COLA Commencement Planning and Action Items
College of Liberal Arts
Graduation and Commencement Planning and Action Items
Information for Graduating College of Liberal Arts Students for Preparing to Graduate and Participate in the Commencement Ceremony
Preparing to Graduate
Verify that Your Name is Included in the Commencement Book
- Go to Commencement Book
- If your name is listed, then you have applied.
- If your name is NOT listed, apply now in SIS.
- Check the spelling of your name: If the spelling of your diploma name is incorrect or you want your preferred name used, you will need to update that yourself in SIS. Instructions to do so can be found here: Change Diploma Name in SIS
Order your Regalia (cap and gown)
Student Regalia, Order by March 31, 11:59 p.m.
- Pre-order yours now through March 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. at buildagrad.com/rit >
- If you choose to pick it up at the regalia distribution events, then there is no cost for you. If you choose to have your regalia shipped to you, you will need to pay a $14.50 shipping cost.
- The cap and gown are yours to keep after graduation.
Faculty and Staff Regalia, Order by March 31, 11:59 p.m.
Balfour, RIT’s regalia vendor, will provide rental regalia to faculty and staff participating in this year’s graduation ceremonies. As in the past, RIT pays the cost of the rental for faculty and staff; however, each individual is responsible for any damages or replacement costs.
RIT does not have extra regalia for emergency situations, so be sure place your order to ensure you are prepared.
- Order your regalia by 11:59 p.m. on March 31 at buildagrad.com/ritfaculty >
- Not sure if you've placed an order already? Email Kerri Johnson at kasadm@rit.edu.
- Questions about ordering? Please contact Balfour directly at 1-800-683-4771 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time), Monday-Friday, or email customer_service@buildagrad.com. To better serve you via email, please include your name, university and a short message regarding your concern.
Faculty Regalia Pick up Schedule
Regalia will be available for pick up at the Polisseni Center – Door 3. Regalia can be returned after our ceremony in Polisseni Center, East corridor (tennis court side of the building).
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 7, 2025: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Thursday, May 8, 2025: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Interpreters will be available from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and from 4 p.m.–6 p.m.
Review Graduation Frequently Asked Questions
For answers about eligibility and graduation applications, cap and gown, commencement keepsakes, and more, visit the RIT Commencement FAQ page >
COLA Graduation Fair
COLA Graduation Fair is held annually early in the spring semester. The 2025 fair was held in February. For undergraduate and graduate students who will graduate in May or August, it is a special chance to:
- Double check that you’ve applied for graduation.
- Receive a FREE long sleeve liberal arts graduate t-shirt (while supplies last).
- Celebrate with a sweet treat and sparkly drink.
- Take a picture and post to social media, send it to your friends and family, and start your celebration early.
- Get a raffle ticket, for a chance to win one of many gift baskets (1 ticket per COLA Graduate that attends the fair).
College of Liberal Arts Commencement Ceremony and Reception, May 10
May 10, 2025 Schedule for the Commencement Ceremony and Reception for College of Liberal Arts
- 9-10:30 a.m., COLA Reception (Graduating Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff)
- 11 a.m., Graduate Line Up for Ceremony (Gate 2 of Polisseni Center)
- 12-1:30 p.m., Graduation Ceremony, Polisseni Center
Photography During the COLA Commencement Ceremony
- A professional photographer will take photo during reception, line-up, and during the ceremony, and you will be able to access and download images from the day free of charge.
- Want a photo of yourself with your family? Look for the photographer and ask him/her to take a photo.
- Watch your RIT email at the end of May for a link to a website from which you can download images.
