SGS Convocation
Friday, May 10, 2024
3:30 p.m. | Jersey Mike's Arena
Please check back soon for the Convocation program hyperlink
Important Points
- Given the great interest in our Convocation ceremony please limit the number of your guests to four.
- Graduates should arrive by 3:00 PM the latest. The celebration will begin promptly at 3:30 PM.
- Jersey Mike's arena is located on Livingston Campus, directions can be found here.
- Graduates who earned their degrees in either October 2023, January 2024, or May 2024 are eligible to attend.
- For May 2024 candidates, inclusion in the Convocation ceremony/Convocation Program Booklet should not be construed as verification of graduation.
- All graduates will cross the stage, have their name called and be congratulated. Ph.D. graduates will also be hooded.
- Guests who cannot come to campus will be able to view the ceremony through our live stream.
Academic Regalia
Academic Regalia for the 2024 Commencement and Convocation ceremonies is available for purchase beginning Monday, January 23. Purchase online through https://rutgersnb.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome. Order now through February 29th to receive an early bird discount.
Online orders offer these delivery options:
Ship to store for no extra charge. Must order for ship to store by February 29 for pick up at Barnes & Noble starting April 4.
Ship to home for an additional delivery charge. Deadline to order with ship to home option is March 31.
Purchase regalia in-store OR pick up online orders at Barnes & Noble on Somerset Street beginning April 4.
Grad Fair will be held at Barnes & Noble on April 4 & 5 from 10am-6pm.
Join in the festivities, come for a complimentary professional headshot, and meet with representatives for purchasing class rings, diploma frames, personalized announcements and more!
Information for Faculty
Faculty who are hooding their student should review the Instructions for Advisors Hooding Graduates.
Faculty who are not hooding graduates and wish to participate in the processional should wear regalia and arrive at the Jersey Mike’s Arena by 3:00 p.m. Please review the Instructions for Faculty not hooding.
Guests
Given the great interest in our Convocation ceremony please limit the number of your guests to four.
Guest Visas
For graduates who have guests coming from abroad and need a letter to accompany their visa application, visit the Rutgers Global guide here. Instructions on obtaining a graduation invitation letter are part of the guide.
Souvenir Invitation
Please view our souvenir invitation to the 2024 SGS Convocation.
Interpreting Services
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be on stage during the ceremony.
Parking
There is no need to register for parking the day of our ceremony. Parking is free and readily available.
As you approach the Jersey Mike's Arena from Suttons Lane or Avenue E, parking attendants will direct you to nearby parking.
Accessible parking is available in the Green and Yellow Lots. Accessible spaces are in the Green Lot alongside Jersey Mike's Arena. A ramp to walk to the arena is close to the accessible parking spots.
Professional Photography
The School of Graduate Studies has partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase. If you would like to receive your photo proofs, please go to www.RutgersPhotos.com to submit your information. If you have any questions please contact Pro Pics at info@propicsusa.com.
Accessibility
The Jersey Mike's Arena is accessible so everyone can enjoy the event. Special needs seating is available on a first come first served basis. It is located on the main concourse when entering the arena. Please also note, special needs seating is limited only allowing one additional person to sit with a guest seated in that section.
Livestream
Here is the link to the 2024 Convocation livestream.
If you would like to view last year's Convocation please view the 2023 Convocation livestream.
Is Convocation the same as the 258th Anniversary Commencement?
SGS Convocation is Friday May 10th at 3:30pm. The 258th University Commencement is Sunday, May 12th at 10:00am and does not include individual student recognition. Convocation events are school-specific and will recognize graduates individually.
Is Convocation & Commencement mandatory?
These are not mandatory to attend. It is up to you if you wish to attend! You can attend both, one, or neither.
What do I need to do to ensure I am eligible to graduate?
Please refer to the appropriate checklist located here: https://grad.rutgers.edu/academics/graduation. Please submit all documents to sgs.degree.submissions@grad.rutgers.edu. Graduates from October 2023, January 2024, and May 2024 are eligible to attend Convocation.
What time should I arrive to the JMA for Convocation?
Please arrive at 2:45 p.m. for a prompt 3:30 p.m. start time.
Will I get my diploma at Convocation?
Diplomas will not be distributed at Convocation. They are mailed out by the Registrar about 6 weeks after graduating.
I am a Ph.D. student, and my advisor can’t make it to Convocation, what do I do?
Dean Mark Robson is the designated hooder for students who do not have their advisor at Convocation.
Once I get to the JMA where do I go?
Ph.D. students will go to the left, down the hallway to check in, and then head downstairs to the marshalling area.
Master’s students will go to the right, down the hallway to check in and then to the JMA seating area to sit for the ceremony.
Will there be Wi-Fi?
Yes, #ScarletWifi is available to guests.
What do I wear?
Academic regalia is required to participate in Convocation.
Where do I order regalia?
Please order regalia online through Barnes & Noble.
My family/friends are not able to attend in person, is there any way they can watch the ceremony?
Convocation will be livestreamed and videotaped. Here is the link to the 2024 Convocation livestream.
Will I receive a program booklet?
The link to our digital program will be uploaded soon.
Do I need to have a ticket or to RSVP to attend?
You do not need a ticket or to RSVP to attend Convocation.
How many guests can I bring to Convocation?
To ensure there will be enough seating for all students & guests, please limit your guests to 4 per student.
Where do I park for the SGS convocation?
Parking is free and available in the Yellow lot & Green lot near the Jersey Mikes Arena on Livingston Campus.
