Questions about Commencement

Here are answers to some of the questions you may have about the 247th Anniversary Commencement and school convocations. Continue to visit this site. We’ll be adding more information as the big day approaches.

Information for Students | Information for Guests

Information for Students

• What is the difference between University Commencement and a school convocation?

  Graduation is a big deal. Join the entire Rutgers community in recognizing your accomplishment.

  University Commencement is the big, universitywide celebration for all recipients of all Rutgers degrees—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral—from all schools and campuses. All degrees are conferred at this ceremony.

  School convocations are ceremonies with their own distinct traditions, including receiving individual recognition. Check with your individual school’s dean’s office for details.

  New Brunswick Convocations | Newark Convocations | Camden Convocations

• May I participate in the University Commencement ceremony?

  All Rutgers students who have completed required coursework for their degrees and have been certified by their schools are eligible to process in University Commencement. They must also have cleared all financial obligations (and, yes, that includes parking tickets and library fines).

  More information on requirements and how to prepare for the big day will be posted as University Commencement draws near.

  All Rutgers faculty are invited to take part in the academic procession. Rutgers staff, alumni, and current students are encouraged to attend as guests.

• Why should I attend University Commencement?

  Participating in University Commencement is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you do not want to miss. Commencement is a ceremonial celebration of your and your fellow students’ accomplishments and enables you to pay tribute to those who helped you attain your degree. The event brings together all of the graduates of all of the schools from all of the campuses of Rutgers University, where you can celebrate in the company of your fellow graduates, professors, family, and friends. To have a sense of what the event is like, visit our 2012 Univeristy Commencement section to see photos and videos from last year's ceremony.

  It is an experience you will never forget; do not regret missing it when you are older.

• Do I need tickets for University Commencement or convocations? How many people may I invite?

  Because University Commencement will take place in High Point Solutions Stadium, graduates may invite as many friends and family members as they wish. Tickets are not needed. However, special Commencement parking hangtags are required to park on campus on Sunday, May 19. See our Parking & Getting Around section for more information.

  Convocations are often held in smaller venues. Please check with your school’s Office of the Dean for information on tickets or limits on guests.

  New Brunswick Convocations | Newark Convocations | Camden Convocations

• Can I use my university parking permit on campus on May 19?

  No. Graduating students must register online to receive parking hangtags specifically for Commencement for themselves and their guests. No cars may park in Commencement parking zones on any of the Rutgers–New Brunswick campuses without a special hangtag. See our Parking & Getting Around section for more information.

• How do I order Commencement parking hangtags?

  Online parking registration is now closed. Parking permits are required for University Commencement. If students have not yet obtained a permit for themselves or guests, those who show ID can pick up free Cook/Douglass Campus parking permits at the event planning office in Room 100, Van Nest Hall, 19 College Avenue in New Brunswick.

  If you don't have a permit on May 19, you can park in the public lots in downtown New Brunswick and take the Commencement shuttle from the Albany Street stop opposite the train station.

  Check our Parking Guidelines for more information.

• I'm attending ceremonies on days other than May 19. Do I still need a special parking hangtag?

  No. You may park in any lots marked "Event Parking" that day.

• Will the University Commencement be canceled if it rains?

  No, the ceremony will take place rain or shine. We will provide you with ponchos if it rains. The event will be canceled in the event of lightning.

• Will my name be called?

  Names will not be called during University Commencement, and they will not be printed in the program booklet. However, the names of all graduates will scroll on the High Point Solutions Stadium ribbon boards prior to the start of the ceremony, during the Academic Procession, and at the end of the celebration.

  Your school convocation will include individual recognition such as the calling of names. Your name will also appear in the program booklet at that event. We will post copies of most of those booklets on this website. Check with your school for more details about your convocation.

• Where do I obtain my regalia?

  Your regalia; which is your gown, cap, tassel, and academic hood; can be purchased from the Barnes & Noble at Rutgers on the New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden campuses. Regalia may be purchased through May 18. For more information, visit the Academic Regalia page.

• Do I have to wear a cap and gown to Commencement exercises?

  Yes. All graduates are required to arrive at High Point Solutions Stadium in their academic regalia. You may purchase your regalia at Barnes & Noble at Rutgers. For more information, visit the Academic Regalia page.

  If you should forget to order or bring your regalia to University Commencement, you can purchase it on May 19 at the Barnes & Noble at Rutgers concession booth outside of the stadium near Gate C. 

• Is there a rehearsal for Commencement?

  No, there is no rehearsal. Commencement marshals will give you directions at University Commencement and guide graduates through the Academic Procession.

• I am a student with special mobility needs. How do I get help?

  Please contact us in advance of the ceremony at 848-932-2469 to make arrangements. There is an elevator to assist you to the field level, and special needs parking is available adjacent to the stadium, but you will need a specific parking hangtag for this location.

• Will there be food and drink available?

  Before 10 a.m. and following Commencement, food vendors will be open outside of the stadium.

  Concession stands in the stadium will open at 10:30 a.m. We ask that you dispose of any food or trash prior to the start of the academic procession marshaling. Water will be provided in the marshaling area at the south end of the stadium.

  For more information visit Where to Eat and Stay page on this website.

• What is the proper attire and etiquette?

  We recommend that all attendees wear comfortable shoes. Stadium surfaces are all concrete, and on the field you will be walking on turf as well as hard plastic decking. Wear dark clothing underneath your academic regalia. When you move onto the field, remain standing until the president asks you to take your seats.

  Please turn off your electronic devices in the stadium. Be considerate of others who want to enjoy this special day alongside of you.

• Whom do I contact if I have additional questions about the Commencement ceremony?

  For graduation requirements, contact your dean’s office. For University Commencement information, review this website or send an email.

Information for Guests

• Do I need a ticket or invitation to attend the ceremony?

  Because University Commencement will take place in High Point Solutions Stadium, graduates may invite as many friends and family members as they wish. Tickets are not needed. However, special parking hangtags are required and must be ordered in advance. Please visit our Parking & Getting Around section for more information.

• Where can I park on campus?

  If you are attending events on Sunday, May 19, parking will be limited, and all cars will be required to display a special Commencement parking hangtag. Please make sure your student registers online to obtain these free tags.

  If you are attending events on days other than May 19, don't worry. Just park in any open Rutgers lot near your event site.

  Please visit the Parking & Getting Around section of this site for more information.

• How do I order Commencement parking hangtags?

  Online parking registration is now closed. Parking permits are required for University Commencement. If students have not yet obtained a permit for themselves or guests, those who show ID can pick up free Cook/Douglass Campus parking permits at the event planning office in Room 100, Van Nest Hall, 19 College Avenue in New Brunswick.

  If you don't have a permit on May 19, you can park in the public lots in downtown New Brunswick and take the Commencement shuttle from the Albany Street stop opposite the train station. 

  Check our Parking Guidelines for more information.

• Will University Commencement be canceled if it rains?

  No, the ceremony will take place rain or shine. Ponchos will be available for purchase from the Barnes & Noble at Rutgers concession stand behind section 115 if it rains. The event will be canceled in the event of lightning.

• Can I bring an infant or small child?

  Yes. Guests of all ages are encouraged to attend and celebrate our graduates.

• What if I have special mobility needs and am attending the ceremony?

  Special needs parking is available, but a hangtag is required and must be secured well in advance of the event by calling 848-932-2469.

  Depending on your arrival time at the stadium, you may have a distance to travel within the stadium itself to the next available special needs seat, and we want you to be aware of this prior to your arrival. We suggest you bring a wheelchair if walking a distance is a challenge.

  All of our transport buses are ADA compliant.

  Limited handicapped seating will be available at the stadium. The area is on the street level row of seating, as well as the row just below this level. When you arrive at the stadium, you will need to obtain tickets for these areas at the Special Needs Ticket Booth, located at sections 105 and 114, found just as you enter the stadium. Event staff personnel can assist you with locating the ticket booths when you arrive.

  Tickets are issued for the person with special needs and one companion on a first-come, first-served basis. To keep as many street level seats available as possible, we ask that if you are able to maneuver two stairs, please sit in the row just below the street level seating, which also requires a special needs ticket. General seating is available in the front of the special needs area for additional members of your party.

• Can we sit near or with our graduate?

  No. Graduates will be seated on the field, while guests will be seated throughout the stadium. Guest seating provides a great view of the entire field; however, guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure seats closest to the field.

• Are there sign language services?

  An American Sign Language interpreter will be projected on our Jumbotron.No. Graduating students must register online to receive parking hangtags specifically for Commencement for themselves and their guests.