Commencement 2026

Commencement is held outdoors, and tickets are not required. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, rain or shine. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs for additional seating beyond what is provided.

Please note that umbrellas are not permitted for safety reasons. Guests are encouraged to plan accordingly.

In the event of dangerous weather (not including rain), the ceremony will be moved indoors. If this occurs, each graduate will receive two guest tickets, which will be distributed at regalia pickup.

Guests without tickets may view the ceremony via a live stream in a campus theater. A live stream link will also be available on the Commencement webpage:
https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/academics/registrar/graduation-commencement/

Caps and gowns will be available for pickup in the Registrar’s Office, located on the lower level of the Seay Administration Building.

You will receive an email with pickup details when regalia becomes available.

No, caps and gowns cannot be shipped. Regalia must be picked up from the Registrar’s Office.

If you have already graduated, live out of state, or are unable to pick up your regalia, please email [email protected] with your circumstances. Approved students may pick up their regalia on the day of their ceremony.

International students may pick up regalia and tickets on the day of the event or designate a representative. To authorize someone, email [email protected] with the individual’s name. The designee must present ID and sign for receipt.

No, tickets will not be mailed. If you are unable to pick them up in advance, you may request to pick them up on the day of your ceremony by contacting [email protected]

Please contact your organization or honors society directly regarding stoles or cords.

Latin honors medals will be distributed at check-in on the day of Commencement. January graduates will also receive their medals at that time.

Yes. To authorize someone, email [email protected] with the individual’s name (one person only).

The designee must present ID and sign to confirm receipt.

Yes. To authorize someone, email [email protected] with the individual’s name (one person only).

The designee must present ID and sign to confirm receipt. Lost tickets will not be replaced.

Only students who have received prior approval from the Registrar’s Office may pick up regalia on the day of Commencement.

All other students must pick up regalia in advance. You will be notified when pickup is available.

Both ceremonies will take place on the front lawn of the Seay Administration Building.

Graduates should arrive early to allow time for check-in and lineup.

• Undergraduate Ceremony:
   Begins at 9:00 a.m. | Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Ferry Building 
• Master’s & Doctoral Ceremony:
   Begins at 1:00 p.m. | Check-in opens at 11:30 a.m.in front of the Ferry Building 

Upon arrival, check in at the Registrar’s table to receive your reader card, then proceed to the lineup area.

Commencement will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Umbrellas are not permitted for safety reasons.

In the event of dangerous weather (not including rain), the ceremony will move indoors. Each graduate will receive two guest tickets, and additional guests may view the ceremony via a campus live stream.

Only students who have submitted an Application for Degree Conferral may participate in Commencement.

Students with eligibility concerns will be contacted directly by the Registrar’s Office.

For questions regarding billing, please contact the Student Accounts Office:
908-852-1400 ext. 2245
[email protected]

To request accommodations, please complete the form:
Graduation Ceremony Accommodation Request Form

Accessible parking will be available in the Faculty/Staff lot (Plane Street entrance) for those with approved requests or valid placards.

For assistance, contact:
Laura Foster-Wasilewski
908-852-1400 ext. 2584
[email protected]

Parking is available in several locations. Early arrival is strongly recommended.

Available parking areas include:

• David and Carol Lackland Center lot (3rd Avenue) 
• Tannery Field lot (3rd Avenue) 
• Hatchery Hill School 
• Nearby street parking (observe all local regulations) 
• Accessible parking in the Faculty/Staff lot (pre-arranged only) 

Yes. The Baccalaureate ceremony will be held on Friday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the George H. Whitney Chapel (Seay Building).

Yes. Student Life will host a series of celebratory events throughout Commencement week, including traditions such as the President’s Ball.

More details will be shared soon. For questions, contact:
[email protected]

For additional events, please contact the Student Life Office:
908-852-1400 ext. 4291
[email protected]

Yes. A rehearsal presentation for undergraduate students will be held:

Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sitnik Theater

There is no rehearsal for the Master’s & Doctoral ceremony.

If you did not submit your Application for Degree Conferral by the deadline and indicate participation, regalia was not ordered and participation is no longer possible.

For questions, contact the Registrar’s Office:
908-852-1400 ext. 2214
[email protected]

Yes. Decorations are permitted but must be respectful and appropriate for a formal ceremony.

A list of nearby accommodations is available here:
 https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/about-centenary/visiting-centenary/hotels-accommodations/