Convocation

GSE Convocation

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
Jersey Mike’s Arena (RAC), Livingston Campus

Apply for Diploma

Important GSE Convocation Dates

      • GSE Convocation: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 4:30 p.m.
      • University Commencement: Sunday, May 17, 2026
      • Regalia Early Bird Discount Ends (Last Day to Ship-to-Store): February 28, 2026
      • Last day to order Custom Doctoral Regalia: February 28, 2026
      • Last day to order Regalia online (Ship-to-Home): March 31, 2026
      • Regalia will be available at Barnes and Noble on the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus starting April 1, 2026, while supplies last.

GSE Convocation Requirements

If you are graduating in May or August 2026*, be sure to apply for your diploma by April 1. 

*August 2026 Masters Degree graduates are welcome to attend the May 2026 convocation. You must be registered in Summer 2026 for any course(s) needed to graduate in August. Your name will not be in the program as you have not yet officially graduated (we include grads from the previous August) but you will fully participate in the ceremony.

Doctoral Students cannot graduate in August. All Doctoral Students must be fully defended to be approved to walk in the May 2026 ceremony:

      • PhDs by April 1, 2026, with SGS
      • EdDs by May 1, 2026, with Assistant Dean For Advisement Dr. Matthew Winkler

All October 2025, January 2026, May 2026 and August 2026 graduates are welcome to walk at the May 2025 Convocation.

All August 2025 graduates who did not walk in May 2025 are also welcome to join us this year.

Regalia

Cap, Hood & Gown Rutgers NB: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/rutgersnbu.

If you plan to walk at the May 2026 GSE ceremony, you must be in appropriate regalia to participate. You cannot reuse your undergrad cap and gown.

Please note that the GSE does not offer honors cords, stoles, graduation with Greek letter honors, Dean’s List, or any other special recognition for graduates.
Note for doctoral graduates about tams: The traditional Rutgers regalia for doctors includes a 4-point tam, but 6- or 8-point tams are also acceptable.

Tickets

Visit the Jersey Mike’s Arena Ticket FAQ page for ticket all ticket-related questions.

Everyone needs a ticket to enter the arena, except infants age two and under. (Please note that JMA does not allow strollers – so please plan accordingly.)

  • As a graduate, you will automatically receive ONE ticket for you and 15 tickets for your guests.
  • Tickets will be visible in your RU account on April 28, 2026.
  • Tickets can be activated and transferred to your guests on May 15, 2026 (5 days before the ceremony).
  • Graduate and guest tickets will differ in color. Do not wait until you are onsite at the ceremony to activate tickets.

Questions after you have received tickets?

  • The FAQ contains instructions for transferring tickets to your guests. As cell service/wifi at the arena may be spotty, it is advisable to sort out ticket distribution prior to arriving at the arena, but certainly BEFORE everyone is standing in line at JMA. We do not want anyone to miss the opening procession because your guest can’t access their ticket.
  • SCREENSHOTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! The actual digital ticket must be accessible and presented at the entrance.
  • Rutgers Athletics is managing the distribution of tickets and the management of entry on the day of the event. They will assist you with any “digital wallet” issues.
  • ANY PROBLEMS WITH TICKETS MUST BE ADDRESSED VIA ATHLETICS. Read the FAQs for more information.

Day of Graduation

General Rutgers Commencement (Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health) information can be found on the Rutgers Commencement page.

Arrival Time
DOORS OPEN AT 3pm. Graduates and guests may begin checking in at that time. Graduates, please CHECK IN BY 4pm. We will PROCESS at 4:30PM.

Parking
It is free and no one needs a pass. Use the Green and Yellow lots.

Accessible parking is first-come, first-served. To park your vehicle in a space with a wheelchair symbol, you must have an accessible parking placard or a license plate with a wheelchair symbol on it.

Seating for people in wheelchairs and/or with a disability is first-come, first-served, limited, and offered on the main floor of JMA. Onsite staff will assist. One family member may sit with your guest with a disability or using a wheelchair.

Bag Policy
SMALL CLEAR BAGS ONLY. Do not bring bags, purses, or other carryalls. The standard bag policy for all Rutgers athletic events will be in effect.

Live Stream, Photography, etc.
The ceremony will be live streamed. The link to view the live stream on the GSE website will be posted by 3pm on May 20.

Each graduate will be photographed, and a short clip of each student walking across the stage and receiving their diploma will be produced. These will be made available to you following convocation.

Rutgers has partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase. If you would like to receive your photo proofs, please go to www.RutgersPhotos.com to submit your information. If you have any questions regarding photos, please contact Pro Pics at info@propicsusa.com.

Share photos and shout-outs on social media and tag @RutgersGSE!

Alumni Association

Continue to be a part of the GSE community and family. Start your membership to the GSE Alumni Association! For more information, visit rugseaa.org.

Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback form.

Copyright © 2026 Rutgers GSE
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