University Announces Commencement Schedule

We are pleased to share some exciting news regarding a change to our graduation events. As of 2017, we are eliminating our school-based convocation ceremonies and implementing three separate Commencement ceremonies.

Monday, January 23, 2017

For all Undergraduate and Graduate students who will have completed their graduation requirements in:

• Summer term 2016
• Fall term 2016
• Winter term 2017

Location: Prudential Center, Newark

Ceremony Start Time: 7 p.m.

Monday, May 22, 2017 

For all Graduate students who will have completed their graduation requirements in Spring term 2017.

Location: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark

Ceremony Start Time: 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

For all Undergraduate students who will have completed their graduation requirements in Spring term 2017.

Location: Prudential Center, Newark

Ceremony Start Time: 9 a.m.

These three Commencement ceremonies will replace the separate Convocation and Commencement ceremonies of prior years. Each of the three Commencement ceremonies will have the following characteristics:

• Students and their families will attend only one event.
• Every graduate’s name will be announced as they walk across the stage.
• All ceremonies will be indoors, eliminating the uncertainties of the weather.
• The facilities will provide sufficient space for guests.
• Graduates will have the opportunity to participate in a ceremony that is closer in time to the term in which they actually complete their degrees.

Why the change? 

The increasing number of our graduates, together with the University’s limited ability to hold graduation-sized events on campus, necessitated a change in our Commencement planning. The new plan developed for the 2016-2017 academic year was based on careful review of the survey information received from graduates in recent years and on a thorough review of available venues and a number of related logistical issues.

The new plan is designed to give students what they have told us they wanted – an exciting and satisfying experience in which their achievements are personally recognized and an event that is predictable and provides for the comfort of their guests.

For more details and information, visit the Commencement website. If you have any questions, please email commencement@montclair.edu.