Bryant University Commencement 2012
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you are a senior who plans on marching in the commencement ceremony, please refer to the Senior Information Packet 2012 for a detailed list of instructions.
If you are a family member or friend of a graduating senior, please take a moment to look through this list of questions that are often asked regarding the Commencement ceremony, tickets, guests, and parking. Should you have questions that are not answered here, please contact graduate@bryant.edu or contact the office that is most able to assist you with your inquiry, by looking through the list of resources provided.
Q1. Are tickets required for Commencement?
Q2. How many guests can I invite to Commencement?
Q3. How long is the ceremony?
Q4. What should I wear to Commencement?
Q5. How can I get a photo of a graduate on stage?
Q6. What arrangements are available for guests with special needs?
Q7. What is Baccalaureate?
Q8. Who is invited to the President's Reception?
Q9. Where do I park?
Q10. What services are open on campus Commencement day?
Q11. Where and when can I purchase a cap and gown?
Q1. Are tickets required for Commencement?
Tickets are required for Undergraduate Commencement in order to gain entry to the Commencement tent. All students are issued five tickets at the Commencement Information Meetings in April. Tickets will be required for all guests to enter the tent (this includes children and guests who will be seated in the special needs section of the tent; a ticket is not required for the individual receiving his/her degree). Tickets cannot be reissued if lost. Please do not call to inquire about additional tickets - there is limited seating under the tent and all available tickets have been issued to graduates, faculty, staff, and guests. No tickets are necessary for the Graduate School Commencement.
Q2. How many guests can I invite to Commencement?
Graduates can invite as many people to campus as they would like. However, only five ticketed guests will be admitted into the Commencement tent for the Undergraduate ceremony. The ceremony is broadcast live on channels 71 and 73 of the Bryant Cable System and can be viewed from any television on campus (including residence hall/townhouse rooms). The University will also be providing viewing locations in several of the large venues on campus, including Janikies Auditorium.
Q3. How long is the ceremony?
The Graduate School ceremony will run for approximately one and a half hours. The Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will last for approximately two and a half hours.
Q4. What should I wear to Commencement activities?
Keep in mind the forecasted weather conditions when deciding what to wear for Commencement. The ceremony is held under a tent to protect from rain and bright sun; however, it provides limited protection from cold temperatures. While there is no dress code for Commencement events, most guests choose to dress in business casual attire for all graduation activities (including the receptions and ceremonies).
Q5. How can I get a photo of a graduate on stage?
Grad Images/Grad Trak will be photographing all graduates at the upcoming graduation ceremonies. Visit their web site, www.gradimages.com, and click on the Pre-Event email registration, to register your email address. You will also receive an email link and free passport-sized digital proofs of your photos within 5 to 7 days following the ceremony. After graduation, you may order online at www.gradimages.com or call 800-261-2576.
Please do not contact Bryant University with inquiries related to photographic services. Please contact Grad Images/Grad Trak directly with any questions regarding photography.
NOTE: Parents and guests will not be allowed to approach the stage or enter the graduate seating area. It is a violation of RI State Fire Code for people to be standing in aisle ways or blocking exits. Any guest standing in an aisle way will be asked to be seated - if they refuse they will be escorted out of the tent.
Q6. What arrangements are available for guests with special needs?
Please click here to complete an online Special Needs Request Form. Please complete the Special Needs Request Form as soon as possible. Requests received after Friday, April 27, 2012 may not be able to be accommodated.
Q7. What is Baccalaureate?
Baccalaureate is an interfaith religious service for graduates and families held the afternoon prior to Undergraduate Commencement. All graduates and guests are welcome to attend.
Q8. Who is invited to the President's Reception?
All graduates, guests, faculty, staff, trustees, and honorary degree recipients are welcome to attend this reception.
Q9. Where do I park?
Bryant's public safety officers will direct traffic entering the campus during both the Graduate School and Undergraduate ceremonies. No vehicles will be allowed to stop on Jacobs Drive (main campus roadway). Guests who have made arrangements prior to Commencement for special needs parking will be directed to the Bello Center Parking Lot. All other guests will be parked in the "C" Parking Lots. For complete directions and a map of campus, click here.
Q10. What services are open on campus Commencement day?
The Bookstore, Health Services, and Public Safety will all be open for both Graduate School and Undergraduate Commencement. For Undergraduate Commencement a food concession tent will be set-up near the main tent.
Q11. Where and when can I purchase a cap and gown?
Undergraduate students can begin purchasing caps, gowns, and hoods at the graduation fair on April 26. After that date, academic regalia can be purchased from the bookstore during their regular business hours. Caps, gowns, and hoods are required for participation in the ceremony and cost $58.00 for undergraduate students.
Graduate student regalia will also be available beginning on April 26 in the bookstore during their standard business hours. Graduate students purchase a cap and gown and the hood will be given to them during the Commencement ceremony. The cost for Graduate student regalia is $60.00.
