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Commencement
  • Rutgers–New Brunswick & Rutgers Health Commencement

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement 

Class of 2025
Save the Date
Sunday, May 18
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. President Jonathan Holloway will preside over the ceremony, officially conferring degrees to graduates and honorary recipients. 

In addition, partake in the school-based Convocation ceremonies designed to compliment the main Commencement ceremony. Here, undergraduate and graduate students are individually recognized alongside Dean and peers. 

All students affiliated with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health graduates and their guests, are invited to make the most of this celebratory occasion by attending both the Commencement and Convocation ceremonies. See you there!

Tickets and new security procedures will be in place for the 2025 ceremony.
Check back for details.

Call for May 2025 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Nominations

We are now accepting Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree nominations for the 2025 Commencement ceremonies for Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health, Rutgers University–Newark, and Rutgers University–Camden. Nominations for the May 2025 ceremonies will be accepted until October 31, 2024.

Ceremonies & Celebrations

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health hold Commencement and school-based Convocation ceremonies once a year, in May. Most students who expect to receive degrees in October 2024, January 2025, May 2025, or August 2025 are eligible to participate in the May 2025 Commencement and school convocation events, but it varies by school. Contact your school directly if you have questions.

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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 

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This image features a smiling graduate in a red Rutgers graduation gown holding a kente stole and a necklace. The background is predominantly red, with the large text "Multiple Ways to Celebrate Your Graduation" in bold yellow and white.

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—to officially receive their degrees. You’ll also get to participate in your School Convocation (like the School of Engineering or School of Arts and Sciences), where you 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

Proud Rutgers graduates

Roy Groething

The Class of 2024 enters the field at SHI Stadium at the start of Rutgers 258th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University

Rutgers graduate proudly waves the Mexican flag

Roy Groething

President Jonathan S. Holloway addresses the Class of 2024 at Rutgers 258th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University

Big smiles on Commencement day

Roy Groething

President emeritus of University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Freeman Hrabowski addresses the Class of 2024 at Rutgers 258th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University

Not even the rain can put a damper on the celebration

Roy Groething

Jelani Cobb, dean of the Columbia Journalism School and award-winning author, documentary producer, and New Yorker writer who received his master’s degree and doctorate in American History from Rutgers, receives an honorary doctor of letters degree from Rutgers University at its 258th Commencement on May 12, 2024.

Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University

William Best, chair of the Rutgers Board of Governors and senior vice president at PNC Bank, receives an honorary doctor of laws degree at Rutgers' 258th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Rutgers University Student Assembly Vice President Aarushi Fernandez delivers remarks at Rutgers’ 258th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University

Processing onto the field at SHI Stadium

Roy Groething

The Class of 2024 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 258th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University

Commencement is an event that will be cherished by the graduates forever

Roy Groething

Hana Patel (School of Arts and Sciences), Hiba Shahid (School of Arts and Sciences and Bloustein School), and Libah Farooqi (Rutgers Business School) celebrate in the assembly area at the 258th Anniversary Commencement ceremonies for Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health class of 2024.

Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University

Sharing a laugh at Commencement

Roy Groething