259th Anniversary Commencement
The big celebration. Degrees are officially conferred upon graduates from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health.
Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement
Class of 2025
Save the Date!
Sunday, May 18
10 a.m.
SHI Stadium
Join us for the 259th Anniversary Commencement at Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at SHI Stadium. The ceremony will include the official conferring of degrees upon graduates and honorary degree recipients.
In addition, partake in the school-based convocation ceremonies designed to complement the commencement ceremony. Here, undergraduate and graduate students are individually recognized in the presence of the dean and peers.
All Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health graduates and their guests are invited to make the most of graduation by attending both the commencement and convocation ceremonies. See you at these momentous events!
Ceremonies & Celebrations
Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health host Commencement and school-based Convocation ceremonies annually in May. Most students who received or expect to receive degrees in August 2024, October 2024, January 2025, May 2025, or August 2025 are eligible to participate in the May 2025 ceremonies. However, eligibility may vary by school. For specific requirements, contact your school directly.
School Convocations
Graduates have their stage crossing moment and receive individual recognition at these ceremonies.
Click here for more information.
Celebrations and Commissioning
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.
Click here for more information.
Shout Out Filming
Shout Outs 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!
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
Filming Dates:
- 🎓 Grad Fair: Wednesday, April 2, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Rutgers Career Exploration and Success office, 106 Somerset Street.
- 🌭 Hot Dog Day: Wednesday, April 17, 2-5 p.m., Graduate Student Lounge "Morrell St.", College Avenue Student Center.
- ☀️ Rutgers Day: Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Scott Hall, Room 135 on Voorheess Mall, College Avenue Campus.
Purchase Academic Regalia
Academic regalia – consisting of cap, gown, and hood – is required to be worn by graduates planning on attending Commencement and school Convocations. Regalia is now available for online purchase.
Grad Fair will be held at Barnes & Noble on April 2 - 3 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Attend to purchase regalia in-store.
Visit Steps to Commencement for more information!
Rutgers–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health graduates: Last day to order online is Friday, March 28.
Save the Date
Get ready to mark your calendars and don your caps and gowns because the moment we've all been waiting for is just a few months away!
Get Email Updates
Sign up for email updates regarding Rutgers–New Brunswick & Rutgers Health Commencement.
Information will be shared throughout the Spring Semester.
And don't forget to follow us on our social media channels! @rucommencement
Multiple Ways to Celebrate Your Graduation
What is the difference between Commencement and Convocations?
At Rutgers, all schools come together at Commencement—the biggest academic celebration of the year at SHI Stadium—where degrees will be officially conferred upon the graduates. Graduates are also invited to participate in their school's convocation ceremony (such as the School of Engineering or School of Arts and Sciences), where graduates cross the stage and receive individual recognition. Plus, there are many other celebrations throughout May that you can join in on!
Take a Look Back at 2024 Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement
Additional Ceremonies in Newark and Camden
Please visit the websites of Rutgers University–Newark and Rutgers University–Camden for information on the Class of 2024 Commencements and Convocations.