Your Reunion 2022 Questions, Answered!

Headed to Commencement + Reunion Weekend but have some questions?

Have questions about how you can register or reserve a hotel? Want to learn more about our new reunion traditions? Want to know why you should attend?

We’ve compiled a list of answers to some of our most asked questions about Reunion Weekend 2022, including updates to our Mask Policy for COVID and more.

What you need to know for Commencement + Reunion Weekend

Have questions about accessibility or getting around campus during the weekend? Need some ideas on where to eat off-campus? Questions about taking part in the alumni processional or visiting Tillinghast? Scroll through some of our most asked questions.

I have questions about accessibility around RISD’s campus.

Visit Accessibility at RISD for questions about accessibility are various event venues around campus.

Is there shuttle service around campus during reunion?

RISD will not be running reunion-specific shuttle service during the weekend but if alumni would like or need a ride for security or accessibility reasons, they can contact RISD RIDES at 401 427-6915.

How do I get to the Commencement + Reunion Tent by the Van Leesten Memorial Bridge?

We have several events taking place under the tent near the Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, including the All-Campus Dance: The Artists’ Party, and Class Dinners. The Lantern Lighting will also take place near the bridge.

The closest streets to the Van Leesten Memorial Bridge (aka the new pedestrian bridge) are St. James and South Water Street. It is located across the street from Plant City. It is about a 10-13 minute walk from Carr Haus on Benefit Street.

Walking directions from Carr Haus to the Van Leesten Memorial Bridge.

I am walking in the Alumni Commencement Processional. What do I need to know?

If you are walking in the Alumni Processional at Commencement, please arrive at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center no later than 8 am. You need to enter through the rear of the venue—follow the signs to the left of the entrance. Alumni will line up for the Processional by class. We will be serving a light breakfast to all alumni who are taking part in the processional. Please note that guests and family of alumni are not allowed in the staging areas of the venue and a ticket is required to watch the ceremony from the seats.

Don’t forget to bring your regalia if you want to wear it!

Please visit our FAQ page for more information about the alumni processional.

I am heading to Tillinghast on Sunday June 5, 2022. How can I get there?

There will be no parking available at Tillinghast, so we ask that you plan accordingly. There will be two shuttle buses running between RISD Campus and Tillinghast once every hour, beginning at 9 am. The shuttle buses seat about 90 people.

On Sunday, June 5 the Tillinghast shuttle bus departs from the Chace Center starting at 9 am. The last returning shuttle from Tillinghast will be at 2 pm.

What are some good food options in the area?

Been a while since you’ve been to Providence? Are you looking for off campus food options for you or your family? Providence is a great city for dining out! Use the links below to explore some options.

Go Providence Restaurant Guide by neighborhood/area

Go Providence Downtown Restaurant Guide

Boston Magazine 10 Must-Visit Providence Restaurants

Eater: The 33 Essential Providence Restaurants

Yelp: Best Restaurants in Providence

I am a member of the Class of 2020, what do I need to know?

The Class of 2020 has a lot going on over the weekend.

For information on your commencement please visit our Commencement FAQ section.

Class of 2020 Tillinghast Beach Day (Saturday, June 4)
The shuttle bus between RISD Campus to Tillinghast will run once every hour, beginning at 1 pm. There will be no parking available at Tillinghast, so please plan accordingly. The shuttle buses seat about 90 people.

The Tillinghast shuttle bus for the Class of 2020 Beach Day departs from the Department of Architecture, Bayard Ewing Building (BEB) parking lot (231 South Main Street) starting at 1 pm.

Covid Procedures

Your health and safety is the most important thing to us. Because of the recent increase in COVID cases in Rhode Island, RISD has made the decision to return to requiring masks indoors when people are on-campus or at RISD-sponsored events.

Masks are required for all Commencement-related indoor events, including Graduate Hooding and Commencement.
Masks (disposable masks, KN95 masks, KF94 masks or N95) are required for all indoor Reunion Weekend events.
Medical-grade masks will be available for free at most indoor event sites for those without proper masks.
Masks can be removed while eating and drinking
Masks can be removed when making a presentation or speech if the unmasked speaker is able to maintain a six-foot distance from masked others in the same space.

Please visit covid.risd.edu for more information.

Why are reunions now held during Commencement instead of RISD Weekend?

This year, we have brought Commencement and Reunions back together in a campus-wide celebration of our RISD community. Connecting these two events helps build a bridge between alumni and our newest graduates as they look forward to the next part of their RISD experience. By bringing back the tradition of celebrating commencement and reunions together, we hope to forge connections between the generations, honor our graduates' many achievements and milestones, and welcome the Class of 2022 as our newest alumni.

RISD Reunions have coincided with RISD Weekend held the second weekend in October for the last several years. Although reunions have moved, it remains a family-friendly, community-oriented, activity-filled celebration. Many of the traditions that alumni have enjoyed during the October festivities will also return this spring, including affinity group receptions, RISD Craft: Spring 2022 and a special WaterFire along the Providence River.

Additionally, we have added several new traditions to deepen the intergenerational connections between our graduates and alumni, including an All Campus Dance: The Artists’ Party, a Lantern Lighting Ceremony and an Alumni Processional at Commencement. These events celebrate the full circle represented by Commencement and Reunion Weekend—the end of one part of the RISD experience and the beginning of the next.

Is Reunion Weekend Family-Friendly? Do I Have To Register My Children?

YES! We encourage our reunion alumni to bring their families with them to our celebration. We are planning many family-friendly events, and it is a great opportunity to walk down memory lane and share your favorite spaces and places with your family.

Please note that you do not have to register children under the age of six for most family-friendly events, including dining. CE Youth Workshops on Saturday, June 4, are for ages 6-12 and there are a few events which are 21+, including the Lantern Lighting, RI Cruisin Cocktails and the All Campus Dance.

How can I…?

Book a hotel for my reunion?

We have secured room rates at several area hotels.

Register for the events I want to attend?

Event registration is now open! Visit our events page for a full calendar of events and links to register!

Make sure your contact information is up to date to ensure you get our registration + logistics emails!

Find out about accessibility on campus?

We hope that the information on our accessibility page will help our alumni, families and friends better navigate campus buildings and spaces being used for Commencement + Reunion events.

Get a refund for events I am registered for?

Alumni can receive a full refund on events they are registered for up to two weeks (May 19, 2022) before Commencement + Reunion Weekend. There will be no refunds after May 19, 2022.

New traditions, explained.

This Commencement + Reunion Weekend, we are excited to share some new traditions with our community. While they may feel a little familiar to some, we've given them a unique commencement and reunion twist. Designed to bring together and celebrate our graduating students and alumni—the most important part of these events is you.

What is the All Campus Dance: The Artists’ Party?

There is nothing quite like a RISD dance party (the annual October Artists’ Ball, anyone?). Relive the fun of dancing the night away with friends old and new—commencement and reunion style—at the All Campus Dance: The Artists’ Party. Graduating students and reunion year alumni will enjoy live music from Boo City, food and drink* as they share memories, make new connections and welcome the Class of 2022 as our most recent alumni.

The dance takes place under the tent near the Van Leesten Memorial Bridge and begins just after the Lantern Lighting Ceremony.

*All alumni will receive one (1) free drink ticket, Class of 2020 alumni will receive two (2) free drink tickets. A cash bar will also be available. This event is 21+ and ID is required for all alcoholic drinks.

Where: The tent by Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
Also known simply as the new pedestrian bridge, accessible from South Water Street near James Street.
When: Friday, June 3, 2022
8:30–11 pm
Is registration required? Yes.
You can register for this event and all your reunion events using the button below.

What is the Lantern Lighting?

For over 20 years, beginning with Roger Mandle, RISD’s 15th president, new students are welcomed during Orientation with a Lantern Lighting on the Providence River, symbolizing the beginning of their RISD journey. Now, as our graduates end that journey, we close the circle with a ceremonial lantern lighting during Commencement and Reunion Weekend to honor their accomplishments.

The Lantern Lighting will take place at the Van Leesten Memorial Bridge from 8-8:30 pm, followed by the All Campus Dance: A Night Under the Stars. Glow sticks will be provided.

Where: Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
Also as the “new pedestrian bridge”, accessible from South Water Street near James Street.
When: Friday, June 3, 2022
8–8:30 pm ET
Is registration required? Yes.
You can register for this event and all your reunion events using the button below.

What is the Alumni Processional at Commencement?

Each year RISD’s President, Provost, Board Chair, Honorary Degree Recipients, faculty and graduating students march into the commencement ceremony and take their seats. This year, we invite our alumni to lead the Class of 2022 and Class of 2020 in the commencement processional. Each reunion class with alumni participating in the processional will walk in with their class banner. We encourage any alumni who still have their graduation regalia to wear it!

Where:
Dunkin Donuts Center
1 La Salle Square
Providence, RI 02903
When: Saturday, June 4, 2022
Doors open at 8 am. Commencement ceremony begins at 9 am and ends at 12 pm.
Is registration required? Yes.
You can register for this event and all your reunion events using the button below.

The Class of 2020 has been invited to participate in Commencement and must register separately for the ceremony. Please visit risd.edu/commencement for more information.

Why should I attend my Reunion?

What is Reunion Weekend?

Reunion Weekend is a celebration of YOU! Reunion Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to return to Providence and connect with friends old and new, share memories of your time on campus with your family, and revisit the beloved places, spaces, and people that we share as part of the RISD Community.

The office of Alumni + Family relations is putting together an activity-filled and family-friendly weekend on and around RISD’s campus, including RISD Craft, Paint by Numbers, a Chalk Walk, All Campus Dance and so much more.

Who is attending Reunion Weekend 2022?

RISD Weekend 2022 celebrates alumni from class years ending in 0, 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7. There are a pretty large number of classes for this reunion weekend because COVID has kept us from getting together for quite some time but we are excited to celebrate 3 years of reunions this June.

See who's attending

Reunion Classes: 1930 1936 1950 1951 1952 1955 1956 1957 1960 1961 1962 1965 1966 1967 1970🝔 1971🝔 1972🝔 1975 1976 1977 1980 1981 1982 1985 1986 1987 1990 1991 1992 1995♦ 1996♦ 1997♦ 2000 2001 2002 2005 2006 2007 2010 2011 2012 2015 2016 2017 2020 2021

_{🝔Celebrating their 50 year reunion ♦Celebrating their 25 year reunion}

Still have questions?

Be sure to follow along @RISDAlumni #RISDReunion2022