FAQ

Q: What is the Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement?

A: The Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement is where all degrees are officially conferred and the most significant academic event of the year.

Q: What happens during the Commencement ceremony at SHI Stadium?

A: Students from all schools process onto the field at SHI Stadium to celebrate their achievements in a grand ceremony rooted in centuries-old traditions. The event features a keynote speaker, the official conferral of degrees, the ringing of the Red Lion Bell, performances by the university's orchestra and choruses, cannon fire, and more.

Q: How long is the Commencement ceremony?

A: The Commencement ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes. Making it the perfect event for extended family.

Q: Can graduates participate in smaller, more personalized events?

A: Yes, graduates will also be invited to attend School Convocations, which are smaller ceremonies hosted by each school. These events include individual recognition by their Deans and a memorable stage-crossing moment.

Q: What is the date and time for my school’s convocation?

A: A schedule of school convocations can be found on the Convocations page. Your school will share more detailed information about your ceremony via email and on their website.

Q: I am a double major. Do I attend both school ceremonies?

A: Dual degree students may be invited to participate in multiple ceremonies, depending on the degrees and schools involved. Please consult with your academic advisor for specific guidance.

Q: What other celebrations and commissioning ceremonies are available for graduates?

A: In addition to Commencement, graduates may participate in Commissioning ceremonies and other celebrations, offering additional opportunities to honor their achievements in meaningful ways.

Q: How can graduates make the most of these celebrations?

A: By participating in Commencement, School Convocations, and other senior events, graduates can create lasting memories and enjoy their moment in the spotlight before departing their Alma Mater.

Q: How can I or my family watch the ceremony online?

A: The Commencement Livestream will be available on YouTube on Sunday, May 18. Share the link with family and friends so they can watch along and celebrate with you, wherever they are.

Q: Am I eligible to participate in Commencement and Convocations?

A: Eligibility to participate in Commencement and individual School Convocations can vary by school. We encourage all students to check with Degree Navigator or their school’s administration for specific eligibility requirements.

Important Notes:

• Students must be cleared of all financial obligations to participate in Commencement.
• Completing a diploma application does not automatically imply that all graduation requirements have been met. Your school will confirm whether you’ve fulfilled all academic obligations.

Q: When should I apply for graduation?

A: Deadlines vary based on your expected graduation date, so please check the timeline carefully. Students expecting to complete their degree requirements must apply for graduation by submitting a diploma application either online or as a hard copy if the deadline has been missed.

Important: Applying for a diploma does not confirm your eligibility to graduate; you must still ensure all academic requirements have been satisfied.

Q: When should I expect to receive my diploma?

A: Diplomas are typically printed and mailed to graduates 8-12 weeks after Commencement. In addition to the traditional paper diploma, Rutgers graduates have the option to order an official eDiploma—a digitally signed and certified PDF version of your diploma for quick and easy verification of your credentials.

eDiploma Details:

• Cost: One-time charge of $15.00
• Delivery: Within minutes of ordering
• Benefits: Accessible for life and can be shared as often as needed for professional purposes.

Q: How can I or a family member receive announcements and communications?

A: Stay informed! All official announcements from the Commencement Office, including important updates, can be found on this page. If you aren’t receiving our emails or want to add a guest to our Commencement Newsletter, please sign up here to ensure they stay in the loop.

Q: How do I get tickets?

A: The Commencement R.S.V.P. site will open from April 1 to April 30. Tickets will be available in your Scarlet Knights account once the R.S.V.P. site closes. An email will be sent to all eligible graduates when tickets are ready to download.

Q: How many tickets does each student get?

A: Undergraduate, Master, and PhD students will receive one (1) graduate ticket for themselves and six (6) guest tickets.

Q: Are tickets free? Can I get more than the allotted amount?

A: Tickets are free of charge. If you would like more than the allotted guest tickets, you will be able to request additional guest tickets during the RSVP process, or you can contact a fellow student who has unclaimed tickets and request a transfer to your account.

Ticket Details:

• Each ticket is NFC-enabled and can only be scanned once.
• Only receive tickets from a trustworthy source, such as a friend who transfers tickets directly to you.

Parking for Commencement

With over 30,000 people expected to attend Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health, traffic will be extremely heavy across Piscataway and New Brunswick campuses. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for parking and accessing SHI Stadium.

Q: Do I need a parking pass for Commencement?

A: Yes, a Commencement digital parking pass is required to park on campus. Regular parking permits issued by the Rutgers Department of Transportation Services are not valid on Commencement Day. Parking zones will be assigned based on your registration when obtaining parking passes. Please note that some areas of the Blue Zone on Busch Campus are grass lots and may be muddy.

Q: How do I get a Commencement parking pass?

A: Graduates can claim up to two (2) free parking passes for Commencement. These will be available to claim on the R.S.V.P. and Parking Registration site. Be sure to claim yours early to secure passes in your preferred zone. 

Q: How do I claim my parking passes for Commencement?

A: Your digital parking passes will be available on your Scarlet Knights Athletics Account once R.S.V.P. closes. Expect your passes to be available the first week of May. Remember to add/download these passes to your digital wallet before Commencement Day.

Q: Will there be shuttle services to SHI Stadium?

A: Yes, Rutgers offers a complimentary Commencement shuttle service to help guests reach SHI Stadium. Shuttles will run from the Livingston Campus and College Avenue Campus, with drop-offs at Busch Campus near the stadium. Please note that no shuttle service from the Cook/Douglass Campus will be provided, so plan accordingly if you are parking there.

Q: Can I drop off family members at SHI Stadium?

A: No, curbside drop-off is strictly prohibited at SHI Stadium on Busch Campus. All guests must arrive at the stadium via the parking lots or shuttle services. Please plan for your family and guests to enter the stadium together.

Rutgers University is committed to ensuring all graduates, families, and guests can fully participate in Commencement activities. Below is important information regarding accessible parking, accessible seating, and accommodations.

Q: How can I register for accessible parking?

A: Guests and graduates who cannot walk ½ mile or more are encouraged to register for accessible parking during the R.S.V.P. process. This service is available to anyone with mobility challenges, and advanced online registration is required to access the designated accessible parking lots. Registration will provide access to a specific lot near the stadium, not a specific parking spot. Accessible Parking Pass registration will remain open until April 30 or until the maximum number of spaces are issued. The digital accessible parking pass must be downloaded via the Scarlet Knights account before Commencement Day. Parking attendants will need to view this pass in order to access the lot.

Q: Does Rutgers provide wheelchairs?

A: No, Rutgers does not provide wheelchairs or other assistive devices. If you need an assistive device, you must bring it with you.

Q: Is there accessible seating?

A: Yes, accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis at SHI Stadium. These seats are located at street level around the entire lower bowl of SHI Stadium, making them convenient and accessible for guests with mobility needs.

Q: Where can I find more information about accessibility?

A: For more detailed information on accessibility services, please visit our Accessibility webpage. If you require additional accommodation not listed, please contact the Commencement Office at commencement@rutgers.edu or call (848) 932-2469.

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

If you need 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.

Q: Do I grant Rutgers the right to use my image during Commencement?

A: Yes, 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. If you do not want your image taken, please inform our photographer or videographer before or during the event.

Q: How can I invite my family overseas?

A: Rutgers-NB graduates who wish to invite a family member 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 that the form requires login via a NetID and password. Rutgers Health graduates should contact the Registrar's Office at their 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.