Only 8 more days until Commencement! Below are some updated details and information to help you and your guests prepare. A final email with additional information will be sent out next week.
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 graduating classmates.
Legacy Wristbands:
Students who identified as a Legacy student of RPI have one more chance to obtain their wristbands during the Commencement Rehearsal and President's Alumni Launch Party on Monday, May 11th, from 11-2pm.
For any questions, reach out to Sarah Linehan: linehs@rpi.edu; 518-276-6208
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 Thursday, May 14th, during business hours.
Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 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 9 am and 4 pm. 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 Day Information for Graduates:
Check-in:
Students are expected to arrive at 7:00 am on the sidewalk located between Harkness Field and Houston Field House for check-in. During check-in, you will receive a walking card which will have the number you are assigned to line up in, your requested preferred name and pronunciation, and a 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 injuries 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 around Harkness Field prior to the 8:15 am procession start. Please note that the ceremony is supposed to last until approximately 12:00 pm.
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 and viewing locations via email and RPI Alert.
Commencement Day Information for Guests:
Doors to the venue open at 7:00 am for guests for an 8:30 am start time. 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 will call windows), and limited indoor seating with a live-stream viewing option is also available through the Concourse Doors. The recommended handicapped accessible access is through the Concourse Doors, which will provide guests with a flat surface to either the field or the indoor viewing location. Please note that 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.
Parking is not available at ECAV. All guests may park on campus and can utilize shuttles running from 6:00 am-2:30 pm. For the most up to date parking information check the Commencement Website.
The Commencement ceremony is available to watch live 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.
Sincerely,
The Commencement Planning Committee