Commencement Information

What is Commencement?

Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates your graduation from Rowan University. Commencement is NOT the same thing as graduation. In order to receive your degree from Rowan University, you must apply for graduation separately. See below for more information:

Commencement Information Graduation Information

Graduation vs. Commencement

Commencement Letter Invitation Policy

The International Center cannot assist with inviting a family member or friend to the U.S. for your commencement. Here are some suggestions for you to help facilitate the visitor's visa (B visa) application process:

1. Write a letter of invitation. Include the purpose of the visit, your relationship to the individuals, a statement of your status here, itinerary details and the length of time they will be visiting (usually less than three months). It is best to emphasize the temporary nature of the invitation and to demonstrate their intention to return to their home country following the visit. If you will provide their financial support while they are here, include that information as well. Many sample letters can be found by searching "sample letter visitor visa graduation" online.
2. Include an Enrollment Verification or Transcript: to confirm your student status. Graduate students who hold an RA/TA appointment may want to also attach a departmental funding letter.
3. If you are graduating and they are traveling to attend your commencement ceremony, provide details of the Commencement Ceremony.
4. For additional information about U.S. consulate/embassy locations and application procedures, review the U.S. Department of State visa information.

Providing your family members with this documentation may improve their chances of obtaining a visa; however, there is no guarantee a visa will be issued. The success of their request for a visa lies in their ability to prove that they have no intention of staying permanently in the U.S.

Deferring Your Commencement to a Future Term

Some students choose to defer their participation in commencement to a later term. Please contact the Commencement Team with any requests on this. If you depart the U.S. and are no longer on F-1 status at the time of your future commencement, please note you will need to reenter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa if the sole reason for your visit is to participate in the commencement ceremony.

If you have any questions about commencement, please email commencement@rowan.edu. Information can also be found here.

Questions about graduation application (degree conferral) should be sent to graduation@rowan.edu—this is different from commencement.