Student and Safety Policies

Student and Safety Policies

Student and Safety Policies

Graduate Conduct & Academic Attire 

I. PURPOSE

These guidelines are designed to ensure that commencement ceremonies reflect Rowan University’s commitment to respect, tradition, and shared celebration. Adherence to these policies allows all graduates to be honored in a dignified and safe environment while celebrating the achievement of becoming Rowan alumni.

II. POLICY

The commencement ceremonies at Rowan University are cherished traditions where students, families, faculty, staff, and guests come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. These ceremonies mark a significant milestone in each student’s academic journey and honor the values and traditions of higher education.

As such, the stage and surrounding ceremonial spaces represent a sacred passage from student to degree holding alumni. While Rowan University is committed to making the experience meaningful for every graduate, the ceremonies are not intended as a platform for individual statements or displays outside of approved academic regalia.

To preserve the dignity, safety, and collective experience of commencement, Rowan University has established the following policies and protocols:

  1. Participation Guidelines
    1. Prohibited Items
      • Banners, flags, signs, or similar items are not permitted in graduate seating areas or on stage.
      • Any such items brought into these areas will be confiscated and will not be returned.
    2. Cultural & National Recognition
      • Graduates who wish to represent their country of origin may do so by wearing an approved stole featuring their national flag, which is recognized as a traditional component of academic regalia.
    3. Freedom of Expression
      • While Rowan University honors freedom of speech, University Officials may impose reasonable time, manner, and place restrictions to ensure the ceremony remains respectful and uninterrupted.
    4. Ceremony Etiquette
      • Graduates are expected to remain seated throughout the entire program except when directed to stand (e.g., during processional, conferral of degrees, recessional).
      • Leaving early or moving around disrupts the recognition of fellow graduates and diminishes the shared experience.
    5. Compliance with Officials
      • Graduates are expected to cooperate with designated University Officials. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including possible removal from the ceremony.
  2. Required Attire - To maintain the integrity and formality of the ceremonies, graduates must adhere to the following attire requirements:
    1. Academic Regalia
      • Undergraduate students must wear a mortarboard (cap) and gown in the approved color.
      • Graduate students must wear a mortarboard (cap), gown and hood in the approved color. The hood color must be appropriate to the degree being conferred. 
      • Doctoral students must wear a mortarboard (cap) or tam, gown, and hood in the approved color. The hood color must be appropriate to the degree being conferred.
      • Cap Decoration: Tasteful decorations are permitted on mortarboards, provided they are flat, non-obstructive, and appropriate for a formal academic ceremony. Decorations that are offensive, disruptive, or extend beyond the mortarboard’s surface are prohibited.
    2. Stoles & Cords
      • University-approved stoles, cords, and medallions (academic, cultural, or organizational) are permitted.
      • Stoles & cords that do not represent Rowan University recognized groups, organizations, or honors may be deemed inappropriate for the ceremony. Graduates wearing unapproved stoles or cords may be asked to remove them by university officials.
    3. Prohibited Attire
      • Items that detract from the dignity of the ceremony, including costumes, large props, carrying items or unapproved accessories are not permitted.
    4. Footwear
      • Appropriate footwear is required for both safety and comfort. Graduates should select shoes that are stable, secure and suitable for walking long distances, including uneven surfaces such as turf, grass or pavement.  Stiletto heels, unstable platforms, or shoes that may pose a tripping hazard are discouraged.
  3. Safety & Security Policies
    1. Footwear Policy - Wackar Stadium
    2. Clear Bag Policy