Graduate and Doctoral Students

Commencement

Commencement Ceremony

  • 3 p.m. Thursday, May 14, McAuley Hall lawn

You must arrive at the Rodgers Recreation Center by 2 p.m. to ensure the academic procession begins on time. If you aren't checked in by 2 p.m., your name will not be announced during the ceremony. There are no exceptions.

Please allow ample time for you and your family to travel to campus, find parking and prepare your attire for the procession. Instructions for the academic procession will be given at Rodgers. Before leaving home, be certain that you have your cap, gown, hood and tassel.

The academic procession into the tent will begin at 2:30 p.m. Guests should be seated by that time. The ceremony will end at about 4:30 p.m.

Please be sure to check your Salve e-mail for communications leading up to Commencement.

Tickets and Announcements

  • Tickets are not required for admission to the graduate Commencement ceremony.
  • Digital Commencement announcements are available for download. Commemorative announcements may be purchased from Jostens by calling (800) 854-7464 or online at jostens.com.

Graduation Fee and Financial Obligations

A graduation fee of $350 is charged. Even if you choose not to participate in Commencement activities, this fee must be paid to defray the cost of announcements, diplomas and diploma cases, mailings and activities. This fee is automatically billed to your account and must be paid to the Bursar's Office by May 1.

In addition, all other financial obligations to the University, including outstanding tuition, library fees, parking violations, etc., must be satisfied. Salve will not issue your diploma or final transcripts until your account is settled. Please contact the Bursar's Office at (401) 341-2900 or bursaroffice@salve.edu to ensure your account is in good standing or to make payment arrangements.

Academic Attire

Full academic regalia (including a cap) is required for the Commencement ceremony. During the ceremony, only University-recognized cords, stoles or pins may be worn on the outside of the gown.

  • Master's degree candidates must purchase a cap, tassel, gown and hood. You do not need to order regalia. It will be available for purchase at the bookstore beginning in mid-April. Master's robes feature sleeves with a distinct pointed shape, in contrast to the regular sleeves of bachelor's regalia. Additionally, master's robes are typically longer than those designed for bachelor's degrees.
  • Doctoral candidates must purchase regalia or rent regalia by Feb. 21. Please note that rented regalia is a cost-effective, temporary option, where purchased regalia is a more expensive, higher-quality investment for future use. The fee for rented regalia will be collected by the Salve bookstore at pickup.

You may purchase your regalia up to one hour before lining up at Rodgers on Commencement day.  Questions about regalia should be directed to the bookstore at (401) 847-9086 or salve@bkstr.com.

Diplomas

During the Commencement ceremony, all graduates receive a diploma cover. Several weeks after the ceremony, you will receive your diploma via U.S. Postal Service at the address listed on the application to graduate, providing your financial account is in good standing.

Graduate Reception

Salve faculty and staff look forward to welcoming you and your guests to a reception in Ochre Court immediately after the Commencement ceremony. Please confirm your plans to attend on the Commencement activities RSVP form as indicated.