Commencement day is almost here! Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Reaching this milestone is a testament to your persistence, late-night dedication, and the unique perspective you’ve brought to your studies. Here is a final email with updated details and information that will help you and your guests best prepare. We look forward to celebrating with you all.
Cap & Gown Pickup:
Pickup is available now if you ordered your cap and gown and chose to pick it up in-store.
If you did not secure your cap and gown online, you can purchase missing items at the bookstore. All cap & gown items must be picked up by TOMORROW, May 14th during business hours.
Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
For any questions regarding cap and gown, contact the bookstore at: rpi@bkstr.com or call (518) 276-6555.
Share Your Photos!
Submit your photos for a chance to be featured on RPI’s social media pages during commencement: https://bit.ly/3PbFLlE
GradImages:
RPI has partnered with GradImages to help capture your commencement memories. They will be present at the ceremony to take photos of you crossing the stage and a staged photo with your diploma cover immediately afterward. You can register for your account here, by searching for RPI. When you register, you can also add family and friends to receive the proofs. This service is available for both the Ph.D. Hooding and the Commencement Ceremony.
Honors Cord Distribution:
Undergraduate students graduating Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude will receive honors cords to wear at Commencement. These cords can be picked up at the Registrar's Office in Academy Hall, Suite #2600, on Thursday, May 14th and Friday, May 15th between 9am and 4pm. The cords will be distinguished by three colors: Gold (Summa Cum Laude), Silver (Magna Cum Laude), and Bronze (Cum Laude).The cords will also be available to be picked up on May 16th during graduate check-in for Commencement.
If you have questions regarding your eligibility or pickup reach out to the registrar: registrar@rpi.edu
Commencement Colloquy:
On May 15th at 3:30 PM, RPI will host its annual colloquy with our commencement speakers, Darío Gil, Ph.D., Under Secretary for Science at the U.S. Department of Energy, and Christine Ann Miller, ‘97, most recently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Melinta Therapeutics. The event is free and open to the public; registration is required.
There is an option to watch a live stream as well: Live Stream
Commencement Rehearsal:
If you missed commencement rehearsal you can watch the recording here:
Commencement Rehearsal
Tickets:
Make sure your guests have their tickets!!! The tickets that you have claimed are in your Tassel profile. You can add your guests email and send it to them directly. Once received your guests can add tickets to a virtual wallet or print out. All tickets will be scanned, and every guest must have a ticket. If there is no email address listed, you have not sent out your tickets.
Commencement Parking:
There is no parking available at ECAV. The roads leading to ECAV along Sunset Terrace and Peoples Avenue will be closed. We will have shuttles running beginning at 6am. We provide a consistent shuttle service that will transport you from various parking locations on campus directly to the main doors of the venue. For more details and to find recommended parking locations, please visit the link below.
https://commencement.rpi.edu/guests/directions-parking-and-shuttles
Commencement Day Information for Graduates:
Check-in:
Students are expected to arrive at 7:00am, wearing their caps and gown, on the sidewalk located between Harkness Field and Houston Field House for check-in. You will check-in by your last name you included in your “Recording & Display Name” you provided in Tassel at the corresponding registration table. If you did not list a “Recording & Display Name”, it defaults to your Last Name we have on file.
As you check-in you will receive a walking card which will have the number you are assigned to line up in, requested preferred name and pronunciation, and QR code to scan for your name to be read. If you submitted information after the deadline date of April 19th, please note that this information may differ on your card. Please also have prepared your stage pass (available in your Tassel account) either on your phone or printed. It is strongly recommended to wear comfortable, flat shoes during the ceremony to avoid any accident or injury while walking up steps or on the field.
During the check-in period, there will be an information table available for students who have inquiries about honors cords, caps & gowns, and other items along the same sidewalk as check-in. Restrooms will be available for use between Harkness Field and Houston Field House prior to the 8:15am procession start. Please note that the ceremony is supposed to last until approximately 12:00pm.
Line-up:
On your provided walking cards a number is printed in large font, this is your line-up and walking number. You are required to line up on Harkness Field in numerical order on the corresponding signs.
In the event that the ceremony cannot take place outside, graduates and guests will be notified of alternative arrangements via email and RPI Alert.
Commencement Day Information for Guests:
Doors to the venue open at 7:00am for guests for an 8:30am start time. All guests must have a ticket. No entry is permitted to the venue without a ticket. All guests must go through bag check and have their ticket scanned prior to entering the venue. Seating is available inside the arena via Gate A, on the field via the Concourse Doors (closest doors to the will call windows), and limited indoor seating with a live-stream viewing option also available through the Concourse Doors. The recommended handicapped accessible access is through the Concourse Doors that will provide guests with a flat surface to either the field or indoor viewing location. Please note, all seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests need a ticket for entry into any location. There are no additional indoor viewing locations on campus for a standard outdoor commencement.
The Commencement ceremony is available to watch the live stream on YouTube. A digital program will also be available.
In the event that the ceremony cannot take place outside, graduates and guests will be notified of alternative arrangements and viewing locations via email and RPI Alert.
Visitors to the RPI campus solely for Commencement and related activities can opt in to the "RPI Alert" system to receive emergency messaging. To opt in, guests should text “RPIGRAD” to 888777 to be temporarily enrolled in the system. Once enrolled, guests will receive any RPI Alerts in the form of a text message. Enrolled guests may opt out any time by texting the word “STOP” to 888777. Otherwise, all Commencement guests who have opted in will be automatically disenrolled on May 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. Standard messaging rates will apply.
Commencement Picnic:
Immediately following the end of the commencement ceremony, graduates and their ticketed guests are invited to the ’86 Field and Hassan Quad for a celebratory picnic. Kosher, halal, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free food options will be available.
You’ve earned this moment. Enjoy it!
Sincerely,
The Commencement Planning Committee