Arrival Instructions
We cannot wait to celebrate this important milestone with graduating students, their loved ones, and the entire JWU community! Please review all of the below FAQs so you know what to expect and are not late. Additional quick notes:
- There is no practice ceremony for students (all the information you need is provided on this website).
- Review the commencement program to see the order of exercises for your ceremony.
- Make a plan to reunite with family and friends after the ceremony.
- Each ceremony will be livestreamed (links will be provided on the commencement homepage).
- Please stop by campus at any time to take photos at popular spots like Gaebe Commons or the Harborside Wildcat Statue!
Where is commencement being held?
- It will take place inside the Amica Mutual Pavalion (AMP).
- The AMP is located at 1 LaSalle Square, Providence, Rhode Island 02903.
- Please 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.
What time should grads and guests arrive?
- Graduate Studies Ceremony: Everyone should arrive at 9:00 AM, which is when doors open (the ceremony starts promptly at 10:00 AM).
- Undergraduate Ceremony: Everyone should arrive at 1:00 PM, which is when doors open (the ceremony starts promptly at 2:00 PM).
- Be sure to allow sufficient time to park and get situated.
Where can we park?
- Public lots and facilities are located near the arena (fees and rates vary).
- Refer to the AMP's website for more information.
- As a courtesy, JWU’s Downcity Parking Garage (185 Pine Street) will be open and free of charge to JWU students and families from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; and there will be continuous Wildcat Wheels bus shuttles between the garage and the AMP.
- 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).
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 enter there.
- After going through the security check, 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).
- As a reminder, tickets are required for the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
- 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 arena?
- 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.
- The stage steps are STEEP, so consider wearing flat footwear.
- Before walking up the stairs to the stage, you will receive a DIPLOMA COVER (yours to keep).
- At the top, 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.
- Professional photographers will take a series of quick PHOTOS, which will be available online at gradimages.com 1-2 weeks after the ceremony.
When does the graduation ceremony end? When and how do we exit?
- The ceremony ends after the FINAL NAME has been read and the recessional begins.
- A brief celebration video will play, the platform party will exit the stage, and then USHERS will guide graduates row-by-row to leave.
- Because leaving early shows extreme disrespect and causes disruption, everyone is expected to stay for the ENTIRE duration of the ceremony.
What if I don't have my name card, or have other questions?
- When you arrive and pass through the security checkpoint, there will be a welcome table where you can pick up your name card and/or ask any final questions.