Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the commencement ceremony?
The Baccalaureate Commencement ceremony will take place at the Prudential Center at 165 Mulberry Street in Newark, New Jersey on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 9 a.m. Information about when doors open for students and guests will be communicated closer to the date.
Separate graduate ceremonies will take place in various locations both on and off the South Orange Campus.
Do I need tickets for my family/friends who are attending Commencement?
An unlimited number of guests may attend the Baccalaureate Commencement Ceremony at the Prudential Center. Tickets are not required, and seating is on a first come, first served basis.
Some graduate commencement ceremonies limit the number of guests; graduate degree candidates will receive this information from their college.
Students planning to attend the Mass of Celebration for the Class of 2023, and/or the President’s Reception must RSVP online by Wednesday, May 17.
What about caps and gowns?
Academic attire for undergraduate and graduate students has been ordered; no individual measurements are needed in advance. Students with special sizing requirements should send an e-mail in advance of attire distribution to [email protected] with specifics including name, student I.D. number and contact information.
Academic attire for undergraduate and graduate (not doctoral) students will be distributed in Bethany Hall B-C during the following periods:
Cap & Gown Pick-Up – Bachelor/Master Degree Candidates:
- Thursday, May 11, 2023: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday, May 12, 2023: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 16, 2023: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
No advanced measurements needed.
Doctoral students will be contacted directly by the Office of the Registrar regarding pick-up of their academic attire.
How much is the cap and 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 baccalaureate graduates must return their gown at the designated areas at the Prudential Center. Students may retain their cap/tassel and Stole of Gratitude.
Master and Ed. S. graduates will return their gown and hood at the drop-off locations at their ceremony site. They may retain their caps but must return their gowns and hoods. 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 mid-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.
Where do I or my guests park at the Prudential Center?
The Prudential Center offers pre-paid parking: https://app.parkmobile.io/venue/prudential-center/events
More parking information is available on the Prudential Center's website: https://prucenter.com/parking
When should I plan to arrive for graduation?
Prudential Center doors will open for graduates and guests at 8 a.m.
Students should arrive at the arena by 8:15 a.m. to begin assembling for the procession, which begins at 9 a.m. Students will enter the arena through the through the Practice Rink doors (about 50ft from the M&M tower, located on the southeast corner of the Prudential Center at Mulberry Street and Lafayette Street).
Students will assemble in separate locations by college and degree. Locations are marked by sign; faculty marshals and University personnel will assist you.
When should my guests plan to arrive for graduation?
Prudential Center doors will open for graduates and guests at 8:00 a.m. Guests should arrive at the arena by 8:45 a.m.
Guests may enter the arena through the Citizen’s Tower on the northeast corner of the Prudential Center at Mulberry Street and Edison Place; the M&M Tower on the southeast corner of Prudential Center at Mulberry Street and Lafayette Street; the Lafayette Street entrance on the south side of Prudential Center; or the Skybridge connecting the Parking Desk to Prudential Center accessible by going to Level 4 of the Parking Deck.
What should I bring with me to the arena?
Students should arrive wearing their cap and gown. The Stole of Gratitude should be worn around your neck with the Seton Hall crest visible. Any honor cords or other academic accessories should be worn under the white Stole of Gratitude.
Students should also bring the name card they received when they picked up their cap and gown.
What is the entry policy at the Prudential Center?
For information about safety protocols and bag policy, visit the Prudential Center's website: https://www.prucenter.com/safety
Where do I sit during Commencement at the Prudential Center?
Students will sit on the arena floor in assigned areas by degree. Students will receive additional information closer to the event date.
Will there be opportunities for photos?
Candid photos will be taken of you as you approach the ramp to mount the stage, as you receive congratulations from University officials on stage, and after you walk down the ramp onto the arena floor. You will receive information by e-mail and regular mail shortly after graduation. Remember to bring your Name Card with you to commencement; you will present it to the marshal on stage. This card is used by the photographer to match your name to your photo and to confirm your address. If you forget your card, get a blank card from your faculty marshal or from the information table and write your name on the front and the address information on the back.
Will I be recognized at the Baccalaureate Commencement ceremony for receiving honors?
Undergraduates whose GPAs meet the requirements for recognized honors will receive an honors tassel and will be recognized in the Commencement program.
For more information about graduate college-related events, please contact the following:
- College of Arts and Sciences – Michael Dooney, Ph.D. (973) 275-2155
- College of Communication and the Arts – Ryan Hudes, Ph.D. (973) 275-4832
- College of Education and Human Services – Mayra Colon, (973) 761-9025
- College of Nursing:
- Graduate Students – Mercedes Martinez, (973) 761-9014
- Undergraduate Students – Mercedes Martinez, (973) 761-9014
- Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology – (971) 961-9575
- School of Health and Medical Sciences – Kristen Liccardi, (973) 313-6092
- Stillman School of Business – Leigh Onimus, (973) 313-6058
- School of Diplomacy and International Relations – Elizabeth Halpin, (973) 275-2560
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 wheelchairs or walkers if they have limited mobility for all events.
More information from the Prudential Center: https://prucenter.com/ada-guide
Will there be sign language interpreters at graduation?
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 handicap seating available at the Prudential Center? Where?
Accessible/disable seating is available on all levels of the arena on a first come, first served basis. More information from the Prudential Center: https://prucenter.com/ada-guide
Is the Bookstore open? What time?
The University Bookstore hours are available here:
- Wednesday, May 17: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Thursday, May 18: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (staying open later for customers to shop before the evening ceremony)
- Friday, May 19: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (staying open later for customers to shop before the evening ceremony)
- Saturday, May 20: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (staying open later for customers to shop before the afternoon ceremony)
- Monday, May 22: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (the Bookstore will be open on the main campus normal hours and at the Prudential center as well that morning)
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 May 17. Graduating resident students may request a late stay through Housing and Residence Life on eRezlife portal. Students who were approved for a late stay must check out of their room by 10 a.m. on May 23. For additional questions please reach out to [email protected].
Where can I find information about travel, accommodations, dining, etc. in Newark?
The Prudential Center is hosting multiple college graduation ceremonies this year. In conjunction with the Newark business community, they have provided a website with helpful information: www.newarkhappening.com