FAQs: Commencement

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Where

Arizona Financial Theatre
400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003

Commencement Photography and Media Notice

The 2025 Rio Salado College Commencement Ceremony is a public event where photos and videos will be taken for event
marketing and promotional purposes.

Questions? Please email: Michelle.Reese@riosalado.edu, Rio Salado College Marketing and Public Relations

When

Ceremony begins 7 p.m. May 8, 2025.
General student check in begins at 5:45 p.m. (5:15 p.m. check-in for specialty group photos)
The lobby will open at 5:30 p.m. and the auditorium at 6:15 p.m. for guests

Who

Any students who have completed a degree or certificate since May 1, 2024, or will have completed a program by December 2025 are eligible to participate in this year's Commencement.

Complete this online form to submit your application to attend commencement. Please note, you will need to be logged into your MEID account to access the form.

Apply by March 23 to ensure your name is included in the commencement program.

Join the Celebration: Apply for Your Commencement Participation!

Cost

There is no fee for commencement this year, however, students must order their cap and gown regalia from our approved vendor. This is a ticketless event and there is no cost for guests.

Caps/gowns

To participate in the commencement ceremony, all students must wear a cap and gown from Rio Salado’s official vendor, Jostens. All graduates at every level  - bachelor, associate and certificate recipients - wear the same cap and gown.

🔹 Order Online: Caps and gowns are available for purchase online and will be shipped to the home address you provide. Deadline: April 16 – don’t miss it!

🔹 Last Chance In-Person Event: If you're local or miss the deadline, you can buy your cap and gown at our one-day event on May 2, from 1-5 p.m. at Rio Salado College, 2323 W. 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281. This will be your final opportunity to get your regalia for the ceremony.

Important Deadlines:

  • Apply for commencement: no later than March 23th to be included in the program

Please note: Cap and gown orders will not be available for pickup at the ceremony or the Rio Salado office except the Last Chance In-Person event on May 2.

Honor cords

Students eligible for academic honors will receive their honor cords when checking in on the day of commencement.

Directions to Venue

Arizona Financial Theatre is located on the Northwest corner of 4th Avenue and Washington Street. From West: I-10 East to 7th Avenue south, take to Adams Street, turn left (East) to Fourth Avenue. From East: I-10 West to 7th Avenue south, take to Adams Street, turn left (East) to Fourth Avenue. Parking: Adjacent parking garage is at 4th Ave and Adams (Adams Street Garage).

If you require accommodations due to a disability please contact the Rio Salado College Disability Resources and Services Office.