Arrival & Ceremony Instructions
All participants and attendees are asked to review the arrival and ceremony instructions outlined below. In addition, please review the commencement program to see the order of exercises for your ceremony.
Because leaving early shows extreme disrespect and causes disruption, everyone is expected to stay for the entire duration of the ceremony. Commencement ends after all names have been read, a brief celebration video plays, and the platform party exits the stage. Ushers will guide graduates row-by-row when to leave. Please stop by campus before or after your ceremony to take photos at popular spots like Gaebe Commons or the Harborside Wildcat Statue.
During commencement, professional photographers will take a series of quick photos as grads approach and leave the stage. Photos will be available online at gradimages.com 1-2 weeks after the ceremony.
Where is commencement being held? What time should we arrive?
It will take place inside the Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP), located at 1 LaSalle Square, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. Refer to the venue’s website for their arena policies. Bathroom facilities are available only after passing through security and entering the concourse. Concession stands will be open to guests as well.
Please allow plenty of time to park and get situated for your ceremony:
- Graduate Commencement: Everyone should arrive at 9am, which is when doors open (the ceremony starts promptly at 10am).
- Undergraduate Commencement: Everyone should arrive at 1pm, which is when doors open (the ceremony starts promptly at 2pm).
Where can we park for commencement?
Public lots and facilities are located near the arena (fees and rates vary). Refer to the AMP's website for more information. Prior to parking, you may pull up to the front of the AMP to drop off guests with physical limitations (ramps are located in front of the building).
As a courtesy, JWU’s Downcity Parking Garage (185 Pine Street) will be open and free of charge to JWU students and families from 8am to 6pm; and there will be continuous Wildcat Wheels bus shuttles between the garage and the AMP.
Where should grads enter the AMP?
Please follow the service road on the LEFT side of the arena (near the hotel and Starbucks). Follow that road to the BACK of the arena and pass through the security check.
If you do not have your name card, pick it up at the welcome table. Otherwise, FOLLOW SIGNS to line up with classmates in your college/program (it's listed on your name card). There is NO ALPHABETICAL LINEUP, so you can assemble with your friends and sit together.
We'll guide you from there, so please LISTEN to the ushers. If needed, use a restroom now, because you CANNOT use one during the ceremony.
Where should guests enter the AMP?
Please use the main FRONT entrance. After passing through the security check, guests may sit anywhere (seats are not assigned). Guests in wheelchairs may be brought to sections 101, 106, 110, 120, or 124 (the arena does not supply wheelchairs).
What things are not allowed inside the AMP?
There are security checkpoints at all entrances. Baggage (such as bags, briefcases, backpacks, luggage), drugs, weapons of any kind, noisemakers, laser pointers, balloons, and outside food/beverages are strictly prohibited.
How and when do grads cross the stage?
When it’s time, USHERS will guide grads row-by-row to the stage. PAY ATTENTION to those in front of you, and keep the line moving.Before walking up the steps to the stage, you will receive a DIPLOMA COVER (yours to keep). Steps are steep, so be careful.
At the top of the stage, hand your NAME CARD to the announcer who will use it to read your name out loud to the arena. WALK to center stage, greet the dean, exit the stage, and return to your seat.