Master's Degrees School of Graduate Studies Ceremony
Date: May 13, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (doors open at 1:30 pm)
Location: Jersey Mike's Arena
Regalia
- All students who plan to participate in convocation must wear academic regalia, including a cap, gown, and hood.
- Use the links below to order regalia:
- Last day to order Custom Doctoral Regalia & Early Bird Discount: February 28, 2026
- Last day to order online (Ship-to-Home): March 31, 2026
- Regalia will be available at Barnes and Noble starting April 1, 2026, while supplies last.
- GRAD FAIR: April 1st & 2nd, 10am-6pm--Attend to pick up or purchase regalia in-store
Ticketing
- All 2026 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 6 electronic guest tickets for the master's ceremony.
- Please view more ticketing information here.
- Tickets will be available to graduates by May 4th, 2026
- We are unable to accommodate extra ticket requests. Graduates can transfer unused guest tickets to each other through the ticket portal.
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.
- Graduates will receive an email from Tassel to register for their Tassel Stage Pass
- The deadline for RSVP is 4/19/2026
- October and January graduates will receive this notification to their email address (used in the diploma application) by April 1st.
- May graduates will receive this notification to their email address (used in the diploma application) by April 14th.
- Tassel Stage Passes must be printed and brought to the ceremony on 5/13/2026. It will be scanned while crossing the stage.
Eligibility
- Non-RBHS Ph.D. graduates who earned their degrees in October 2025, January 2026, or May 2026 are eligible to attend. RBHS August graduates are also eligible to attend.
- For May 2026 candidates, inclusion in the Convocation ceremony/Convocation Program Booklet should not be construed as verification of graduation.
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).
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.
- We kindly ask that you leave personal belongings at home or in your vehicle, as no storage areas are available.
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.
Please email convocation@grad.rutgers.edu if you have any questions.
Is Convocation the same as the 259th Anniversary Commencement?
SGS Convocation for Ph.D. graduates is May 13, 2025 at 10:00 am, the master's ceremony is May 13, 2025 at 3:00 pm. The 259th University Commencement is Sunday, May 17th 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 least an hour before the ceremony 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.
Once I get to the JMA where do I go?
Graduates will enter the JMA through the side entrance (near the parking lot), 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?
All students who plan to participate in the Convocation ceremony must wear academic regalia, consisting of a cap, gown, and hood. Academic regalia is available for purchase through Barnes & Noble at Rutgers.
Students – Shop Online Here
Faculty – Shop Online Here
Online ordering opens January 19th, 2026. Get the Early Bird Discount and free ship-to-store when you order by February 28th, 2026. Ship-to-home available through March 31st, 2026 (shipping fees apply).
Do I need to have a ticket or to RSVP to attend?
Yes, you and your guests will need to tickets to enter JMA.
How many guests can I bring to Convocation?
All 2026 ceremonies at Jersey Mike's Arena will require tickets for entry into the arena. Six guest tickets will be available for graduates.
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.
