Commencement 2008
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FAQ's

Apply for Graduation

What do I need to do to apply for graduation?
The deadline to apply for graduation was Feb. 4. If you would still like to participate in Commencement, you may apply as a walker. Fill out a walker application and return it to the Registrar’s Office by Feb. 22. If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (856) 256-4350.

What does it mean to be a Commencement walker?
To be eligible to participate (i.e. walk) in the Commencement ceremony, undergraduate students must be within 12 credit hours of graduating and/or the completion of student teaching. Graduate students must be within 6 credit hours. Course work must be completed during the summer, and student teaching by the end of the Fall semester. These students will not participate with honors. Students are responsible for retrieving and returning a completed walker application.

How do I apply for a specific certification within the College of Education?
Visit the College of Education Web site here and click on “Application for Certification.” Follow the directions and fill out the application. Additional questions can be addressed to Dr. Pat Stoll in the Student Services Center/Certification at (856) 256-4765.

Will I be able to walk at graduation if I am taking classes over the summer or student teaching in the fall to finish my degree?
Yes, to participate in Commencement, an undergraduate student must be within 12 credit hours of graduating and/or the completion of student teaching. Graduate students must be within 6 credit hours. Course work must be completed during the summer, and student teaching by the end of the Fall semester.

What do I do after I apply for graduation?
After handing in your graduation application to the Registrar’s Office, go onto the Rowan “Student Self-Service” here and follow these steps:

  • Access Banner Services and then enter your Banner ID and PIN
  • Select "Student and Financial Aid" and click on "Commencement"
  • Finally, select "Commencement Attendance Confirmation" to let us know if you are attending your Commencement Ceremonies

Also remember to order your cap and gown from the Rowan Bookstore.

Attendance Confirmation

Who can participate in graduation?
Students who fulfilled the academic requirements to graduate during summer 2007, fall 2007 or spring 2008. Students who will finish their final credits during the summer of 2008 or are student teaching in the fall to finish their degree are eligible to walk during the ceremony. NOTE: Students receiving solely a certification without an undergraduate degree DO NOT participate in Commencement.

Do I have to confirm my attendance for Commencement?
Absolutely!!! This is the only way to guarantee tickets for your family and a seat for you at the main and secondary ceremonies. Please confirm your attendance before April 15.

Where can I find the Commencement attendance confirmation card?

  • Visit the Student Campus Portal here
  • Click on "Web for Students" or "Student Self-Service"
  • Access Banner Services and then enter your Banner ID and PIN
  • Select "Student and Financial Aid" and click on "Commencement"
  • Finally, select "Commencement Attendance Confirmation" to let us know if you are attending your Commencement Ceremonies

What does it mean when I receive a “There are currently no active Commencement forms for you” message on Banner?
You either didn’t hand in your graduation or walker application, have not fulfilled the academic requirements to graduate or the Registrar’s Office has not processed your application yet. Please contact the Registrar’s Office at (856) 256-4350 with any questions.

If I’m a double major, do I have to decide which major ceremony I want to graduate with?
Yes, especially if you are a double major in two different Colleges. You cannot sit with both majors during the main ceremony and you cannot attend both secondary ceremonies. You must decide which major you would like to participate as. Reserve your seat online using the Commencement confirmation card. The Web site will prompt you to choose which major you would like to participate in. If it doesn’t list both and you would like to participate in the ceremony that is not listed, contact the Registrar’s Office at (856) 256-4350 immediately.

General Information

Do we receive a brochure of information prior to Commencement day?
Commencement guides will be mailed to your address of record by March 15. If you do not receive a brochure by March 31, visit the Office of University Events in Bole Hall Annex to pick up one.

How can I receive up-to-date information about Commencement?
Visit the Rowan Commencement Web page at www.rowan.edu/commencement. Information will be updated until the morning of graduation day. In the event of inclement weather, rain ceremony information will be announced the morning of Commencement through:

WGLS-FM 89.7

KYW-AM 1060         

Rowan University, (856) 256-4000

University Web site, www.rowan.edu

What happens if I owe money for library books, parking tickets, fines, loans or bills?
You WILL NOT receive your diploma, transcript or teacher certification. Make sure you pay all fines, loans and bills by April 30.

Is there a graduation rehearsal?
Yes. The graduation rehearsal for undergraduate students is on May 14 at 9 a.m. on the University Green. The graduation rehearsal for graduate students is also on May 14, but at 2 p.m. on the football field. Commencement coordinators will explain line up procedures, processional directions and other pertinent information about graduation day.

When and where can I order graduation announcements?
The Bookstore offers personalized graduation announcements with each candidate’s name and degree. Samples are on display. Beginning April 4, announcements may be picked up at the Bookstore 48 hours after ordering. Announcements may be shipped to a home address for a fee.

What do cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude honors mean?
Rowan University recognizes exceptional academic achievement at graduation. Qualifications for academic honors at Commencement shall be based upon the student's academic average at the end of the first term of the senior year. The average shall be based upon a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work completed at Rowan University at the time of computation.

Honors are awarded according to the following schedule:
3.450-3.649 Cum Laude
3.650-3.849 Magna Cum Laude
3.850-4.000 Summa Cum Laude

Diplomas and students' transcripts shall indicate academic honors based upon the cumulative grade point average achieved at the end of the senior year. Honors will be recalculated for grade changes that have been approved within 90 days after the end of the student's final semester.

Does Route 322 close on Commencement day?
Yes, Route 322 will close from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please plan accordingly. The Commencement Visitor’s Guide lists alternate ways to drive to campus.

Will the main graduation ceremony be broadcast on the Rowan Web site or Rowan Radio?
Yes. At 10 a.m., there will be live feeds at two locations on campus—Esby Gym and the Student Recreation Center.

When do graduates need to be moved out of their on campus housing?
Graduates must move out and return their keys by 7 p.m. on Commencement Day. Please plan accordingly.