Individual College Ceremonies will take place May 11-15, 2026, 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 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.

*The College of the Arts and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Ceremonies will take place in Esbjornson Gymnasium.

Graduation is the successful completion of all major/minor/concentration requirements AND the awarding of a degree. Students can graduate four times a year -- May, August,December and January. Students must complete the online Graduation Application in order to be reviewed. Students apply online through Self Service Banner, under the Student Menu, by clicking on the "Apply to Graduate" link. If there are any issues while filling out the application, please e-mail Graduation@rowan.edu. Graduation application deadlines and instructions are available on the Office of the Registrar's website.

Commencement is the voluntary celebration that occurs once a year (typically in May). Participation in the Commencement ceremony is not required and does not guarantee the awarding of a degree.

Students receiving solely a certification without an undergraduate degree DO NOT participate in Commencement.

To attend Commencement, you must:

• Register for each ceremony you plan to attend
• Claim guest tickets through Tassel, the Commencement registration and ticketing system

📅 Registration Opens: February 1, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
📅 Registration Closes: April 1, 2026

• How to Register

  1. Visit the Commencement Participation Portal
  2. Log in with your Rowan NetID
  3. Select the ceremony you want and click Register (repeat if attending more than one ceremony)
  4. Verify all information and answer all questions
  5. Choose the number of guest tickets you want to claim from the drop-down in the registration form
  6. Click Confirm and respond to the ticket prompt
  7. Access tickets anytime by clicking View under your ceremony listing

  ✅ Guest tickets must be secured by April 1, 2026
  All ceremonies are ticketed events

• Log back into the registration system.
• Click "View" under the ceremony listing.

You will now see your guest tickets under the ceremony listing. There will be one box for each ticket. From here, you can select each ticket to print or email them to guests.

Please note:
You are claiming a combination of "All Weather" and "Stadium Only" tickets (all tickets for Saturday, May 9 are all Stadium Only tickets).

To view an individual ticket and check its type, click "Select Ticket" in the ticket box, then choose "Print Selected Ticket". The ticket will display, and at the top, you'll see whether it's labeled "All Weather" or
"Stadium Only".

Please double-check your tickets before sending them to guests to ensure you are assigning the correct ticket type to each guest.

All guests are required to have a ticket. Graduates are responsible for providing the correct ticket to each of their guests.  Priority guests should receive the all-weather tickets to ensure access to the stadium and in case of severe weather, Esbjornson Gymnasium.

• All-Weather Tickets: These grant access to both Richard Wackar Stadium and, in the event of severe weather, Esbjornson Gymnasium. Graduates should provide these tickets to their priority guests to ensure access to either venue.
• Stadium-Only Tickets: These are valid exclusively for Richard Wackar Stadium and cannot be used for entry into Esbjornson Gymnasium during severe weather conditions.

Commencement is a time for celebration in honor of the achievements of each of our graduates. In order to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to be formally recognized by their Rowan community, friends, and families, we require that graduates refrain from bringing additional parties with them as they walk across the stage to receive their diploma folder (i.e., no children, babies, or other loved ones; no pets). If you require the assistance of a personal attendant or service animal in walking across the stage, please email commencement@rowan.edu in advance of commencement.

Graduates should refrain from carrying cell phones or other electronic devices across the stage. The use of personal drones is likewise prohibited during commencement. We look forward to celebrating with our graduates!

There will be no rehearsal for commencement. Staff will be available to guide you through each step the day of your ceremony, including check-in, lineup, and stage crossing. Medical schools may choose to hold a rehearsal. If applicable, they will contact their graduates directly with further details.

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.

Clear Bag Policy

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