Commencement 2012
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Graduate Requirements & Procedures

Since our first Commencement ceremony in 1924, thousands of graduates, their families and friends have gathered to celebrate the achievements of our academic community. As we welcome you and your guests this year, please use this website to help plan for the day.

Our Commencement exercises for all graduate-level programs will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2012, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Esbjornson Gym.

Academic requirements

The receipt of this information, tickets, robe, etc. or participation in the Commencement ceremonies does not guarantee graduation. Graduation depends solely on the satisfactory completion of all academic requirements of the University.

Financial requirements

All financial obligations, loans, library books, equipment owed, fines, bills, etc. must be cleared by April 30, 2012. Diplomas, transcripts and teacher certifications will be provided once all obligations are met.

Diploma information

The Office of the Registrar mails diplomas to the permanent address on file, unless otherwise indicated on the graduation application. A diploma and one official Rowan University transcript are mailed approximately eight weeks after the degrees have been awarded.

Deadlines

Date Deadline
Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2011 Graduation application for Spring graduates
Oct. 15, 2011 Teacher Education Certification for Fall graduates
Jan. 1 - 31, 2012 Late graduation applications for Spring graduates with $45 late fee
Feb. 1 - March 15, 2012 Deadline to submit Commencement Participation (Walking) form
Feb. 1 - March 31, 2012 Graduation application for Summer graduates
Feb. 2, 2012 Teacher Education Certification for Spring graduates
April 1 - June 30, 2012 Late graduation applications for Summer graduates with $45 late fee
April 2 - May 9, 2012 Cap and gown order
April 18, 2012 Commencement attendance confirmation
April 23, 2012 Commencement tickets mailed to graduates
April 30, 2012 Pay financial obligations (loans, fines, bills, etc.)
April 30, 2012 Contact University Events if you haven't received your tickets
July 1 - Sept. 15, 2012 Graduation application for Fall graduates
July 15, 2012 Teacher Education Certification for Summer graduates
Sept. 16 - 30, 2012 Late graduation applications for Fall graduates with $45 late fee
For your convenience, please use this Commencement checklist to meet all deadlines.

Caps and gowns

Candidates for graduation will be measured for caps and gowns at Grad Fair on April 2, 3, 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the new Rowan Bookstore located on Rowan Boulevard. Caps and gowns will be available for purchase in the Bookstore beginning Monday, April 2 through Wednesday, May 9. Unless otherwise noted, all caps and gowns are keepsakes and do not need to be returned after Commencement.

April 10 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 April 2-5.

Style Includes Fee
Master's Cap, Gown, Tassel and Hood $67.98
Master's Hood only $31.00
Educational Specialist Cap, Gown, Tassel and Hood $67.98
Educational Specialist Hood only $31.00
Doctor's (Keepsake) Cap, Gown, Tassel and Hood $83.98
Doctor's (Keepsake) Hood only $39.00
Doctor's (Rental - Custom)* Cap, Gown, Tassel and Hood $61.98

*Must be returned to the Bookstore after Commencement

Graduation announcements
The Rowan University Bookstore offers personalized and generic graduation announcements. Beginning April 2, 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.

Diplomas frames, class rings and gifts
The Bookstore offers a variety of Commencement-related products with samples on display.  

Bookstore graduation hours
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, May 10, 2012 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, May 11, 2012 – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Questions about Bookstore Commencement Services and Products
Valerie Wojcik
(856) 881-5960
Wojcik@rowan.edu

Commemorative Book Program
Purchase a bookplate in honor of a friend or loved one. For a suggested donation of $75, you may request to place a bookplate with the name of the person you wish to honor in a Campbell Library book or DVD on the subject of your choice.

A commemorative book is the perfect way to honor anyone connected with Rowan, from the new graduate to the 50-year alumnus. Commencement, birthdays, reunions–any occasion is suitable for this special gift. Bookplates may also be purchased in memory of friends and family members who have passed away.

If you would like to make a commemorative bookplate donation, please send a check payable to Rowan University Future/Fund/FoCal, along with a note stating the person's name and subject area of the book or DVD in which you would like to place the bookplate, to:

Friends of Campbell Library
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028-1701

You can also make your commemorative book donation online at: https://focal.rufoundation.org. For more information, please contact FoCaL at FOCAL@rowan.edu or (856) 256-4981.

Rehearsal

Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for 9 a.m., May 9 at Esbjornson Gym. Please use parking lots B and W. This is an important rehearsal—seating arrangements, line-up and entering procedures will be covered. In case of heavy downpour, rehearsal will take place in Esbjornson Gym. Please check the Commencement website the morning of rehearsal for rain announcements.

Robing and line up information

Robing and line-up begins at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 10 for all candidates in Esbjornson Gym. After robing, graduates will form single lines behind their academic major sign in the Rec Center pool hallway. All graduates should be ready to move to the seating area no later than 5 p.m. Faculty and staff marshal coordinators will assist with the process.

Candidates for graduation should arrive dressed in their regalia at the Commencement ceremony. Master's and educational specialist degree candidates will wear their hoods throughout the ceremony. Doctoral degree candidates will carry their hoods over their right arm during the procession and will be hooded during the ceremony.

Professional photography

Professional photographers from GradImages will photograph all graduates in the processional line and while receiving their diplomas. Proofs will be sent to your home and via email within three to five days after Commencement. Pictures can be ordered online, by phone or by mail. GradImages can be contacted at (800) 261-2576 or via email at www.gradimages.com.