Tickets for commencement ceremonies are available exclusively to graduates who register to attend. Guests must obtain their tickets directly from their graduate, as Rowan University does not distribute tickets to guests.

Graduates will receive access to their tickets immediately after submitting the commencement registration form. A separate form must be completed for each ceremony the graduate plans to attend. We encourage you to coordinate with your graduate to ensure you receive your tickets in time for this special celebration!

More information regarding guest tickets can be found here.

 

Graduates must claim guest tickets by April 3, 2025. After this deadline, any unclaimed Stadium-Only Tickets will be assessed for availability. A first-come, first-served distribution of extra tickets will be offered to graduates who have registered to attend commencement by the April 3 deadline. Graduates will receive an email at noon on April 8, 2025, with instructions on how to secure additional tickets.

All guests are required to have a ticket. Graduates are eligble to reserve two All Weather Tickets.  The remainder of their guest tickets are Stadium-Only Tickets. 

• All-Weather Tickets: These grant access to both Richard Wackar Stadium and, in the event of severe weather, Esbjornson Gymnasium. 
• Stadium-Only Tickets: These are valid exclusively for Richard Wackar Stadium and cannot be used for entry into Esbjornson Gymnasium during severe weather conditions.

 

Children under the age of two who can sit on a ticketed guest's lap for the ceremony do not need a ticket.

The School of Graduate Studies Hooding Recognition Ceremony & Reception for Ed.D., Ed.S. and Ph.D. graduates will be held on Friday, May 9 at 3 p.m. at Esbjornson Gymnasium.  During this ceremony, graduates will come to stage accompanied by their dissertation advisor or selected faculty member to be hooded.  Following the ceremony, graduates and guests are invited to a reception. Each graduate receives 4 guest tickets.

The University Ceremony & Celebration will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10 a.m. in Richard Wackar Stadium. It will be approximately 1 1/2 hours in length, and features President Houshmand’s address, the ceremonial conferral of degrees, messages from Commencement speakers, and exciting surprises. Following the ceremony, all graduates and guests are invited to a celebration with complimentary light bites, celebratory music, photo opportunities and a beer and wine garden (for a fee, ID required). Graduates, across all colleges, schools and degree levels are invited to participate.  The event is ticketed and each graduate will receive 6 guest tickets. In the case of extreme weather, the ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 3 p.m.

Individual College Ceremonies will take place May 12-15, 2024, at the Richard Wackar Stadium, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ. College ceremonies will be approximately 1 1/2 hours from processional to recessional. At this event, each graduate will cross the stage, have their name read aloud, as well as, appear on the screens in the tent and on the live stream. All graduates will receive a minimum of 6 guest tickets to ceremonies held in Wackar Stadium. For ceremonies moved indoors due to severe weather, graduates will receive 2 seated tickets in Esbjornson Gymnasium. As a reminder, severe weather ceremonies will take place at the same date and time.

Clear Bag Policy: To enhance safety and expedite entrance to commencement venues, Rowan University has adopted a clear bag policy. Clear bags are required.

To enhance safety and expedite entrance to commencement venues, Rowan University has adopted a clear bag policy. Clear bags are required. Only clear bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”, or one-gallon plastic freezer bags, will be allowed inside the venues. In addition, small handheld clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” will be permitted. All guests should be prepared to go through security bag checks prior to entry into the Commencement.

The following exceptions apply:

• One clear bag made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC, not exceeding 12” x 6” x 12”, or a one-gallon clear plastic storage bag (e.g., Ziploc bag).
• In addition to the clear bag, guests may carry a small clutch bag or purse, approximately hand-sized, with or without a handle or strap.
• Medically necessary items may be allowed after proper inspection.

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to, purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, oversized seat cushions with pockets or metal structures, computer bags and camera bags.

Bag Checks
Note: All bags/containers are subject to search. All guests should be prepared to go through security bag checks prior to entry.

Prohibited Items 

Aerosols (including silly string), alcoholic beverages, animals (excluding service and guide dogs), banners, flags, signs, backpacks, bags exceeding size restrictions (see clear bag policy), balloons, bicycles, coolers or containers, drones and other unmanned aircraft systems, fireworks or explosives, glass, thermal or metal containers, hoverboards, skateboards, illegal drug, illegal weapons, laser pointers, packages, selfie sticks, structures, supports for signs and placards, toy guns, wrapped gifts, and any other item determined to be a potential hazard. 

Allowable Items

Binoculars, cameras, cellphones, chair back stadium seats/seat cushions, diaper bags, snacks, clear water bottles, strollers and wheelchairs

Prohibited Items: Aerosols (including silly string), alcoholic beverages, animals (excluding service and guide dogs), banners, flags, signs, backpacks, bags exceeding size restrictions (see clear bag policy), balloons, bicycles, coolers or containers, drones and other unmanned aircraft systems, fireworks or explosives, glass, thermal or metal containers, hoverboards, skateboards, illegal drug, illegal weapons, laser pointers, packages, selfie sticks, structures, supports for signs and placards, toy guns, wrapped gifts, and any other item determined to be a potential hazard.

Footwear Policy for ceremonies held in Richard Wackar Stadium:

As we prepare for this year’s commencement ceremony, we are excited to celebrate your accomplishments in a memorable and festive environment. To ensure the event runs smoothly and to protect the integrity of our football field turf, we would like to share an important policy regarding footwear.

To safeguard the turf on the football field, sharp footwear, such as stiletto heels and shoes with pointed or spiked soles, is strictly prohibited. This type of footwear can cause significant damage to the turf and create unsafe conditions for others.

Approved Footwear Includes:

•  Flat-soled shoes (e.g., sneakers, loafers, wedged platforms or heels or sandals).
•  Comfortable formal shoes that do not have sharp or narrow points.

Additional Accommodations:
For guests who wish to wear restricted footwear for photos or other purposes, designated non-turf areas will be available. Please feel free to bring an additional pair of approved shoes for walking on the field.

Reminders and Enforcement:

• Event staff will monitor entry points to ensure compliance.
• Non-compliant guests will be asked to change footwear or remain in designated areas, like bleacher seating.  
• Please note: graduates will be required to comply with the approved footwear policy to cross the stage.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please contact the Office of University Events at commencement@rowan.edu.

Ticketed guest may enter ceremony venues as follows:

• Rowan University Commencement Ceremony & Celebration, Saturday, May 10 - Wackar Stadium gates open at 8:30 a.m.
• College Ceremonies, Monday, May 12 – Thursday, May 15 - Wackar Stadium gates will open 45 minutes prior to each ceremony start time.
• The School of Graduate Studies Hooding Ceremony, Friday, May 9 - The guest entrance also opens at 2:15 p.m. and is located North Campus Drive between Esbjornson Gymnasium and Recreation Center
• Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Thursday, May 15 - The guest entrance also opens at 4:15 p.m. and is located on North Campus Drive between Esbjornson Gymnasium and Recreation Center.

Graduates and guests requiring accessible parking must submit a request for a permit to parking@rowan.edu. Requests may be submitted between March 24 – April 25, 2025

• Accessible parking for all ceremonies in Richard Wackar Stadium - Lot C
• Accessible parking for all ceremonies in Esbjornson Gymnasium - Lot W

Space in each lot is limited. Accessible parking passes are available on a first come, first served basis as space is available. They will be emailed to the requestor starting the week of April 28, 2025.

Golf carts will continuously loop through these parking areas to bring guests directly to the ceremony’s accessible seating area. Accessible seating is for the ticketed guest needing accessible seating and one ticketed companion.  No special ticketing is required.

Flower Sales

Rowan University has partnered with The Commencement Group to offer flowers and gifts for the graduates.  Click here to browse some of the offerings or pre-purchase and pick up onsite. Graduates and guests will also have the opportunity to purchase at the ceremony.