Volunteer Opportunities

• Organize and assist deans, faculty members and graduates in finding their line-up location
• Manage the procession of attendees out of the assembly area, located beneath the stadium's south end, to the field.
• After the procession, ambassadors clean up the marshaling area take estimates of remaining items and log quantities.
• Procession Ambassadors should be able to give clear instructions, be organized, and able to stand and walk for a good portion of the day. Individuals should also be comfortable working in a crowded area.

* Training and Continental breakfast is provided.

Role is needed from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

• Assist the individuals receiving honorary doctoral degrees and their guests prior to and during the ceremony.  
• Greet the honorees upon their arrival, assist with their academic regalia, provide for any special requests, and assist them once the ceremony has ended.  
• Must be comfortable speaking with people and able to stand for periods of time. 

* Training and Continental breakfast is provided.

Role is needed from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 

• Welcome Ambassadors are the lifeline for graduates and guests on Commencement day. Ambassadors help to answer questions, direct graduates and guests to their proper places, as well as answer questions about the stadium and ceremony. 
• Ambassadors are expected to exercise their voice to actively direct graduates to the assembly area, which is on the field level in the south end of the stadium.
• Welcome Ambassadors are stationed throughout the Stadium and the surrounding plazas to help everyone enjoy their time at Commencement. Assist our guests with accessibility issues and direct them to accessible seating.  
• Should be comfortable talking with people, willing to take initiative in directing crowds, and able to stand and walk for a good portion of the day. 

* Training and Continental breakfast is provided.

Role is needed from 7:00 a.m. – until 11:30 a.m.
 

• Help the members of the Platform Party (governing boards, administration, deans, special guests, etc.) throughout the day.
• Roles are assigned by staff lead and/or captains.
• Set the platform accordingly with commencement binders and packets as well as other important items.
• Assist as the platform party arrives for a pre-ceremony meal, including check-in at door, with the donning of their academic regalia, and processing onto the main stage for the ceremony.
• Following the ceremony, the Ambassadors will help collect and organize all regalia and any other material from the platform and Brown Recruiting Pavilion such as binders, umbrellas, and ponchos.
• This role is expected to be organized, efficient.

* Training and Continental breakfast is provided.

Role is needed from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
 

• Organize and register the volunteers as they arrive at the stadium and check-out at the end of each shift.
• Must be punctual and able to manage people in a friendly and organized manner.
• Help the check-in and check-out process run as smoothly as possible.
• Must be able to stand for periods of time.

* Training and Continental breakfast is provided.

Role is needed from 6:15 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

• Help to prepare the stadium for the ceremony.
• Should be willing and able to climb stadium stairs, move boxes of supplies, carry tables and chairs, and lift items up to 25 lbs.
• Volunteers may select a setup role, which occurs in the days leading up to the event, and a role on the day of the event if they wish.     

* Light breakfast is provided.

Role is needed Friday, May 16, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Recognition: Receive public acknowledgment and appreciation for your dedication as a Commencement Ambassador, both during the event and on our website.
• Certified Community Service Hours: Earn community service hours that you can use toward personal or professional development.
• Commemorative Swag: Take home exclusive Rutgers University Commencement Ambassador merchandise as a token of our gratitude.
• Special Prizes: Entry into a volunteer raffle to win exclusive prizes.
• Networking Opportunities: Access a network of like-minded individuals and potential mentors, enhancing your personal and professional development.
• Exclusive Reception: Invitation to an exclusive volunteer reception after Commencement.
• Memorable Experience: Create lasting memories and be part of a team that contributes to the success of an event cherished by thousands.

Commencement Marshals:

• Responsible for moving our faculty and graduates from the marshaling area at the stadium out onto the field and into their seats.
• Keep the graduates moving along swiftly and safely to their seats.

It is a tremendous honor to be "up close and personal" when our newest graduates see thousands of people cheering for them and their accomplishments. Since there is no rehearsal for Commencement, it is only through the efforts of the Commencement Marshals that this pageantry is completed.

Marshals are required to wear academic regalia, which is provided unless the Marshal has their own. Marshals must be at least 21 years old. Faculty or Staff can register for the role.

Commencement is a rain-or-shine event. Marshals should expect to work in all kinds of weather (except for lighting).

* Training, Continental breakfast, and Reserved Parking near the stadium is provided.

This role is needed from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Recognition: Receive public acknowledgment and appreciation for your dedication as a Commencement Ambassador, both during the event and on our website.
• Commemorative Gift: Take home an exclusive Rutgers University Commencement gift as a token of our gratitude.
• Networking Opportunities: Access a network of like-minded individuals and potential mentors, enhancing your personal and professional development.
• Academic Regalia Rental: Rentals will be provided for all Marshals participating in the procession.
• Exclusive Reception: Invitation to exclusive volunteer reception hosted by Rutgers University President.
• Memorable Experience: Create lasting memories and be part of a team that contributes to the success of an event cherished by thousands.

• Celebrate Success: Be at the heart of one of the most significant milestones in a student's life, contributing to the joy and success of Rutgers graduates.
• Build Connections: Network with fellow volunteers, university staff, and attendees, fostering meaningful connections and expanding your social and professional circles.
• Exclusive Access: Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the commencement ceremony and related events, gaining a unique perspective on the inner workings of this grand celebration.
• Show Your Scarlet Pride: Proudly represent Rutgers University, showcasing your school spirit and commitment to fostering a positive and uplifting atmosphere for graduates and their families.

• Recognition: Receive public acknowledgment and appreciation for your dedication as a Commencement Ambassador, both during the event and on our website.
• Certified Community Service Hours: Earn community service hours that you can use toward personal or professional development.
• Commemorative Swag: Take home exclusive Rutgers University Commencement Ambassador merchandise as a token of our gratitude.
• Special Prizes: Entry into a volunteer raffle to win exclusive prizes.
• Networking Opportunities: Access a network of like-minded individuals and potential mentors, enhancing your personal and professional development.
• Exclusive Reception: Invitation to an exclusive volunteer reception hosted by Rutgers University President.
• Memorable Experience: Create lasting memories and be part of a team that contributes to the success of an event cherished by thousands.

Ambassadors are able to select from a variety of roles, each of which has their own specific responsibilities. All roles and responsibilities are listed on the Ambassadors & Marshals page. Volunteers will be notified two weeks after the registration of their volunteer role for Commencement. 

In general, Ambassadors and Marshals should:

• Make graduates and guests feel welcome and appreciated. 
• Be attentive to your position at your designated location.
• Report in appropriate attire, on time, and ready to work. There could be traffic, please plan accordingly.

Unless otherwise specified by Commencement staff, all Ambassadors must wear the Ambassador T-shirt provided at training, along with dark pants and comfortable sneakers or shoes. Marshals must wear academic regalia.

While training is not mandatory it is an essential part of knowing and executing your volunteer role. At training, you receive your volunteer manual, parking hangtag, ambassador t-shirt, and volunteer gift. You will meet your Ambassador Captain, tour the stadium to understand your role and responsibilities better.

Ambassador training will be held on the following days and times:

• Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 8, 2025, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Trainings are held on the P2 Party Deck South at SHI Stadium.

If you are unable to make either Ambassador training session, a Zoom training will be available at a later date.

Digital parking passes are distributed via email and will note which zone you can park in, along with available lots. 

Ambassadors should report at their given call time to the P2 Party Deck South. You can take the stairs by the Media Gate or the elevator up two levels to P2 to sign in.

Marshals should report to the P1 Party Deck South. Take the stairs by the Media Gate or the elevator up one level to P1 to sign in.