Commencement Ceremony

Exciting details about the commencement program will come soon.

Andrew Furey, the 14th premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has been chosen as the keynote speaker for this year’s commencement. Premier Furley has a background in medicine and a commitment to humanitarianism and public service.

We’re creating digital downloads to enhance your celebration and showcase your SMU pride. Stay tuned for celebratory signs, social media graphics, and invitations. Coming soon.

St. Matthew’s University is excited to celebrate our graduates in person on Saturday, June 8, at 12:00 p.m. ET at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Rhode Island.

If you choose not to attend the ceremony but meet all academic requirements, your diploma will be mailed to you. Your accomplishment is acknowledged and celebrated, ceremony attendance notwithstanding.

Unfortunately, we won’t be providing a virtual option for graduates. The ceremony will be held in person to celebrate this special occasion together.

We’ll capture the moments at our 2024 Commencement Ceremony through photography and videography. Your attendance gives consent to be featured in these recordings. These media may be used across various platforms, including online, social media, news, and advertising, all in connection with SMU.

Registration is mandatory for attendance. You will receive a personalized link through email for this purpose.

Yes! You are allowed to invite up to five guests to attend the ceremony. To ensure efficient planning, we kindly request you to specify the number of guests accompanying you. We will provide your RSVP instructions soon. The event will also be live-streamed on St. Matthew’s University’s Facebook and YouTube pages, enabling friends and family from around the globe to witness the celebration if they cannot attend in person.

Your guests will be able to enter the ceremony at a designated special time. We’ll ensure a smooth and organized entry process for everyone attending. Further details will be provided closer to the event date. 

Guest seating is unreserved, tickets are not required. 

Access is through the front lobby doors. Family members can be dropped off at the front door to enter the lobby. Please indicate your guests’ need for accommodated seating when you RSVP so that we can communicate that information to the venue in advance.

Exclusive accommodations have been reserved for your family at the Omni Hotel & Resorts in Providence, Rhode Island, to commemorate your achievement. Reserve your rooms now by clicking the following link: Book now.

Upon meeting your university academic requirements, your diploma will be sent to you by mail. The diploma will be sent to the mailing address specified in your graduation application for degree conferral.

You will also receive a paper copy of your diploma, which will be delivered to our address on file. Receiving your diploma happens four times throughout the year (January, March, May, September) and is not tied to the celebration ceremony.

For transcript requests, please email registar@stmatthews.edu. A USD $10.00 fee is applicable for each transcript.

GradImages is the official photography provider for St. Matthew’s University  2024 Commencement ceremony. For any inquiries about photos, contact Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.

The deadline to order your cap and gown will be Monday, April 29, 2024. The ordering site can be found here.

Hooding for each graduate will be completed by university staff only.

While there isn’t a strict dress code for graduates, it is mandatory for all participants to don the designated academic regalia during the ceremony. This includes a doctoral tam, gown, hood, and tassel. Comfortable business casual shoes are highly recommended.

Secure paid parking is offered at the North Entrance of Providence Place Mall, situated directly behind The Vets, at a rate of $2.00 USD for the initial five hours. For those leaving on foot, utilize the north elevators or stairs behind Nordstrom to reach level B. This will lead you to the street level directly behind the theater. From there, head north along the sidewalk to get to the theater’s front entrance. Additionally, on-street parking options are accessible on Francis and Smith Streets.

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, Providence, MA (PVD)

Bradley International Airport, Windsor Lock, CT (BDL)

Logan International Airport, Boston, MA (BOS)

Worcester Regional Airport, Worcester, MA (ORH)

Please contact the University Registrar, Gloria Miranda Avila at gmavila@stmatthews.edu.