A Bryant University student walks down a path with her graduation cap in the air.
A Bryant University student walks down a path with her graduation cap in the air.

Plan Your Day

Everything you need to know for Commencement Weekend — May 14–16, 2026.  

View Schedule Get Directions

Welcome to Commencement Weekend

We’re excited to welcome you to Bryant University as we celebrate the Class of 2026. Commencement Weekend is a time of pride, reflection, and joy, when graduates, families, friends, faculty, and alumni come together to honor years of hard work and achievement.

From arrival to celebration, this weekend is all about connection with each other, with campus, and with the memories that make Bryant home. Whether you’re attending your first Commencement or returning to campus, this guide will help you plan your visit — from parking and directions to local hotels, dining, and accessibility options — so you can focus on celebrating this unforgettable milestone.

Schedule at a Glance

View key ceremony dates and times for Commencement Weekend.

Schedule

Directions & Parking

Find the best campus entry points and shuttle service options.

Directions

Hotels & Dining

Explore nearby accommodations and local dining favorites.

Hotels and Dining

Accessibility and Inclusion

Bryant welcomes all guests. Wheelchair seating, ASL interpretation, closed captioning, and sensory-friendly spaces are available.

Request Accessibility Accommodations
An ASL interpreter performs during Bryant University's commencement.
Three people walk near the Fisher Student Center patio on the Bryant University campus..
Bryant University Provost Rupendra Paliwal poses for a photo with a student during the undergraduate commencement ceremony.
Bryant University graduates process during commencement.
Four Bryant University graduates pose for a photo near the pond.
Three Bryant University professors stand under an umbrella during commencement.

Weather and What to Bring

Commencement ceremonies are held outdoors under a tent, rain or shine. We recommend dressing for New England spring weather — layers, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

Check Smithfield Forecast

Day-Of Ceremony Tips

Prepare for your visit with details on parking, event policies, and common questions.

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