FAQ

The Ceremonies

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement, the big celebration for students receiving all degree types—undergraduate, graduate, and professional, is held in May of each year.

School convocations are ceremonies with their own distinct traditions, including individual recognition of each graduate. School convocation locations, dates and times will be available soon. 

Watch the interactive video on the differences between Commencement and School Convocations. 

Rutgers–Newark and Rutgers–Camden each host commencement festivities at their respective locations.

Ticket Information

Tickets are not required to attend Commencement. Graduates can bring an unlimited amount of guests. Convocations may require tickets for entry. Check with your school for more information.

Eligibility

Rutgers University hosts graduation ceremonies in May only. Eligibility to participate in the May 12, 2024 Rutgers–New Brunswick & Rutgers Health Commencement and convocations varies by school. Check with your school for information regarding eligibility. Students must also have been cleared of all financial obligations.

Please contact the Undergraduate Registrar’s Office with any questions. Please note that completion of a diploma application does not imply that graduation requirements have been met.

Academics

Important Graduation Information—Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students who anticipate completing October 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 degree requirements must apply for graduation by submitting a diploma application online or a hard copy if the deadline has been missed. The deadline varies by graduation date. Submit diploma application questions to the One Stop Student Services Center. Please note that completion of a diploma application does not imply that graduation requirements have been met.

Who qualifies for Special Needs Parking?
Guests and graduates who are unable to walk 1/2 mile or more, for any reason, are encouraged to register for special needs parking. Advance online registration is required to access the special needs parking lots. 

When will Special Needs Parking registration be available? 

Registration will open in February. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter for up-to-date information and when registration is open. 

Do you provide wheelchairs?

No, Rutgers does supply assistive devices. If you need a device you must bring it with you.

Is there accessible seating?

Yes, accessible seating is located street level around the entire lower bowl of SHI Stadium and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where can I find more information about Accessibility?

Please visit the Accessibility webpage for detailed information.

Rutgers University strives for our campus experiences to be universally designed and useable by all people to the extent possible. If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Commencement Office at commencement@rutgers.edu or call (848) 932-2469.

If you need an accommodation for Commencement, please provide the name of the event; the date; and the accommodation required in your correspondence to the event organizer.

Rutgers University complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative action, and providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Understand what to expect on the day of Commencement and check out our YouTube video to prepare for the celebration.

With more than 30,000 people expected on our campuses in Piscataway and New Brunswick for Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement traffic will be heavy. Please allow ample time for parking and accessing SHI Stadium. 

Curbside drop-off is strictly prohibited at SHI Stadium. Please plan accordingly. Follow the driving directions provided in the parking mailing to access parking lots. Once on campus, all roads are not open. 

Gates open at 8 a.m., graduates should report to the assembly area beginning at 9 a.m., and the ceremony will start promptly at 10 a.m. The procession and degree conferral information is available on the Steps to Commencement page. The ceremony will last 90 minutes and conclude at 11:30 a.m. Please prepare for shuttle bus lines and heavy traffic upon leaving.

Rutgers 258th Anniversary Commencement offers accessible seating and interpretation services for guests with hearing disabilities. Visit the Accessibility page for more information. 

The Commencement live stream will be available starting at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 12. 

With more than 30,000 people expected on the campuses in Piscataway and New Brunswick Commencement on Sunday, May 12, 2024, traffic will be heavy.

Allow ample time for parking and accessing SHI Stadium.

How do I park at Commencement? Do I need a parking pass?

Commencement parking passes are required to park on campus. Parking passes issued by Rutgers Department of Transportation Services are not valid on Commencement Day. See the information below for the various parking zones.

How do I get a Commencement parking pass?

Graduates are able to register for up to two free parking hangtags. Registration for student parking registration will open in March 2024. Note: only the graduate can register with their NetID and password.

How do I get from the other campuses to SHI Stadium?

Complementary Commencement shuttle service is offered from Livingston Campus and College Avenue Campus with drop off on Busch Campus. No shuttle service will be offered from Cook/Douglass Campus. 

Can I drop off family members at SHI Stadium and then go park?

No, there is no curbside drop-off at SHI Stadium on Busch Campus. 

By attending Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement, you grant Rutgers all rights to use photographs and videos taken at the event in any medium and for all purposes that support the mission of the university. Please let our photographer or videographer know if you do not want your image taken.

Rutgers-NB graduates who wish to invite a member of their family to come to the United States on a B-2 visitor visa are encouraged to request a Commencement Invite Request Form from the Rutgers registrar's office. Submit the form online. Please note the form requires login via a NetID and password.

Rutgers Health graduates, please contact the Registrar's office at your school of enrollment for details on graduation invitation letters. 

For Academic requirements, please contact your academic advisor or your school’s dean’s office.

For Rutgers–New Brunswick & Rutgers Health Commencement information not found on this website, please send an email to commencement@rutgers.edu, or call 848-932-2469.