When and where is the commencement ceremony?
Commencement Exercises will take place at The Izod Center (formerly Continental Airlines Arena), East Rutherford on Monday, May 12, 2008. Walking at this ceremony is optional. The procession begins at 10:45 a.m., with the formal ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at approximately 1 p.m.
Do I need tickets for my family/friends who are attending Commencement?
An unlimited number of guests may attend Commencement and all Commencement-related events. Tickets are not required. You will receive a number of souvenir invitations in your commencement packet.
What about caps & gowns?
Academic attire is ordered in mass quantities to facilitate the many sizes needed for the entire graduating class. Students with special sizing requirements should send an e-mail to registrar@shu.edu with specifics including name, student I.D. number and contact information.
Academic attire is available for pick up in the Graduate Lounge of Duffy Hall on the following dates:
- Tuesday, April 29, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 1, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 7, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (walkers must pick-up on this date)
Students who are degree candidates as of August 2007, December 2007 or May 2008 and all faculty members may pick up their attire on any of these dates.
Doctoral graduates may pick up their attire on Tuesday, May 6 from 10:00 a.m.– noon and 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Office of the Registrar, Bayley Hall.
Undergraduates who have been approved to 'walk' in anticipation of the completion of their degree requirements in Summer/Fall 2008 must pick up their attire on May 7.
How much is the cap & gown rental fee?
There is no charge for the rental of academic attire.
What do I do with my academic attire after Commencement?
Immediately following Commencement, all attire (cap, gown and hood) must be deposited in front of the IZOD Center in the designated areas. Doctoral candidates must return their academic attire to the Office of the Registrar within one week after the ceremony.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be available by late July for mailing or in-person pick up.
If you have elected to pick up your diploma in person, please come to the Office of the Registrar in Bayley Hall. Remember to bring identification with you when picking up your diploma. Diplomas will not be released without identification of the recipient. If someone else is picking up your diploma for you, you must give him or her a signed authorization indicating that you are giving permission to have your diploma picked up. Without the authorization, diplomas will not be released.
Diplomas will not be released to any student who has an outstanding financial obligation to the University.
Is transportation provided for students to the Meadowlands?
A bus will depart from campus at 7:30 a.m. from in front of the Recreation Center for the Meadowlands. The bus will return to campus immediately following the ceremony, leaving the Meadowlands at approximately 1 p.m.
To reserve a seat on the commencement bus, please call Linda Walter at (973) 313-6003.
Where do I or my guests park at the IZOD Center?
Free parking is available at the IZOD Center in the parking deck and in the adjacent lots. Plan to arrive well in advance of procession time. Latecomers may need to park in the Giants Stadium lot; you will then need to walk or take the shuttle bus to the arena. Handicapped parking is available on the ground floor of the parking deck in lot 23 in front of the arena; these spaces require handicapped plates or DMV handicapped placard. Limited handicapped parking is also available in lots 21 and 22. IZOD Center parking attendants will be directing traffic and will direct those requiring handicapped parking.
Where do I sit during Commencement?
Students walk into the arena in groups by degree. Students may refer to the seating chart that they receive in their packet. (The packet is distributed with academic attire.)
If you would like to sit with your friends, walk in back or in front of them. Do not stand beside them, as the lines will split.
I need information about college-related events.
For information about college-related events, please contact the following:
- Arts and Sciences – Patricia Pitts, (973) 761-9430
- College of Education and Human Services – Mayra Colon, (973) 761-9025
- College of Nursing – Natalie Rinder, (973) 761-9306
- Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology – Kris Hudak, (973) 761-9633
- School of Graduate Medical Education – Nita Blaszka, (973) 275-2031
- Stillman School of Business – Leigh Onimus, (973) 313-6058
- Whitehead School of Diplomacy – Catherine Ruby, (973) 275-2142
What if I need disability accommodations at graduation related events?
We encourage students or guests who need accommodations to notify the Office of Disability Support Services at (973) 313-6003 at least two weeks in advance of the event. If the office is not contacted in a timely fashion, we cannot guarantee that the requested accommodations will be available. Individuals should bring their own or rented wheel chairs or walkers, if they have limited mobility. Wheel chairs and other such devices will not be provided by the University.
Will there be sign language interpreters at graduation?
Yes. Sign language interpreters (ASL) will be available in section 111 of the IZOD Center. It is being reserved for those with hearing impairments only. If you are in need of interpreter accommodations, please report directly to that area.
If you are in need of interpreters for any other graduation event on campus, please call the DSS office at 973-313-6003 at least two weeks prior to the event. If you do not adhere to that timeline, we cannot guarantee that this accommodation will be made.
Is handicapped seating available at the IZOD Center? Where?
Handicapped seating is available for guests in sections 105 through 125, accessible by gates A or D. Handicapped parking is also available in lot 21 and 23, located near the elevators by the box office entrance.
Is the Bookstore open? What time?
The University Bookstore, located in Duffy Hall, will be open on Sunday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
How long after Commencement can I stay in my residence hall?
Graduating resident students must check out of their rooms by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13.
