Preparations for Commencement are well underway, with traditional festivities and new plans to host our largest-ever graduating classes and their guests at Wackar Stadium for 10 of our 12 ceremonies.
 
With all-time highs in new student enrollment this semester, we have outgrown our historic University Green venue at Bunce Hall. We look forward to welcoming more graduates and guests each year at Wackar Stadium as we mark more outstanding growth and achievement in Rowan’s second century.

 

Commencement registration and guest ticketing will open in early February.

 

Join us May 10 for the University-wide celebration
For all graduates and guests, the University Commencement Ceremony & Celebration will take place Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Wackar Stadium. This event features messages from President Houshmand and other distinguished speakers, the conferral of degrees, plus exciting surprises—followed by a celebration with complimentary refreshments, music, photo opportunities, and a beer and wine garden (for a fee). All graduates from all degree levels are invited to attend. In the case of extreme weather, the ceremony will be postponed until Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 3 p.m., with the celebration to follow. 

 

Again this year at the University Ceremony & Celebration, all graduates attending will have the opportunity to enter a random drawing for generous cash gifts provided by wonderful friends of the University. In addition to celebrating their academic achievements, several lucky graduates will leave the ceremony and celebration with a bonus gift to use as they wish.

 

Ceremonies for each college and school: Monday, May 12 to Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ten individual college and school Commencement ceremonies are scheduled throughout the week at Wackar Stadium, with the exception of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, which will celebrate in Esbjornson Gymnasium. All ceremonies will be livestreamed. At the ceremony, each graduate will be called to the stage, have their name read aloud and receive a diploma cover. Afterward, everyone attending is welcome to enjoy complimentary snacks, themed photo ops and more.

 

Hooding ceremony for doctoral and educational specialist candidates
The School of Graduate Studies Hooding Ceremony for Ed.D., Ed.S. and Ph.D. graduates will be held Friday, May 9, 2025, at 3 p.m. in Esbjornson Gymnasium. A reception will follow.

 

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!