Steps to Commencement for Graduating Students
All your Commencement needs, all in one place
Follow our steps to Rutgers University Commencement on Sunday, May 16, 2021 below:
- Step 1: Academics
- Step 2: Clear Any Outstanding Financial Obligations
- Step 3: Academic Regalia
- Step 4: Invite Your Guests
- Step 5: Don't Miss Out on the Fun
- Step 6: Stay In-the-Know: Keep Up with University Commencement News and Social Media
- More steps to come as plans for the 2021 ceremony unfold!
Learn more about each step below.
Step 1: Academics
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 school’s academic adviser immediately.
- Students in Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Schools: 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. At that time, you can confirm the name you would like displayed on your diploma and that the correct permanent mailing address is on file so that you receive your diploma after graduation.
- Confirm that you are classified to complete your degree during the correct month and year.
Mid-year degree recipients can attend the Commencement celebration in May.
- Most students who expect to receive degrees in October 2020, January 2021, May 2021, or August 2021 are eligible to participate in the May 2021 school convocation and Commencement events, but it varies by school. Contact your school directly if you have questions.
Step 2: CLEAR ANY OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
All financial obligations to the university must be cleared before you can receive your diploma.
- Items borrowed from the Rutgers University Libraries must be returned or accounted for, and any outstanding financial obligations, such as parking tickets, must be cleared.
- To learn more about financial holds and loan exit counseling, visit the Student Accounting, Billing, and Cashier Services website.
Step 3: PURCHASE ACADEMIC REGALIA
All students are able to purchase academic regalia, consisting of cap, gown, and hood, through Barnes and Noble at Rutgers. Information on the purchasing of regalia will be available in the coming months. Please check back.
Step 4: INVITE YOUR GUESTS
It is time to celebrate your accomplishments! Announcements for University Commencement and school convocations will be available in the spring. Download and send the Save the Date reminder to your family and friends so that they can share in the excitement.
Step 5: DON'T MISS OUT ON THE FUN
You've worked hard and it’s time to celebrate your accomplishment! More information will be available soon.
Step 6: STAY IN-THE-KNOW: KEEP UP WITH UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT NEWS AND SOCIAL MEDIA
- Check our website frequently and also sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest information.
- Follow University Commencement @RUCommencement on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. #RU2021
