Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
Congratulations, graduates!

The countdown is officially on. It's time to come together to celebrate you and all you've achieved at Rowan University's Commencement.
We’re thrilled to welcome you and your guests to this incredible celebration. Below is everything you need to know to make the most of this milestone moment. Feel free to share the details with your loved ones!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you in true Prof style! If you have any questions or need support, reach out to us anytime at commencement@rowan.edu.
With pride and excitement,
The 2026 Rowan University Commencement Planning Team
Know Before You Go - The Details
The School of Graduate Studies Doctoral Recognition Ceremony & Reception - Ed.D., Ed.S., & Ph.D. Graduates
Graduates,
Congratulations—your big day is almost here! It's time to celebrate your incredible achievements at Commencement.
We’re thrilled to invite you and your guests to the School of Graduate Studies Doctoral Recognition Ceremony & Reception, honoring our Doctor of Education, Doctor of Philosophy, and Educational Specialist graduates from the:
- College of Education
- College of Science & Mathematics
- Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering
- Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences
Below are the key details to ensure a smooth, memorable experience. Please feel free to share this information with your guests.
School of Graduate Studies Doctoral Recognition Ceremony & Reception
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: Ceremony begins at 3:00 p.m. (Doors open at 2:00 p.m.)
Location: Esbjornson Gym, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Parking & Accessibility
Complimentary parking is available in Lots B, B-1, and Edgewood Park Apartments Lot. Accessible parking (permit required) is available in Lot W. View the campus map here.
Accessible parking requests can be submitted directly here (Late requests still accepted based on availability) Note: A standard handicap tag alone does not grant access to Lot W.
Golf carts will run continuous loops from all lots to Esbjornson Gym for added convenience.
Graduate & Faculty Arrival Instructions
Graduates, advisors, and faculty should arrive by 2:00 p.m. and enter through the Recreation Center for check-in and seating assignments.- Graduates will line up by college and program, with seating in the same order.
- During the ceremony, each graduate will be hooded by their advisor after handing them the hood at the platform.
Names will be announced as graduates are hooded, and your name and college will appear on-screen. The full ceremony is expected to last about 1 hour.
Reception
Celebrate your milestone with family and friends following the ceremony. Guests are invited to a reception featuring a curated selection of light fare, desserts, wine, beer, and sparkling beverages, along with opportunities for photos. Enjoy this special occasion in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
Live-Stream Access
Can’t make it in person? All ceremonies will be live-streamed. Watch live or view later — click here to tune in.University Ceremony & Celebration and College Commencement Ceremonies
Rowan University Graduates,
Congratulations! The countdown is officially on - it's time to come together to celebrate you and all you've achieved at Rowan University's Commencement.
We’re thrilled to welcome you and your guests to this incredible celebration. Below is everything you need to know to make the most of this milestone moment. Feel free to share the details with your loved ones!
To view our know before you go video, click here.
University Commencement Ceremony & Celebration
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. | Richard Wackar Stadium, Glassboro, NJ
Get ready for an unforgettable, high-energy event featuring:
- Remarks from President Houshmand
- Ceremonial degree conferral
- Opportunity to win cash prizes, sponsored by Nexus Properties and Gourmet Dining!
- Fun surprises!
Graduates must check in at Lot O-1 by 9:00 a.m.
Guest tickets required. Wackar Stadium gates open at 8:30 a.m. (no assigned seating)
After the Ceremony – Let’s Celebrate!
Join us on North Campus Drive for:
- Complimentary lunch
- Great music
- Photo booths and selfie opportunities
- Alumni giveaways
- A beer & wine garden (21+, available for purchase)
College Commencement Ceremonies
View the full schedule of college commencement ceremonies
Each ceremony is estimated to last 90 minutes and includes each graduate crossing the stage.
May 11–14, 2026 | Richard Wackar Stadium, Glassboro NJ
Graduates must check in at Lot O-1 for ceremonies in Richard Wackar Stadium
May 15, 2026 | Esbjornson Gymnasium, Glassboro NJ
Graduates must check in at the Rec Center Gym for ceremonies in Esbjornson Gymnasium
Graduates check in 45 minutes prior to your ceremony start
Guest tickets required. Wackar Stadium and Esbjornson Gymnasium doors open 45 minutes prior to ceremony start (no assigned seating)
Afterward, head to the Celebration Zone in Robinson Circle for:
- Complimentary soft pretzels & water ice
- Alumni giveaways & photo booth
- Great photo spots with friends & family
Live-Stream
- All ceremonies are live streamed. To watch in real-time or at a later time, please click here.
Guest Tickets & Entry Info
- Access your guest tickets here
- Click “View” under the ceremony listing.
- Your tickets will appear — one box displayed per ticket.
- From here, you can select each ticket to print or email them to guests.
- All guests need a ticket (digital or printed)
- Check ticket types carefully for College Commencement Ceremonies – Stadium-only tickets are not valid for indoor ceremonies
- To check a ticket's type:
- Click “Select Ticket” in the ticket box.
- Then choose “Print Selected Ticket”.
- The ticket will display its type at the top: “All Weather” or “Stadium Only.”
- To check a ticket's type:
Maps, Parking & Accessibility
- Commencement Week Map. Complimentary parking available across all of the Glassboro campus. Paid parking available along Rowan Blvd.
- While the campus is rated highly walkable, complimentary shuttle and golf cart transportation is available from select parking lots.
- Accessible parking requests can be submitted directly here.
Clear Bag Policy & Prohibited Items
- To ensure a safe and smooth entry, only clear bags (12” x 6” x 12”) or small clutches (4.5” x 6.5”) are allowed.
- To view the full list of prohibited items, please click here.
Footwear Reminder
- No stilettos or pointed heels should be worn. Safety is our first priority. View Approved Footwear Guidelines
Keepsakes & Memories
- GradImages Photography will capture your stage moment. Pre-register your information to receive 20% off your photo order.
- Order Flowers & Gifts in advance or on-site with Commencement Flowers.
Weather Plans
Rain or shine, the ceremony goes on!
- If severe weather occurs, the University Commencement will shift to Sunday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m.
- College ceremonies will move indoors to Esbjornson Gymnasium at the originally scheduled times.
Final Tips
- Build in extra time for parking, shuttles, and photo time!
- Bring only essential items you can carry during the ceremony.
- Dress for the weather
- Wear comfortable footwear (no stilettos or pointed shoes)
- Bring your #RowanPROUD spirit!
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Graduates,
Congratulations! It's time to come together to celebrate you and all you've achieved.
We’re thrilled to welcome you and your guests to this incredible celebration of Commencement. Below is everything you need to know to make the most of this milestone moment. Feel free to share the details with your loved ones!
University Commencement Ceremony & Celebration
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. | Richard Wackar Stadium, Glassboro, NJ
Get ready for an unforgettable, high-energy event featuring:
- Remarks from President Houshmand
- Ceremonial degree conferral
- Opportunity to win cash prizes!
- Fun surprises!
Graduates must check in at Lot O-1 by 9:00 a.m.
Guest tickets required. Wackar Stadium Gates open at 8:30 a.m. (no assigned seating)
After the Ceremony – Let’s Celebrate!
Join us on North Campus Drive for:
- Complimentary lunch
- Photo booths and selfie opportunities
- Alumni giveaways
- A beer & wine garden (21+, available for purchase)
Virtua Health College Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
May 14, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Richard Wackar Stadium, Glassboro NJ
This ceremony includes the full stage crossing with hooding.
Graduates should arrive at Wackar Stadium bleachers at 12:30 pm for the Class of 2026 official portrait.
After the portrait session, graduates will check in at Lot O-1.
In the event of rain, the Class of 2026 portrait will take place in Esbjornson Gymnasium. Students will be notified via email by 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13 if the location for the photo changes due to inclement weather.
Guest tickets required. Wackar Stadium guest gates open 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start (1:15 p.m.). There is no assigned seating for guests.
After the event, meet up with your family and friends in Robinson Circle on North Campus Drive for a celebration including:
- Complimentary Pretzels & Water Ice
- Great photo spots with friends & family
Live-Stream
-
All ceremonies are live streamed. To watch in real-time or at a later time, please click here.
Guest Tickets & Entry Info
- Access your guest tickets here
- Click “View” under the ceremony listing.
- Your tickets will appear — one box displayed per ticket.
- From here, you can select each ticket to print or email them to guests.
- All guests need a ticket (digital or printed)
- Check ticket types carefully for College Commencement Ceremonies – Stadium-only tickets are not valid for indoor ceremonies
- To check a ticket's type:
- Click “Select Ticket” in the ticket box.
- Then choose “Print Selected Ticket”.
- The ticket will display its type at the top: “All Weather” or “Stadium Only.”
- To check a ticket's type:
Maps, Parking & Accessibility
- Commencement Week Map. Complimentary parking available across all of the Glassboro campus. Paid parking available along Rowan Blvd.
- While the campus rated highly walkable, complimentary shuttle and golf cart transportation is available from select parking lots.
- Accessible parking requests can be submitted directly here.
Clear Bag Policy & Prohibited Items
- To ensure a safe and smooth entry, only clear bags (12” x 6” x 12”) or small clutches (4.5” x 6.5”) are allowed.
- To view the full list of prohibited items, please click here.
Keepsakes & Memories
- GradImages Photography will capture your stage moment. Pre-register your information to receive 20% of your photo order.
- Order Flowers & Gifts in advance or on-site with Commencement Flowers.
Weather Plans
If severe weather occurs, the University Commencement will shift to Sunday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m.
Final Tips
- Build in extra time for parking, shuttles, and photo time!
- Dress for the weather
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Bring your #RowanPROUD spirit!
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Graduates,
Congratulations! It's time to come together to celebrate you and all you've achieved.
We’re thrilled to welcome you and your guests to this incredible celebration of Commencement.. Below is everything you need to know to make the most of this milestone moment. Feel free to share the details with your loved ones!
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Commencement Ceremony
May 15, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Esbjornson Gymnasium, Glassboro, NJ
This ceremony includes the full stage crossing with hooding and lasts about 90 minutes.
Graduates should arrive at Wilson Hall Amphitheater (outdoor area between Wilson Hall and Robinson Hall) at 12:30 p.m. for the Class of 2026 official portrait.
After the portrait session, graduates will check in at the Rec Center Gym.
In the event of rain, the Class of 2026 portrait will take place in Wilson Hall Room 153. Students will be notified via email by Noon on Thursday, May 15 if the location for the photo changes due to inclement weather.
Guest tickets required. Esbjornson Gymnasium doors open 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start (1:15 p.m.). There is no assigned seating for guests.
After the event, a light reception will be held in the Robinson Circle
- Grazing fare and bubbly available
- Great photo spots with friends & family
Live-Stream
- All ceremonies are live streamed. To watch in real-time or at a later time, please click here.
Guest Tickets & Entry Info
- Access your guest tickets here
- Click “View” under the ceremony listing.
- Your tickets will appear — one box displayed per ticket.
- From here, you can select each ticket to print or email them to guests.
- All guests need a ticket (digital or printed)
Maps, Parking & Accessibility
- Commencement Week Map. Complimentary parking available across all of the Glassboro campus. Paid parking available along Rowan Blvd.
- While the campus rated highly walkable, complimentary shuttle and golf cart transportation is available from select parking lots.
- Accessible parking requests can be submitted directly here.
Clear Bag Policy & Prohibited Items
- To ensure a safe and smooth entry, only clear bags (12” x 6” x 12”) or small clutches (4.5” x 6.5”) are allowed.
- To view the full list of prohibited items, please click here.
Keepsakes & Memories
- GradImages Photography will capture your stage moment. Pre-register your information to receive 20% of your photo order.
- Order Flowers & Gifts in advance or on-site with Commencement Flowers.
Weather Plans
If severe weather occurs, the University Commencement will shift to Sunday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m.
Final Tips
- Build in extra time for parking, shuttles, and photo time!
- Dress for the weather
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Bring your #RowanPROUD spirit!