FAQ's

Apply for Graduation
Commencement Attendance Confirmation
General Information
Cap and Gown
Commencement Rehearsal
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
Graduate Commencement Ceremony
Line Up/Seating
Number of Guests/Tickets
Directions/Area Information
Parking
Special Needs

Apply for Graduation

What do I need to do to apply for graduation?
Summer, Fall and Spring degree candidates must complete an online Application for Graduation and Degree Conferral through Banner Self-Service and submit a $65 processing fee. Late applications are subject to a $45 late fee in addition to the $65 processing fee. Please visit the Office of the Registrar's website for additional details and deadlines or call (856) 256-4350 with any questions.

What is a Commencement Participation (Walking) form?
To be eligible to participate 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 Commencement Participation (Walking) form to the Office of the Registrar with a $10 processing fee by March 15, 2013.

If I filled out a graduation application and met all of the graduation requirements, do I still need to fill out a Commencement Participation (Walking) form?
If you filled out your graduation application, submitted it online through Banner Self-Service with the graduation fee and do not have to complete any courses over the summer or in the fall, you DO NOT need to fill out this form. The Commencement Participation (Walking) forms are only for students who will finish their required credits over the summer or their student teaching in the fall. Whether you submit an Application for Graduation and Degree Conferral or Commencement Participation (Walking) form, make sure you submit a Commencement participation form to secure Commencement tickets and a seat within your major by following these steps:

• Go to Rowan's 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

How do I apply for a specific certification within the College of Education?
Visit the College of Education website here and click on “Application for Certification.” Follow the directions and fill out the application. Additional questions can be addressed to Laurie Haines in the Student Services Center/Certification at (856) 256-4726.

Will I be able to participate in Commencement 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. You must fill out and return a Commencement Participation (Walking) form and $10 processing fee by March 15 to the Office of the Registrar. No forms will be accepted after March 15.

What do I do after I apply for graduation?
After submitting an online Application for Graduation and Degree Conferral or Commencement Participation (Walking) form to the Office of the Registrar, visit Rowan Student Self-Service 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

For a complete list of procedures and deadlines, download a Commencement checklist. Also remember to order your cap and gown from the Rowan Bookstore in April.

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Commencement Attendance Confirmation

Who can participate in Commencement?
Students who fulfilled the academic requirements to graduate during Summer 2012, Fall 2012 or Spring 2013 may participate. Students who will finish their final credits during the Summer of 2013 or are student teaching in Fall 2013 to finish their degrees are eligible to participate in 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 22.

Where do I confirm my Commencement attendance?

• Go to Rowan's 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 submit a Application for Graduation and Degree Conferral or Commencement Participation (Walking) form, have not fulfilled the academic requirements to graduate or the Office of the Registrar has not processed your application yet. Please contact the Office of the Registrar 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. 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 form. The website 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 Office of the Registrar at (856) 256-4350 immediately.

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General Information

Do I receive a brochure of information prior to Commencement day?
Commencement guides will be mailed to your address of record in March. If you do not receive a brochure by April 15, visit the Office of University Events in Shpeen Hall to pick one up or download a PDF version here: Graduate Commencement Guide | Undergraduate Commencement Guide.

How can I receive up-to-date information about Commencement?
Visit the Rowan Commencement website at www.rowan.edu/commencement. Information will be updated until the morning of Commencement. 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-INFO

University website, 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 Education Certification. Make sure you pay all fines, loans and bills by April 30.

Is there a Commencement rehearsal?
Yes. The Commencement rehearsal for undergraduate students is on May 15 at 1:30 p.m. on the University Green. The Commencement rehearsal for graduate students is also on May 15, but at 9 a.m. at Wackar Stadium. Commencement coordinators will explain line-up procedures, processional directions and other pertinent information about Commencement day. In case of heavy downpour, both the graduate and undergraduate rehearsals will take place in Esbjornson Gym at their respective times. Please check the Commencement website the morning of rehearsal for rain announcements.

When and where can I order graduation announcements?
The Rowan University Bookstore offers personalized and generic graduation announcements. Beginning April 1, generic announcements may be purchased at the Bookstore for $16.98/pack. Personalized announcement packages can be ordered at the Bookstore during Grad Fair, online at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation or by contacting Al Leahman at (609) 267-0265.

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.

Honor cords for bachelor’s degree candidates with academic honors will be available at the Rowan Bookstore for an additional $12.98 beginning April 2.

Does Route 322 close on Commencement day?
Yes, Route 322 will close from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please plan accordingly. The Commencement Visitors' Guide lists alternate routes to campus.

Will the main Commencement ceremony be broadcast to any other location on campus?
Yes. At 10 a.m., live feeds will broadcast the Commencement ceremony to two locations on campus—Esbjornson Gym and the Student Recreation Center. The University will also broadcast the main ceremony online. Visit www.rowan.edu/commencement during the week of Commencement for instructions.

When do graduates need to be moved out of their on-campus housing?
Graduates must move out and return their keys by 9 p.m. on Commencement day. Please plan accordingly and remember that Route 322 does not reopen until 4 p.m.

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Cap and Gown

How do I order my cap and gown?
Candidates for graduation will be measured for caps and gowns at Grad Fair from April 1 - 4, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Rowan Bookstore located on Rowan Boulevard. Caps and gowns will be available for purchase in the Bookstore beginning April 1. Unless otherwise noted, all caps and gowns are keepsakes and do not need to be returned after Commencement.

April 5 is the last day for Doctoral candidates to order custom regalia, as it takes four weeks for delivery. Please contact Valerie Wojcik to set up an appointment to be measured if you are not available in April.

Style	Includes	Fee
Bachelor's	Cap, Gown and Tassel	$35.98
Master's	Cap, Gown, Tassel and Hood	$67.98
Educational Specialist	Cap, Gown, Tassel and Hood	$68.98
Doctor's	Cap, Gown, Tassel and Hood	$83.98

How do I order my honor cords?
Honor cords for bachelor’s degree candidates with academic honors (i.e. cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude) will be available for an additional $12.98 beginning April 1.

How do I order my honor society honor cords?
Contact your honor society president or adviser to find out how to order cords.

Do other campus organizations and clubs provide graduation cords?
Yes. Check with the organizations or clubs you belong to, including fraternities, sororities and honor societies, for information on how to obtain your graduation cords. Some organizations provide the cords, while others require a fee.

What should I wear underneath my cap and gown?
Check the weather and dress appropriately. Remember, your gown is black and will attract the sun. Dress pants, dress shirts and ties are recommended for men. Dresses, skirts or dress pants are recommended for women. Ladies, please remember that you will be walking in grass. Stilettos will sink. We highly recommend wearing flats or wedges.

 

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Commencement Rehearsal

When and where is Commencement rehearsal?
Commencement rehearsal is on Wednesday, May 15. Undergraduate students should meet on the University Green in front of Bunce Hall at 1:30 p.m. and graduate students should meet at Wackar Stadium at 9 a.m.

Do I need to attend Commencement rehearsal?
YES. Commencement rehearsal explains the entire procedure of the Commencement activities, including line-up, processional, conferral of the degrees, how to correctly wear your cap and gown and secondary ceremonies. Rehearsal is not mandatory, but highly recommended.

What happens if it rains on Commencement rehearsal day?
Check the Commencement website for any rain announcements. Both the graduate and undergraduate Commencement rehearsals will still take place outside during a light rain. Graduates must provide their own umbrellas and/or raincoats. In the event of heavy rain, the graduate Commencement rehearsal will move to Esbjornson Gym at 9 a.m. and the undergraduate Commencement rehearsal also to Esbjornson Gym at 1:30 p.m.

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Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies

How long does the main ceremony usually last?
Approximately 1.5 hours.

What time do the secondary ceremonies start?
Around noon.

How long will the secondary ceremony last?
Depending on your college, the secondary ceremony can last between 1-2 hours. Visit here for each college’s secondary ceremony expected length.

What time should I arrive at Commencement?
Remember, Route 322 closes at 9 a.m. Please plan your travel arrangements accordingly. Students should arrive at 9 a.m. to line up behind their major signs on either Hollybush Road or next to the baseball field. Parents may start sitting in the main ceremony area at 8:45 a.m. Parents arriving early may visit the Rowan Bookstore that opens at 8 a.m. or one of the many on-campus dining options. The University’s Marketplace Cafe in the Student Center is open from 7:30 - 11 a.m. with a full breakfast buffet. The cost is $7.55 per person and $4.15 for children 12 and younger. The Market Basket Convenience Store in the Student Center is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Concession kiosks on the University Green will open at 9 a.m. through the end of the ceremonies.

Where are the main ceremony and the secondary ceremonies held?
The main ceremony takes place on the University Green in front of Bunce Hall. The secondary ceremonies take place in seven separate locations. They are as follows:

College	Location
College of Business	Student Recreation Center
College of Communication & Creative Arts	Esbjornson Gymnasium
College of Education	Richard Wackar Stadium
College of Engineering	Rowan Hall Green
College of Performing Arts	Pfleeger Concert Hall, Wilson Hall
College of Humanities & Social Sciences	University Green
College of Science & Mathematics	Soccer Field

For a campus map, please visit here.

What happens during the main ceremony?
Platform guests, faculty members and students process onto the University Green. The National Anthem is played and the audience listens to speeches from the Rowan University President, Provost, a Board of Trustees representative, SGA President and keynote speaker. The Alumni Board President honors a distinguished alumnus. The Rowan President, Provost and Chair of the Board of Trustees present an Honorary Doctorate and confer the degrees. Everyone recesses off the Green to their secondary ceremonies, except the College of Liberal Art and Sciences, who remains on the University Green for their secondary ceremony.

What happens at the secondary ceremonies?
Each college organizes its secondary ceremony differently. Some require that the students line up and process in, while others prefer the students remain seated. Ceremonies can include speeches from the dean, a distinguished alumnus and/or faculty member, the recognition of Gold Medallion winners and the presentation of degree awards. At each ceremony, students will fill out their name phonetically on an index card. This card will be collected and then read aloud as the student walks across stage to shake hands with the department chair and a GradImages representative takes a picture. For more information on individual secondary ceremony procedures, please visit here.

If I’m a double major, which secondary ceremony do I attend?
As a double major, you must decide which secondary ceremony you would like to attend. If you are receiving degrees in both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Education, you cannot attend both secondary ceremonies or sit with both majors during the main ceremony. If you are a double major in the same college, you must choose which major you’d rather sit with during the main and secondary ceremonies. Please indicate which major you choose when you fill out the Commencement participation form through Banner Self-Service.

Are food or gifts available to buy during the ceremony?
Bottled water, snacks, disposable cameras, film and balloons are available at kiosks throughout campus and at the Bookstore. Flowers may be purchased by the bouquet from the Senior Honor Society just behind Bunce Hall.

Will they pronounce my name correctly?
During the secondary ceremony, you will write your name on an index card. Make sure you spell it phonetically so the reader knows how to pronounce it.

What happens if it rains?
In the event of inclement weather, we will follow a rain ceremony procedure and all of the ceremonies will move indoors. For more information about this process, please visit here.

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Graduate Commencement Ceremony

How long does the ceremony usually last?
Approximately 1.5 hour.

What time should I arrive at graduation?
Students should arrive at 4:30 p.m. to line up behind their academic major sign at Wackar Stadium (either goal post side or score board side). Parents may take their seats as early as 4 p.m.

What happens during the ceremony?
Platform guests, faculty members and students process onto Wackar Field. The National Anthem is played and the audience listens to speeches from the Rowan University President, Provost, a Rowan Board of Trustees representative, Dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Education and keynote speaker. The graduates are presented with their diploma covers and then the President, Provost and a Board of Trustees representative confer the degrees. Everyone recesses out to meet with their families.

Are food or gifts available to buy during the ceremony?
Concession kiosks with beverages and snacks will open at 3 p.m. in Esbjornson Gym. Flowers may be purchased by the bouquet from the Senior Honor Society.

Will they pronounce my name correctly?
Each graduate will write his or her name on an index card. Make sure to spell it phonetically so the reader knows how to pronounce it.

What happens if it rains?
In the event of inclement weather, we will follow a rain ceremony procedure and remain in Esbjornson Gym. For more information about this process, please visit here.

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Line-up/Seating

On Commencement day, when and where do I line up for the main ceremony?
Graduate students should arrive at 4:30 p.m. on May 16 to line up behind their academic major sign on either the goal post side or the score board side of Wackar Stadium. Undergraduate students should arrive at 9 a.m. on May 11 to line up behind their major signs on either Hollybush Road or next to the baseball field. Please attend Commencement rehearsal for exact locations.

When and where do I line up for the secondary ceremony?
Line-up for secondary ceremonies differs for each college. Please visit here for more information, but a brief description is provided below:

College of Business – Do not line up. Sit by major in the graduate seats roped off in the Student Recreation Center immediately after the main ceremony.

College of Communication & Creative Arts – Immediately after the main ceremony, report to Esbjornson gymnasium for line-up.

College of Education – Immediately following the main ceremony, sit by major in the seats on the football field.

College of Engineering – Report to the Rowan Hall Atrium immediately following the main ceremony to line up by major.

College of Performing Arts – Report to Room 153 in Wilson Hall immediately following the main ceremony to line up by major.

College of Humanities & Social Sciences – Remain seated immediately following the main ceremony. Students will not line up or process in.

College of Science & Mathematics - Immediately following the main ceremony, report to the soccer field for line-up.

Where do I sit if I’m a double major?
When you fill out your Commencement participation form online, you must select with which major you would like to sit. Using that data, the Office of University Events determines the number of chairs for each major. Please sit with the major you specified online.

Do we have to sit alphabetically?
No, just by major. The names are not read alphabetically. The ceremony reader announces the names on the 3x5 index card that you filled out at the beginning of the ceremony.

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Number of Guests/Tickets

How many people can I bring to Commencement?
Graduate students will receive four (4) tickets. Tickets are only required if the weather forces an indoor ceremony. In that event, students may ONLY bring the number of guests their tickets allow. Guests without tickets will not be allowed into the ceremony until all ticket holders have been seated and room is still available.

Undergraduate students may bring as many guests as they like to the main ceremony, however we cannot guarantee a chair for everyone. Each student will receive three (3) tickets for secondary college ceremonies.

Are tickets required for each ceremony?
Tickets are required for the College of Business and College of Communication and Creative Arts secondary ceremonies because of space limitations and fire codes. Tickets are also required for all ceremonies if inclement weather forces us to move inside. For more details on when and where tickets are required, please visit here.

Is there a difference in the number of people I bring to Commencement if it’s a rain ceremony?
Yes. In the event of a rain ceremony, you may only bring three (3) -guests for which you have tickets. The number of graduates, venue sizes and fire code regulations prohibit additional guests from attending and this is a nonnegotiable matter.

How do I receive my tickets?
Undergraduates may pick up their tickets in the Student Center Pit between Monday, April 29 and Thursday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER MAY 2. If undergraduates cannot pick up their tickets during those days, they must send a self-addressed, stamped #10 regular business envelope with photocopies of two forms of photo ID by April 22 to:

Office of University Events
Shpeen Hall
40 North Academy Street
Glassboro, NJ 08028

Graduate students should receive their tickets in the mail to their address of record by May 3, 2013.

Can we pick up our tickets at Commencement rehearsal?
No. Tickets will not be available after May 2.

Can I pick up my tickets on the day of Commencement?
No. The last day to pick up tickets is Thursday, May 2. The Office of University Events will be closed during the afternoon of Thursday, May 16 and all day Friday, May 17 for the Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies.

Can I have someone pick up my tickets for me?
Tickets may only be picked up by another person if they provide written and signed consent by you and copies of two forms of your photo identification.

Can my tickets be mailed to my house?
Undergraduate students may opt to mail their tickets home by sending a self-addressed, stamped #10 regular business envelope with photocopies of two forms of photo ID to:

Office of University Events
Shpeen Hall
40 North Academy Street
Glassboro, NJ 08028

The Office of University Events must receive the self-addressed, stamped envelope no later than April 22.

The graduate students’ tickets will be mailed home by May 3.

Can we purchase more tickets?
No. Tickets cannot be purchased and there are no extra tickets available.

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Directions/Area Information

How do I get to Rowan University?
Directions to Rowan University can be found here. Remember, Route 322 from Bowe Boulevard to Main Street closes at 9 a.m. on May 11. Rowan Public Safety officers will detour you to alternate parking areas.

Are there hotels in the area?
A list of nearby hotels can be found here.

What types of restaurants are nearby?
A list of restaurants in Glassboro can be found here.

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Parking

Where can I park during Commencement?
For the Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 16, you may park in Lots A, B, C, D or M-1. For the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17, you may park in all exterior lots except Lots P, R and J. You may also park on the streets adjacent to the University.

Are there shuttles from the parking lots to the Commencement sites and then back?
We do offer a shuttle service from the main ceremony area to campus parking lots and secondary ceremony locations for the Undergraduate ceremony, however because of the number of people, we cannot guarantee that you will arrive before the ceremony begins. The shuttle service is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do I need a parking tag?
You do not need a parking tag unless you are parking in a special needs designated lot.

How do I know where I parked my car?
Don’t forget your campus map. Take note of your parking lot’s name and nearby academic buildings and residence halls.

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Special Needs

Will there be special needs parking?
For the Graduate Ceremony, special needs parking is available in Lots C and D. For the Undergraduate Ceremony, special needs parking is available in Lots P and J. To see nearby parking lots, please visit here for a campus map. For additional information on special needs accommodations, please visit here.

Will there be special needs seating?
Special needs seating is available at all ceremonies. Please look for the designated areas.

How do I request special needs accommodations?
Students and guests who require special needs parking passes for Commencement should contact Elaina Surace in the Parking Office at (856) 256-4574 or e-mail suracem@rowan.edu before April 30, 2013. For additional information, please visit here.

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