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  2. Commencement

Commencement

Congratulations Class of 2024!

As you prepare for a very special day, we want to make sure you have answers to all your questions. We will continue to add helpful information about the Commencement Ceremony in the coming weeks. 

Rio graduates pose for picture with thumbs up

Cap and Gown

Graduates may pick-up their cap and gown in the Records Office in Rhodes Center. Rain tickets are attached to caps and gowns.

Monday, May 6 through Friday, May 10
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 11
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Commencement Practice

Rehearsal for Commencement will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 10 am. Although this is not required, attendance is strongly encouraged. Additional information will be posted as it's available. Please meet in the area at the front entrance of Davis library to receive your line-up instructions. Practice should conclude by 11 am. 

In case of inclement weather, practice will be held in Lyne Center.

Commencement 

Graduates should assemble in cap and gown on Saturday, May 11, at 12:30 p.m. in their assigned area in front of Davis Library. The academic procession will start at 1:00 p.m. Graduates who cannot attend must get permission from the Registrar, Olivia Bevan (ext. 7370) or obevan@rio.edu. These students will graduate in absentia.

39 North Coffee Shop in Rhodes Student Center will be available on Saturday, May 11. A variety of freshly made sandwiches, salads, sweet treats, and your favorite coffee selections will be available for purchase.

The Rio Grande Alumni Association will host a Graduates’ Breakfast before practice on Friday, May 10. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. in the Davis University Center Cafeteria. There will be no charge for graduates, all others will be $10 at the door. For more information, please call Ashley Knight at 740-245-7221 or email alumni@rio.edu.

View Map

The entire ceremony will be livestreamed so your family and friends can be part of your special day wherever they are.  

Please invite them to view the ceremony on Rio's YouTube channel.

View Map

Photographs: Roots Photography is excited to be Rio’s commencement photographer. All graduates will be photographed during the ceremony and photos and digital downloads will be available for purchase. If you have any questions, please visit Roots Photography.

Videos: DVDs of the Commencement ceremony will be available for purchase. E-mail Mike Thompson at miket@rio.edu. Cost: $20.00 (includes shipping).


Guests must not block aisles or stage ramps while taking their own photographs and videos.

Outdoor seating is first come, first served. Although there should be ample seating available, guests are welcome to bring their own chairs. Please, no tents or canopies. After the benediction, any personal chairs located in the circle on the green will need to be removed to make room for the singing of the Alma Mater.

Out of courtesy to others, we ask that you not block viewers behind you. Christensen Theatre in Berry Fine Arts is available for seating indoors, if needed.

Name Pronunciation

Graduates who want to ensure proper name pronunciation should contact their Dean during Practice or within two days of the ceremony.

IN CASE OF RAIN

Lyne Center’s Newt Oliver Arena is the backup facility in case of inclement weather. If the ceremony is in Lyne Center, seating is on the bleachers and requires a ticket for admission. Graduates will receive 4 tickets for their guests when they pick up their caps and gowns. Guest seating will be available beginning at noon. Graduates must make arrangements to distribute the rain tickets to their guests before the ceremony. These tickets will be used only in case of rain. 

If graduates have more than 4 guests, additional guests may view the ceremony via simulcast in the Christensen Theatre, Berry Arts Center.

Live stream available on Rio's YouTube Channel. 

In case of rain, announcements regarding moving the ceremony indoors will be made by 11:00 a.m. on local radio stations, Rio.edu, and Rio's social media pages. 

DIPLOMAS

Graduates completing degree requirements in spring semester will receive an email when diplomas are ready for pickup. Diplomas not picked up will be mailed via USPS. An e-diploma will also be sent to your student email.

Summer graduates will receive diplomas via United States Postal Service after final grades and degrees have been posted. Please notify the Office of the Registrar at 740-245-7369, or email at records@rio.edu if you prefer to pick up your diploma instead of having it mailed. 

Have Questions

If you need additional information, email Commencement Coordinator Annette Ward. 

Annette Ward

  • Chief of Staff