Important Information
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.
Only guests with tickets will be allowed into an indoor viewing locations. Please note that some tickets state "extra ticket-not valid for indoor ceremony". These guests are only permitted to the venue spaces if an outdoor ceremony is held. 
Certain buildings will be open to accommodate a live-stream viewing of the commencement ceremony. No guests are permitted with graduates during the ceremony. We will be actively monitoring building capacity. We encourage all guests to use the shuttles as they will be adjusting their routes to drop off at buildings with confirmed space.
Buildings available for viewing:
- Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC)*
- Folsom Library*
- Darrin Communication Center (DCC)*
- The George M. Low Center for Industrial Innovation (CII)*
- Sage Dining Hall and Sage Banquet Hall (2nd floor)
- Jonsson Engineering Center (JEC)
- West Hall
- Academy Hall*
- Pittsburgh Building
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies Auditorium (CBIS)*
- Rensselaer Union
- Russel Sage Laboratory
- Troy Building
- Amos Eaton Hall
- Carnegie Building
- Heffner Alumni House* (limited seating for Legacy Families only)
*Denotes handicapped accessible
Indoor Ceremony Alternate Shuttle Route Maps
If you have preordered flowers or gifts from The Commencement Group items for pickup will be available at EMPAC.
We will still be hosting the President's Picnic on the '86 Field and Hassan Quad unless it is communicated otherwise.