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University News

Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Everything you need to know as we celebrate Montclair State graduates

Posted in: University

Undergraduate student in cap and gown in front of college hall holding diploma

Montclair State University Commencement ceremonies began this week on Monday, June 7, and run through Sunday, June 13, to celebrate the accomplishments, resilience and perseverance of the Class of 2021.

About 5,200 degrees will be granted during the small ceremonies on Sprague Field in accordance with state guidelines for outdoor events.

The multiple hour-long ceremonies include the traditional processional of graduates and speakers, and a walk across the stage for graduates to be individually acknowledged. Depending on the school or college, some ceremonies include distinguished alumni speakers, some include student speakers and the evening Feliciano School of Business ceremony on Monday evening included awarding an honorary bachelor’s degree to entrepreneur and long-time Montclair State benefactor Mimi Feliciano.

Everything you need to know about the ceremonies are included at Commencement 2021.

The ceremonies will be live-streamed on the University’s YouTube Channel at the links listed on the 2021 Commencement Videos & Live Streams page.

Commencement programs are also available for Undergraduate Commencement Program (PDF) and Graduate School Commencement Program (PDF).

In remarks recorded for the Class of 2021, Senator Cory Booker acknowledged “the grit and guts and greatness” of this year’s Montclair State graduates.

“We know this day has been unlike any other graduation days that we have known for generations. We are in the midst of a global pandemic that has affected every one of your lives, made the challenges you face harder, made the work even more difficult, tested you with ways that you probably never imagined you would be tested,” says Booker.

“And all of you … have told the world that you are not defined by what happens to you. You are defined by how you choose to respond.”

College/School Ceremony Dates:

Monday, June 7: Feliciano School of Business

Tuesday, June 8: College of Education and Human Services

Wednesday, June 9: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Thursday, June 10: College of Humanities and Social Sciences and School of Nursing

Friday, June 11: The Graduate School

Saturday, June 12: The Graduate School and College of the Arts

Sunday, June 13: College of Science and Mathematics

Graduates who are eligible to participate are doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s candidates who have completed their graduation requirements in August 2020, December 2020, January 2021 or May 2021. Regalia is required to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

Graduates and guests are required to complete the University daily screening assessment, Commencement Hawk Check6-14 hours prior to arrival on campus. You are not required to wear a mask outdoors (please bring one with you to wear indoors).

Outside social distancing requirements have been removed. It is no longer required to keep 6 feet apart from other people outside while on campus.

Full details at Commencement 2021.

Commencement Photos

Photo Galleries

See the full commencement photo galleries at the links below and check back throughout the week as more photos are added.