Graduation Date	Application Deadline
	May	February 1
	August	June 1
	January	October 1

 Please note: 

• Undergraduate Students completing their degree requirements in August 2007, January 2008 or in May 2008 participate in the Spring Ceremony on Tuesday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m.
• Graduate Students who completed their degree requirements in August 2007, January 2008 and/or anticipate completing in May 2008 are invited to participate in the Spring Commencement, Tuesday, May 20 at 5:00 p.m.

Although I will be completing my degree requirements in August, can I participate in the May ceremony?

Only those students completing their degree requirements in May are expected to participate in Spring Commencement.  Students who have not completed all their degree requirements, but are within 7 credits of completion by summer 2008 may receive written permission from the Associate Dean of the College of their major.  Students must bring this written permission to the Graduate Finale in order to collect their cap and gown, etc. or to the Bookstore after Monday, April 21, 2008.


What is the Graduate Finale and must I attend?

The Graduate Finale is an opportunity to collect your cap and gown, invitations, Commencement day instructions as well as visit with representatives from the Registrar, Bursar, and Financial Aid to assure that you are ready for graduation. The offices of Career Services, Teacher Certification, Graduate Admissions and Alumni Relations will also be on hand to provide additional information. For those interested in purchasing personalized announcements, rings and diploma covers, Jostens will be available to take your orders. This event is critical to all graduating students.

 
How long do I need to be at the Graduate Finale?

The dates for this year's Graduate Finale are Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16 (9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.).  The activity is a walk-through event (visit a variety of tables) and most students complete the process within 20 minutes.  Please make every effort to attend.

If I am unable to attend the Graduate Finale, what can I do?

All students participating in the May Commencement ceremonies are encouraged to adjust their schedules and make every effort to attend one of the Graduate Finale days. This is the best opportunity to meet all the offices at one time and collect your cap, gown and additional instructions. For your convenience, it has been set up on different class days and includes evening hours. Those unable to attend this walk-through event must contact the Offices of the Registrar, Financial Aid and Bursar and clarify if any items are pending and visit the University Bookstore after Monday, April 21 to retrieve your cap, gown, additional instructions, etc.

How many tickets do I receive for the Commencement Ceremony?

• Undergraduates: Since the ceremony is held on Wightman Field, no tickets are needed.
• Graduate Students: Due to the limited seating capacity in the Shea Center for Performing Arts, each candidate may receive up to four (4) admission tickets for their guests. To request tickets, please click here to request tickets no later than May 2, 2008. There is an ability to indicate if additional tickets are needed at the time of reservation.  However, the availability to honor those requests cannot be determined until after the deadline date of May 2.  If possible, additional tickets will be distributed after May 7 at the Office of the Vice President for Student Development. Concerns can be addressed by emailing Francisco Diaz at diazf@wpunj.edu.

 

Is there a charge for my cap and gown?

• Undergraduates: There is no cost for your cap and gown.
• Graduate Students: The cost for the Master’s hood, cap and gown is $44.00 and paid at the Graduate Finale.
  

 Is there a rehearsal for Commencement?

No, there is no rehearsal. At the Graduate Finale you are provided instructions that clarify staging areas, reception areas, line of march and seating arrangements. Each College has a designated staging area where faculty and staff are on hand and review the procedures for the day.

If I am receiving Teacher Certification, do I walk with my major or with the College of Education?

This remains your choice. The instructions provided at the Graduate Finale will clarify the various staging areas. You can either process in with others who are graduating in your major course of study or process in with those who also have completed their certification requirements. However, you must stay with that group as you process in and will be called forward to receive your diploma covers with that particular group. It is also recommended that you advise your family which group you will be processing with during the ceremony.

What is the dress code, if any, for the ceremony?
Students are encouraged to dress comfortably, but respectfully as this is an important event for all attendees including your peers and their families.  You will be processing with your peers and asked to come forward and walk across the stage and receive your diploma cover as a symbol of completion.  Pictures will be taken on stage.

If I am unable to attend Commencement, when and how do I receive my diploma and diploma cover?
Diploma covers are given as a symbol of completion at the Ceremony, but if you are unable to attend, please contact Pam Fueshko, Commencement Coordinator, at 973-720-2597 who will mail you the diploma cover.  The actual diplomas are mailed after all requirements are completed and verified by the Registrar's Office. 

If I am physically disabled (or a member of my family is), what shall I do?

Graduate Finale:
The University Commons is completely accessible.

Commencement Day:

• Undergraduate Ceremony: Please proceed to the Field House, Wightman Field where Campus Police are stationed to assist you.
• Graduate Ceremony: Parking will be at Lot 3, and Campus Police will be stationed within the lots to assist you.

How do I get my yearbook?
Anyone who had his or her picture taken during the sitting dates will receive a Yearbook in the mail by next fall. Your last chance to be included is scheduled for April 7-11. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-OUR-YEAR (code 237) or ouryear.com (code 237).