Commencement Important Dates and Details

On Monday, April 27th important dates and items were sent out to all registered graduates attending commencement. Keep an eye out for all communications as graduation day approaches!

Legacy Wristbands:
Students who identified as a Legacy student of RPI can obtain their wristbands on Tuesday, April 28th, from 3-6 pm at the Heffner Alumni House.
For any questions, reach out to Sarah Linehan: linehs@rpi.edu; 518-276-6208

Cap & Gown Pickup:
If you ordered your cap and gown and chose to pick it up in-store, you can collect your order at the Bookstore on May 6th and 7th, from 11 AM to 5 PM.
If you did not secure your cap and gown online, you can purchase missing items at the bookstore during these dates.
For any questions regarding cap and gown, contact the bookstore at: rpi@bkstr.com or call (518) 276-6555.

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.

Commencement Rehearsal and President's Alumni Launch Party:
On May 11th at 11:00 AM, we will host a rehearsal for commencement at the EMPAC theatre. We will review what to expect regarding check-in, the lineup procession, and general safety and best practices. Attendance at the rehearsal is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. A recording will be made available afterwards.

Immediately following the rehearsal, we will celebrate!  The President’s Alumni Launch Party, hosted by the President's Office and the Office of Alumni Engagement, will feature food trucks, a dance party, and plenty of fun with your classmates.

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 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.

Keep an eye out for Tassel communications to stay informed about important steps for commencement!

Back to top