Grad Week
Grad Week
As commencement quickly approaches, it’s important to take some time to enjoy the week leading up to your graduation weekend. Here are some events you can enjoy with your fellow soon-to-be-graduates.
Wednesday, May 1
Rainbow Graduation
5 pm – 8 pm in the University Gallery
Celebrate our rainbow of graduates! No matter what your rainbow looks like, you are welcome here. Graduates who complete the online form may be included in the ceremony if they wish. This year our emcee is a special guest alum. All are welcome! Registration is required. Register by May 1 at 4 p.m.
Friday, May 3
Beltane & Graduation Ceremony
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Schmitt Interfaith Center, Skalny Room
A celebration of the start of summer as well as a blessings and going away party for our graduating members. The event will be hosted by RIT Pagans and led by our Chaplain/High Priestess Rauncie! More information available here
Passing the Torch
1-3 p.m. in the SHED, Sklarsky Glass Box Theater
Join the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Team as we celebrate our women and non-binary graduates! The Legacy Leader award winners will be highlighted and the Edwina Award for staff will be announced. Register by April 30
Saturday, May 4
Black Graduation presented by the Black Awareness Coordinating Committee – Invitation Only
- Breakfast: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. in Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall, Dyer Arts Center. This pre-commencement gathering, sponsored by Alumni Relations, will be a celebration with graduating students, alumni, faculty, and staff. After breakfast, join us for the BACC’s Panther Walk, an honored tradition leading into the Black Graduation Ceremony.
- Ceremony: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall, Panera Theater. Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m.
- Reception: 3-5:30 p.m. in the Student Hall for Exploration and Development, Atrium and Upper Lobby. Check-in begins at 2:30 p.m.
Black Graduation stands on the principles of uplifting and highlighting Black students on RIT’s campus. The ceremony also highlights other students who have made strides to help raise black students on RIT’s campus. This event undoubtedly serves to unify not only the black community but the entire RIT community as well.
For questions about Black Graduation, please contact baccmain@gmail.com
Sunday, May 5
Latinx Graduation presented by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
1-5:30 p.m. in the SHED, Sklarsky Glass Box Theater
The Latinx Graduation at RIT is a celebration of Latinx graduates' achievements, recognizing the support of their families and the challenges they've overcome. Activities include certificate presentations, senior headshots, family-friendly events like face painting, performances, and a dance floor. By highlighting Latinx success within the ALANA/RIT community, the event fosters unity and inclusivity for present and future generations. Register by April 5
Tigers Takeover: Red Wings
1-4 p.m. at Innovative Field, Hardball Café - One Morrie Silver Way, Rochester, NY 14608
Batter up! Innovation Field is welcoming RIT grads for the Red Wings baseball game! Join us as graduating tigers takeover the Hardball Cafe to cheer on the Red Wings on home-turf! Food is included with ticket purchase. Transportation will be provided for those who are interested. Tickets for graduates are $30, payable online via credit card. Tiger Bucks cannot be used as payment.
Register and purchase tickets
Monday, May 6
Cap-a-Palooza
12-4 p.m. in the Student Alumni Union, Fireside Lounge
Deck your cap out at Cap-a-Palooza! Show off your personality by decorating your graduation cap alongside a relaxing afternoon of food and drink. This event is free of charge to attend.
Register now
Tuesday, May 7
Treat Yo’ Self Tuesday
12-3 p.m. in the Student Alumni Union, Fireside Lounge
We are almost at the end! Graduating Tigers, join us for an afternoon of rest and relaxation with takeaway stress toys and therapy dogs! Tickets for graduates are $10, payable online via credit card. Tiger Bucks cannot be used as payment.
Register and purchase tickets
Wednesday, May 8
You’re Impactful! – Class Gift Donor Reception
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm - Gene Polisseni Center (POL)
To make sure you get your invitation, visit the 2024 Class Gift Campaign and make your gift, by April 27.
The Grande Finale: Masquerade
9 p.m.-Midnight at the Gene Polisseni Center (POL)
It’ll be a night to remember at The Grand Finale! Graduating Tigers, we cordially invite you to the Grad Masquerade for an evening of drinks, dancing and memories. Take a chance at the cash bar, or indulge in the buffet - it's all about celebrating your last days at RIT! Transportation will be provided for those who are interested. Tickets for graduates are $60, payable online via credit card. Tiger Bucks cannot be used as payment.
Register and purchase tickets
Thursday, May 9
Tigers Send Off
4-7 p.m. in the Duda Plaza and Fred Smith Courtyard
Tigers, we are sending you off! The last event before commencement will commemorate everything you’ve accomplished this semester. Join us for tastings with alumni-owned breweries, axe throwing, and desserts, and pick up your commemorative crewneck. Tickets for graduates are $15, payable online via credit card. Tiger Bucks cannot be used as payment.
Register and purchase tickets
Catholic Newman Community at RIT Baccalaureate Mass
5-6 p.m. in the Schmitt Interfaith Center, Allen Chapel
Students, parents, alumni, and friends are invited to join the Catholic Newman Community for a Baccalaureate Mass, celebrating graduating students with the distribution of honor cords. RSVP to Kristen at krlccl@rit.edu.
Rain of Blessings
7-8 p.m. in the Schmitt Interfaith Center, Allen Chapel
Come and celebrate our graduating students who have taken a special interest in and dedication to faith, leadership, and service to the RIT community and beyond! Our student speaker will be Michael Palefsky, 5th Year Electrical Engineering Technology Major and current RIT Hillel President and Interfaith Council Vice President. Dr. Mohamed Wiem Mkaouer, Former Assistant Professor of Software Engineering at the Golisano College of Computing at Information Sciences and Advisor for the Muslim Student Association, will be our faculty speaker. All graduating students will be invited to come forward to receive a specialty Spirituality and Religious Life pin and blessing from our chaplains. Register in advance
International Student Services - Invitation Only
12-2 p.m. in the Student Alumni Union, Fireside Lounge
International Student Services looks forward to celebrating and congratulating graduating international students and their families. Refreshments will be provided.
Friday, May 10
International Student Services: Graduating International Student Reception - Invitation Only
12-2 p.m. in the Student Alumni Union, Fireside Lounge
International Student Services looks forward to celebrating and congratulating graduating international students and their families. Refreshments will be provided.
Graduation Shabbat
7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Chabad House
Services will begin at 7:30 p.m. with dinner following at 8 p.m.
Join us for a special Shabbat dinner at the Chabad House! Family members are invited to join graduates. RSVP online or via email at ycccl@rit.edu.