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Commencement
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Celebrations & Commissioning

Celebrations are events that celebrate and recognize the diverse identities of graduates. 

Rutgers graduates who complete ROTC training are commissioned into their respective branch of the United States Military. 

Celebrations and Commissioning Dates

Be sure to check with the respective group or department for information. These events do not require a Commencement parking hangtag.

Rainbow Graduation
Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
Livingston Student Center

Rites of Passage

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
Jersey Mike's Arena 

Old Queens's Senior Reception

Thursday, May 14, 2026 
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
Old Queen's Quad 

Navy ROTC Commissioning

Tuesday, May 19, 2026
11:00 a.m. Commissioning ceremony
12:30 p.m. Reception
Battleship of New Jersey (Camden, NJ)

Army ROTC Commissioning

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
College Avenue Student Center, 
Multipurpose Room & Lounge 

Air Force ROTC Commissioning

Thursday, May 21, 2026
10:00 a.m. Commissioning ceremony
1:00 p.m. Reception
Rutgers Business School Auditorium