM - Commencement Tent and Campus open to guests at 7:30 AM
  • Location: Main Commencement Tent, Bryant University
  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  • Livestream: Available worldwide for family and friends
Watch Livestream
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

Livestream & Digital Program

All ceremonies stream live with captions and ASL interpretation. Replays and the digital program are available after the event.

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

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