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 19, 2025 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, listed on the Commencement homepage.
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.
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.
Bachelor's and master's student attire will be distributed in Rooms B-C, Bethany Hall during the following periods:
- Wednesday, May 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday, May 9, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Monday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Doctoral students will be contacted directly by the Office of the Registrar regarding pick-up of their academic attire.
Students must present identification (preferably their Seton Hall ID card) when picking up their cap and gown. Students may designate, in writing, permission to allow another individual to pick up their attire. The permission may be in the form of an email, text, or letter and must contain the following information
- the full name of the designee, or the individual picking up academic attire on the student's behalf
- student's full name
- student's student ID number
- student's degree program
- student's height
- student's cell phone number
The designee will also need to present identification when picking up the 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.
I have a question about my graduate commencement ceremony. Who should I contact?
For more information about graduate college-related events, please contact the Dean's Office of your respective school or college.
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?
Parking is available in lots and gargages surrounding.the Prudential Center. The Prudential Center offers pre-paid parking through ParkMobile. Visit ParkMobile's Prudential Center Parking page for details.
More parking information is available on the Prudential Center's website.
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 RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House (about 50 feet 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 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
- M&M Tower on the southeast corner of Prudential Center at Mulberry Street and Lafayette Street
- Lafayette Street entrance on the south side of Prudential Center; or
- Skybridge connecting the Parking Deck 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.
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.
To ensure a smooth and safe celebration, please note access to the arena floor and stage before, during and after the ceremony is limited to graduates only. Guests and family members must remain in their designated seating areas.
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.
Students are encouraged to complete the photographer’s check-in form (details located back of the card) in advance to help expedite photo delivery after the ceremony.
Where can I find information about travel, accommodations, dining, etc. in Newark?
The Prudential Center hosts multiple college graduation ceremonies during commencement season. In conjunction with the Newark business community, they have provided a website, Newark Happening, with helpful information.