Commencement & Convocation
Rutgers University Commencement
Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement
Rutgers University’s 260th Anniversary Commencement will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at the iconic SHI Stadium.
School of Social Work Convocation for Graduate and Undergraduate Students
Convocation will take place on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Jersey Mike’s Arena on the Livingston Campus.
Photos
The School of Social Work arranges for an independent professional photographer at Convocation. Each graduate will be photographed individually multiple times throughout the event.
Tickets & Student and Guest Seating
Advance general seating tickets are required for all guests. All children 2 years of age or older must have a ticket regardless of whether they sit on a lap and do not occupy their own seat.
Regalia (Cap & Gown)
If you plan to attend the Rutgers University Commencement ceremony on May 17 and/or the School of Social Work Convocation ceremony on May 18, you will need to wear regalia. Regalia includes a gown, a cap, tassel, and hood. The cap and gown are basic black, and the hood for social work has a citron (yellow) border along the Rutgers scarlet. The regular tassel is part of the package and cost is included. If you have access to a black gown and/or cap, you may use it and purchase the hood and tassel separately.
Regalia will not be sold at Commencement and Convocation.
To order regalia in person, visit one the following University Bookstores on campus beginning on April 1.
Barnes & Noble at Rutgers
Gateway Transit Building
100 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-246-8448
Rutgers University–Newark
Barnes & Noble at Rutgers University–Newark
Hahne's Building
42 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102
848-445-2200
Rutgers University–Camden
University District Bookstore at Rutgers University–Camden
601 Cooper Street, Camden, NJ 08102
856-968-1200
You may also order regalia online. Order by February 28 for in-store pick-up. Pick up begins April 1. Order by March 30 for your regalia to be shipped to be your home. For online order issues, students should contact Oak Hall with the web order to phone number: 800-223-0429 or customercare@oakhalli.com.
Students who have been or will be inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society will receive information from the Phi Alpha chapter leadership about cords/medallions that may be worn at the ceremonies. If you are in a certificate program, including C-IVT, LISTA, ACT, Aging and Health, or CHaP, you will receive a separate email about how you will be acknowledged at convocation.
Travel
For advance planning purposes, below are some possible hotel/accommodation options for guests attending graduation events.
Hilton East Brunswick
3 Tower Center Boulevard
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-828-2000
Hyatt Regency
Two Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-873-1234
Days Hotel – East Brunswick
195 Route 18 South
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-828-6900
Holiday Inn Express
4 Tower Center Boulevard
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-247-0700
The Heldrich Hotel
10 Livingston Avenue (across from Bloustein School)
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-729-4670
DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset
200 Atrium Drive
Somerset, NJ 08873
732-469-2600