Rutgers Nb Commencement Duration

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement is a big celebration for students receiving all degree types—undergraduate, graduate, and professional. The ceremony typically lasts 90 minutes and is held once a year, in May. The 258th Anniversary Commencement for the Class of 2024 was held on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at SHI Stadium, with gates opening at 8 a.m. and the ceremony starting promptly at 10 a.m.

The ceremony lasts 90 minutes

The Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement ceremony lasts 90 minutes. The day itself is a big celebration for students receiving all degree types—undergraduate, graduate, and professional. The ceremony is held annually in May, with the 258th Anniversary Commencement taking place on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at SHI Stadium.

The day is a significant and memorable milestone for graduates, with more than 30,000 people expected to attend. Gates open at 8 a.m., and graduates should report to the assembly area by 9 a.m., with the ceremony starting promptly at 10 a.m. It is important to allow ample time for parking and accessing SHI Stadium, as traffic will be heavy with the large number of attendees. Curbside drop-off is strictly prohibited, and specific parking passes are required.

The ceremony will include a procession and degree conferral, with graduates walking in a single file to their assigned seating area. During the ceremony, chancellors will read out school names and degrees offered, and graduates will have the chance to stand and show their school pride. The president will then confer the degrees, and the cannon will fire to mark this special moment.

The Rutgers Commencement is a highly anticipated event, celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating class. With a range of traditions, from ringing the Red Lion Bell to decorating graduation caps, the day is sure to be memorable for all attendees.

Gates open at 8 am

The commencement ceremony is scheduled to start promptly at 10 am, with graduates reporting to the assembly area at 9 am. This timing ensures that everyone is in place before the official proceedings commence. The ceremony itself will last approximately 90 minutes, concluding at 11:30 am. This duration accommodates the various rituals and traditions associated with the occasion.

Guests and graduates are advised to allocate sufficient time for parking and reaching SHI Stadium, where the ceremony takes place. Curbside drop-off is prohibited at the stadium, so guests must plan accordingly and follow the designated driving directions to access the parking lots. Once on campus, not all roads are open for access, so it is essential to follow the provided instructions.

To facilitate a smooth arrival process, graduates are able to register for up to two free parking hangtags in advance. This registration process opens in March 2024, and only the graduate can register using their NetID and password. Additionally, a complimentary commencement shuttle service is provided from the Livingston Campus and College Avenue Campus, with a drop-off point on Busch Campus. However, it is important to note that there is no shuttle service available from the Cook/Douglass Campus.

By planning ahead, arriving early, and following the provided instructions, guests and graduates can ensure a seamless commencement experience at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

Graduates should arrive by 9 am

Upon arrival, graduates should leave their guests to find seats and make their way to the south end of the stadium to the assembly area. Volunteers in red t-shirts will be on hand to provide directions. There will be bottles of water and restrooms available in the assembly area. Graduates will be directed to stand with their school; if you are graduating from more than one school, you can choose your preference.

Once in your school corral, you will receive your school's spirit maker. As you wait for the ceremony to begin, you can enjoy the shout-out videos. The ceremony will last 90 minutes, concluding at 11:30 am. After the ceremony, please prepare for shuttle bus lines and heavy traffic when leaving.

To make the most of your commencement experience, here are some additional tips:

• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking.
• Use sunscreen and bring sunglasses if needed.
• Place your parking hangtag in your vehicle and remind your guests to do the same.
• No outside food is allowed at the stadium, but some concessions will be open, and water will be provided in the assembly area.
• The SHI Stadium bag policy will be strictly enforced.
• Be sure to have your photo taken as you ring the Red Lion Bell to signify your departure from Rutgers.

The procession and degree conferral info is available online

The Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement ceremony is a significant event that brings together graduates, their families, and the university community to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class. The procession and degree conferral are essential components of the ceremony, and detailed information about them is available online for graduates and guests to review.

The procession is a structured and orderly process where graduates, organised by their respective schools, proceed to their assigned seating areas on the field. The Commencement Marshals play a crucial role in guiding the graduates to their designated seats, ensuring they are grouped by their academic units. It is important for graduates who wish to sit with friends to remain close together during this procession. The procession is a dignified and symbolic march that reflects the academic traditions of Rutgers University.

The degree conferral, on the other hand, is the moment when the university president officially confers the degrees upon the graduating class. This is a highly anticipated moment in the ceremony, signalled by the firing of the cannon. During the degree conferral, graduates are expected to stand and proudly display their school spirit, waving their school spirit makers as their school names and degrees are announced. This is a joyous occasion for graduates to celebrate their academic achievements with their peers.

The procession and degree conferral are integral parts of the commencement ceremony, and graduates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the details to ensure a smooth and memorable experience. The online resources provided by Rutgers University offer a comprehensive guide to the procession and degree conferral, ensuring that graduates and guests are well-informed and prepared for this momentous occasion.

The Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement ceremony is a significant event that brings together graduates, their families, and the university community to celebrate their academic achievements. The procession and degree conferral are essential components of the ceremony, symbolising the completion of their academic journey and the conferral of their hard-earned degrees.

Accessible seating is available

Rutgers University strives for its campus experiences to be universally designed and usable by all people to the greatest extent possible. The university complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative action, and providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Guests and graduates with disabilities or those requiring other accommodations are also encouraged to register for special-needs parking in advance. Online registration is required to access the special-needs parking lots. There are two special-needs parking zones: Scarlet Zone, the parking area next to stadium Gates A and B, and Livingston Orange Zone, near Jersey Mike's Arena. A shuttle bus is available for special-needs guests and one companion.

Rutgers does not supply assistive devices, so guests are required to bring their own. Walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters are permitted in SHI Stadium.

For questions related to special-needs accommodations at Commencement, please call (848) 932-2469 or email [email protected].

Frequently asked questions