Ph.D. Ceremony Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00 am at Jersey Mike's Arena
Doors will open at 8:30 am, please arrive early!
Ticketing
- All 2025 ceremonies at Jersey Mike's Arena will require tickets for entry into the arena. Each graduate will receive 1 electronic ticket for themselves and can claim up to 8 electronic guest tickets per the Ph.D. ceremony.
- Please view more information about ticketing here: https://scarletknights.com/sports/2025/2/4/2025-convocation-ticket-information.aspx
- Tickets will be available starting April 29th in the ticket portal.
- We are unable to accommodate extra ticket requests. Graduates can transfer unused guest tickets to each other through the ticket portal.
Advisors attending Convocation, please see instructions here.
Tassel Stage Pass
- In addition to your ticket for entry into the arena, you will also need your Tassel Stage Pass printed out for the day of the ceremony.
- April 7th-April 18th sign up for your Tassel Stage Pass!
- (Please note: This is not your ticket to get into the JMA) (which is needed for your name to be displayed and announced at the event).
Eligibility
- Non-RBHS Ph.D. graduates who earned their degrees in October 2024, January 2025, or May 2025 are eligible to attend. RBHS August graduates are also eligible to attend.
- For May 2025 candidates, inclusion in the Convocation ceremony/Convocation Program Booklet should not be construed as verification of graduation.
Regalia
- All students who plan to participate on the field at the stadium during Commencement and/or in individual school convocation ceremonies must wear academic regalia, including a cap, gown, and hood.
- Use the links below to order regalia:
- Rutgers Health: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/rutgershealth
- Rutgers NB: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/rutgersnbu
- Last day to order online (Ship-to-Home): March 28, 2025
- GRAD FAIR: April 2 & 3, 2025
- Regalia will be available at Barnes and Noble starting April 2, 2025, while supplies last.
JMA Bag Policy
The clear bag policy will be strictly enforced for graduates and guests coming to Jersey’s Mike’s Arena for Rutgers graduations. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and approximately 12" x 6" x 12", or one-gallon clear plastic bags or similar, and small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, will be allowed in Jersey Mike’s Arena. Oversized bags will NOT be allowed in the facility. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. Please refer to visual layout below.
Souvenir Invitation
Please view our souvenir invitation to the 2025 SGS Ph.D. Convocation.
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.
ADA Accommodations at Jersey Mike's Arena
- For questions regarding ADA accommodations, call the Rutgers Ticket Office at 866-445-GORU (4678).
Livestream Video
The livestream link is available when the ceremony begins May 14th at 10:00 am.
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.
The information below will be updated soon for the 2025 season:
Digital Program
2024 Digital Program Link.
Is Convocation the same as the 259th Anniversary Commencement?
SGS Convocation for Ph.D. graduates is May 14, 2025 at 10:00 am, the master's ceremony is May 16, 2025 at 3:00 pm. The 259th University Commencement is Sunday, May 18th 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.
What time should I arrive to the JMA for Convocation?
Please arrive at 8:30 am.
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?
The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies is the designated hooder for students who do not have their advisor at Convocation.
Once I get to the JMA where do I go?
Graduates will enter the JMA through the side entrance, scan their ticket and walk towards the rear of the building, and go down the stairs to the marshaling area.
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?
Website URLs to Order Regalia:
Rutgers Health: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/rutgershealth
Rutgers NB: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/rutgersnbu
Rutgers NB Faculty: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/rutgersfaculty
My family/friends are not able to attend in person, is there any way they can watch the ceremony?
Convocation will be livestreamed. Here is the link to the 2025 Convocation livestream.
Will I receive a program booklet?
Please use this link to access our digital program (2024). The 2025 program will be available closer to the May ceremony.
Do I need to have a ticket or to RSVP to attend?
Yes, you and your guests will need to tickets to enter JMA. Please check back soon for more information.
- Please view more information about ticketing here: https://scarletknights.com/sports/2025/2/4/2025-convocation-ticket-information.aspx
- Please check your ticket portal on May 12th to claim your tickets.
How many guests can I bring to Convocation?
All 2025 ceremonies at Jersey Mike's Arena will require tickets for entry into the arena. Each graduate will receive 1 electronic ticket for themselves and can claim up to 8 electronic guest tickets per the Ph.D. ceremony.
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.
