Commencement Ceremony 2026

St. Matthew’s University looks forward to honoring the achievements of our graduates in-person on Saturday, June 6, at 12:00 p.m. ET in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Rhode Island.

No, commencement is a celebration of your achievement but participation is not required in order to graduate. All graduates will have their diploma mailed to the address on their graduation application form (or on file).

Unfortunately no, we will not be providing a virtual attendance option for graduates. Graduates are encouraged to attend in-person, so we can all celebrate this incredibly special milestone together.

Yes, we will capture the 2026 Commencement Ceremony through photography and videography. Your attendance acts as consent to be included and featured in these recordings. These pictures and videos may be used across various platforms, including SMU’s website, social media channels and marketing efforts.

Registration is mandatory for all attendees. You will receive a link via email for this purpose.

Yes, you are encouraged to invite guests to attend the ceremony. To ensure efficient planning, we ask that you specify how many guests will be accompanying you when you register. We will provide your RSVP instructions via email. The event will also be live-streamed on SMU’s Facebook and YouTube pages, enabling friends and family from around the globe to witness the ceremony.

To ensure that everyone can enter and find seats in an efficient manner, your guests will be asked to enter the ceremony at a designated time. Further details will be provided via email before the event date.

There is no assigned seating and tickets are not required. Guests can simply enter at the designated time and choose from the available seating.

Handicap access is through the front lobby doors. Guests can be dropped off at the front doors and enter through the lobby. Please indicate your guests’ need for accommodated seating when you RSVP, so that we can communicate this information to the venue in advance.

Hotel Information

Booking Link: https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/nknzmp

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Providence

Address: 220 India Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, USA

Group Name: GUS Medical R3 Commencement Room Block

Arrival Date: 06/04/2026

Departure Date: 06/07/2026

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

You will have access to an electronic copy of your diploma when your record has been cleared and it is determined that all obligations for degree conferral have been met. You will also receive a paper copy of your diploma, which will be delivered to the address on your file. Diplomas are mailed and received four times per year, in January, March, May and September. This schedule is not tied to the commencement ceremony.

It is the policy of St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine to send Official Transcripts only to designated colleges, recognized institutions and/or employers. We do not send official copies to students. All copies released directly to the student are in the form of Grade Reports.

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

Graduation images will be available for purchase and more information will be shared via email after the event.

The deadline to order your cap and gown is Sunday, April 26, 2026. Click here to order.

Unfortunately no, each graduate will be hooded by school staff only.

While there isn’t a strict dress code for graduates, business casual attire is recommended. It is mandatory for all participants to wear the designated academic regalia during the ceremony. This includes a doctoral tam, gown, hood and tassel. Comfortable business casual shoes are highly recommended, as you will be on your feet for extended periods throughout the event.

Secure paid parking is offered at the North Entrance of Providence Place Mall (directly behind The Vets). The visitor rates for the Providence Place parking garage are now as follows:

• 0-30 minutes: Free
• 30-60 minutes: $1
• 1-2 hours: $2
• 2-5 hours: $10

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 available 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 SMU Registrar at registrar@stmatthews.edu.