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Commencement
Steps to Commencement graphic

Steps to Commencement

Congratulations Class of 2023

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Commencement will be held Sunday, May 14, 2023. 

Accordion Content

  • Stay in communication with your school. 

    • Rutgers University­–New Brunswick Students: Log in to Degree Navigator, or other degree auditing tools, to ensure you are on track to complete your degree. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact your academic adviser immediately.
    • Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Schools Students: Contact your dean’s office directly for graduation requirements.

    Complete the Online Diploma Application and confirm your graduation date. 

    • Rutgers–New Brunswick Students: You must complete an Online Diploma Application with the Office of the Registrar. Confirm the name you would like displayed on your diploma and the correct permanent mailing address is on file so that you receive your diploma after graduation. Diploma's are mailed from the Office of the Registrar two to three months after Commencement.
    • Confirm that you are classified to complete your degree during the correct month and year.

    Mid-year degree recipients can attend the RU–NB & RBHS Commencement ceremony in May.

    Most students who expect to receive degrees in October 2022, January 2023, May 2023, or August 2023 are eligible to participate in the May 2023 school-based convocations and Commencement events. This may vary by school. Contact your school directly with questions.

  • Commencement parking hangtags are required for all New Brunswick and Piscataway campus lots on the day of Commencement. Permits issued by Rutgers DoT are not valid on Commencement Day. 

    • Registration will open on March 20, 2023, at 10 a.m., and will continue through April 17 at 10 a.m. Registered graduating students will receive two free parking hangtags —and remaining hangtags will be sold at a later date. Early registration is recommended.
    • Special Needs Parking will open in February and is available for guests and graduates with disabilities and those who are unable to walk ½ mile or more. Early registration is recommended.
  • All financial obligations to the university must be cleared before you can receive your diploma.

  • All students who plan to participate on the field at the stadium during the 257th Anniversary Commencement and in school-based Convocation ceremonies must wear academic regalia, consisting of cap, gown, and hood. Academic regalia is provided through Barnes & Noble at Rutgers.

    Rutgers–New Brunswick

    • Order by April 17 for ship to home. Allow 3 weeks for shipping.
    • Purchase in the store starting April 5, 2023.

    Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences

    • Order online by April 17 for ship to home. Allow 3 weeks for shipping.

    Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

    • Order by April 17 for ship to home. Allow 3 weeks for shipping.

    Grad Fair will be held at Barnes & Noble on April 5 & 6 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Join in the festivities, come for a complimentary professional headshot, and meet with representatives for purchasing class rings, diploma frames, personalized announcements and more!

    Honor society cords are distributed through the Dean's office of the school from which you are graduating. Information will be sent to students who are eligible for honor cords. Other recognition cords and stoles are available through specific departments or groups. 

    Please note: Academic regalia will NOT be sold at the stadium. Please plan ahead. 

  • No tickets are needed for Commencement! 

    • Download and share the Commencement Save the Date with family and friends.
    • Download and share the official Commencement Invitation.
    • Your school may provide digital or printed convocation announcements. Please visit the School Convocation page to link to your school's website.
    • Personalized announcements may be ordered through Herff Jones, Inc.
  • You've worked hard and it’s time to celebrate your accomplishment! 

    Film Your Shout Out! Say Thank You: Record a shout-out to the people that have supported you throughout your college career—it will appear on the stadium video board at Commencement! 

    Filming dates and times are as follows:

    Grad Fair: April 5 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
    106 Somerset Street (Next to Barnes & Noble), 4th Floor, New Brunswick

    Hot Dog Day: April 26 2-5 p.m.
    Graduate Student Lounge, College Avenue Student Center

    Rutgers Day: April 29 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Scott Hall on Voorhees Mall, College Avenue Campus

    Senior Portraits: Lors Photography is offering Senior Portrait Sessions at the College Avenue Student Center. Seniors were sent an email from Lors with details and links to book portrait sessions. If you did not receive an email, please email customerservices@lorsstudio.com or call 908-964-3040. *Please note: Graduates receive a free sitting only.

    Share Your Next Steps: Complete the survey from the Career Exploration and Success office about your post-graduation plans for your chance to be entered into a raffle to win your choice of Apple Air Pods or a $100 Amazon gift card!

  • Detailed information for attending the 257th Anniversary Commencement will be available in the Spring of 2023.

Purchase Regalia Today!

All students who plan to participate on the field at the stadium during the 257th Anniversary Commencement and in school-based Convocation ceremonies must wear academic regalia, consisting of cap, gown, and hood. Academic regalia is provided through Barnes & Noble at Rutgers.

Order online by April 17 for ship to home. Allow 3 weeks for shipping.

Dancing grad sparkle red background

Shout Out Filming

Shout Out's are a fun way to say thank you to the people that have supported you throughout your college career—it will appear on the stadium video board at Commencement!

Join us:

Grad Fair

  • April 5 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
  • 106 Somerset Street, Next to Barnes & Noble, 4th Floor, New Brunswick

Hot Dog Day

  • April 26 2-5 p.m.
  • Graduate Student Lounge, College Avenue Student Center

Rutgers Day

  • April 29 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Scott Hall on Voorhees Mall, College Avenue Campus
Scarlet Knight Filming Shout Out

Grad Fair

Grad Fair will take place, April 5 and 6, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Barnes & Noble at Rutgers. Caps and gowns will be available for purchase. Visit with representative and see a selection of class rings, personalized announcements, diploma frames, and much more. 

Stop by 106 Somerset Street, right next to Barnes & Noble, and head to the 4th floor anytime 12 p.m.-4p.m., to record your Shout Out! It will be featured on the video board in the stadium at Commencement!

Barnes and Noble bookstore

Commencement vs. Convocation: What's the Difference

Commencement vs Convocation what's the difference, image of President Holloway in regalia, stars and diploma

Commencement vs. Convocation: What's the Difference

Rutgers Commencement Traditions