Celebrating the Class of 2026
Commencement is the formal ceremony that is held to recognize and honor degree candidates for graduation. These graduation ceremonies celebrate the traditional observances that accompany one of the highest rewards of academic achievement. Commencement activities and instructions are summarized below. For additional important information, please visit the Regalia & Tickets, Programs & Eligibility, and Student Speaker pages.
View the 2026 Commencement Program
Watch the 2026 Commencement Livestream
Note: The stream will not be available until the morning of Sat, May 2.
2026 Senior Toast
Held on our Harborside Campus the day before commencement, this celebratory event for graduating campus-based students features a champagne toast (proper ID required; non-alcoholic options available) to salute the graduating class's achievements and welcome them into the alumni community. There will be brief remarks from university leaders, refreshments, and a festive space for students, families, friends, faculty and staff to congregate together. Furthermore, students are encouraged to wear their graduation gowns and take photos to mark this exciting time!
- Friday, May 1, 2026 @ The Wildcat Center (305 Shipyard St) with Open Parking in Lot F
- 3:00-4:30 PM
This event is complimentary and does not require tickets; however, RSVPs are required for planning purposes. Please complete and submit the RSVP form by April 17, 2026 if you will be attending. One response per graduating student/family only.
2026 Commencement Exercises
Please review the following FAQs and instructions in full to know what's expected. Allow plenty of time to park, arrive, and get situated inside the venue. All persons in attendance are asked to remain seated for the entire duration of the ceremony. Furthermore, let's celebrate the Wildcat Way! To help ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone, students who are visibly intoxicated, disruptive, or otherwise behaving inappropriately may be asked to leave the commencement ceremony at the university’s discretion. Commencement ends after all names have been read, a brief celebration video plays, and the platform party exits the stage. Ushers will guide graduates when it's time to leave the commencement floor.
Because rooms and tables can book quickly, we suggest making reservations as early as possible. We recommend GoProvidence.com for places to stay, where to eat, and things to do in the city.
When is the Graduate Studies Graduation Ceremony?
- Saturday, May 2, 2026 @ Amica Mutual Pavilion
- 9:00 AM Arrival Time/Doors Open
- 10:00 AM Ceremony Begins
When is the Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony?
- Saturday, May 2, 2026 @ Amica Mutual Pavilion
- 1:00 PM Arrival Time/Doors Open
- 2:00 PM Ceremony Begins
Where is Amica Mutual Pavilion? Is there parking?
The address for the Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) is 1 LaSalle Square, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. The AMP is located in the downtown area not far from our Downcity Campus. Refer to the venue's website for their arena policies and parking instructions. You may make your own parking plans, but please consider one of the below options. As needed, patrons with physical limitations may be dropped off at the arena's main entrance where ramps are located.
Get a guaranteed parking spot at a discounted rate. Primary parking is available in two garages adjacent to the AMP and the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC). The parking facility is easily accessible from all major highways and is conveniently connected to the RICC, the Arena, the Omni Hotel and the Providence Place Mall.
Reserve Parking: Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony
Reserve Parking: Graduate Studies Graduation Ceremony
JWU’s Parking Garage, located at 185 Pine Street, will be open and free of charge to JWU students and families from 8am to 6pm. Wildcat Wheels bus shuttles will provide transportation between the garage and the AMP; however, due to safety restraint regulations, we are unable to transport any infant/child that is under the age of 8 years old or less than 80lbs. Alternatively, it is a short walk between the garage and the AMP (approximately 10 minutes).
Where do graduating students enter the AMP?
- 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.
- 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 families & 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).
- Please note that bathroom facilities are available only after passing through security and entering the concourse & concessions area.
Is there a security check? What things are not allowed inside the AMP?
There are security checkpoints at all entrances. Bags, briefcases, backpacks, luggage, drugs, weapons of any kind, noisemakers, laser pointers, balloons, and outside food/beverages are strictly prohibited. Refer to the venue’s website for their arena policies.
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, keep the line moving, and use caution (stage steps are steep).
- At stage-bottom, you will receive a DIPLOMA COVER (yours to keep).
- At stage-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.
Will grads be photographed during commencement? Can I take photos on campus?
Yes, 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. All graduating students, families, and friends are welcome to stop by campus to take photos at popular spots like Gaebe Commons or the Harborside Wildcat Statue.
2025 Commencement Recap
- Undergrad Photo Gallery (use case-sensitive password JWU25)
- Grad Studies Photo Gallery (use case-sensitive password JWU25)
- Undergrad Full Video
- Grad Studies Full Video
- Reflections from the Class of 2025 Speakers
- Commencement Highlights