Commencement 2013

Master's Candidates - Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

When do I file for Graduation?

Graduate students must file their applications with the Office of Graduate Studies, Raubinger Hall room 139 by the following deadlines:

Graduation Date Application Deadline
May December 1
August June 1
January September 1

Please note: Graduate Students who completed their degree requirements in August 2012, January 2013 or in May 2013 are invited to participate in the Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m.

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

Only those students who have completed their requirements in August 2012 or January 2013 and those completing their degree requirements in May 2013 are expected to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.  Students who have not completed all their degree requirements, but are within 7 credits of completion by August 2013 may receive written permission to walk from the Associate Dean of the College of their major.  In order to obtain said permission, students must be enrolled in the remaining courses in summer 2012.  All credits must be taken in the summer session so that all degree requirements are completed by the end of August.  Student must bring this written permission to the Pioneer Salute in order to collect their cap, gown and hood or to the Bookstore on Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday, May 6, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, May 7, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Wednesday, May 8, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Please note August 2013 graduates names will not appear in the Commencement Program but your name will be called as you process to collect your diploma cover.

College Contact Person
College of Arts and Communication Associate Dean Imafidon Olaye
College of Education Associate Dean Dorothy Feola
College of Humanities and Social Sciences Associate Dean Wartyna Davis
College of Business Assistant to the Dean Jorge Arevalo
College of Science and Health Associate Dean Jean Fuller-Stanley

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What is the Pioneer Salute and must I attend?

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

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How long do I need to be at the Pioneer Salute?

The dates for this year's Pioneer Salute are Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10 (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.

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If I am unable to attend the Pioneer Salute, 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 Pioneer Salute days. This is the best opportunity to meet all the offices at one time and collect your cap, gown, hood 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 Center for Student Accounts and clarify if any items are pending. Late pick-up of cap, gown, and hood is available during the following dates and times in the Bookstore: Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday, May 6, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, May 7, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Wednesday, May 8, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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What's new about my cap and gown?

The University’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and energy conservation is now evident in your academic regalia. All the PET plastic bottles that you have recycled into one of the University’s recycling bins or at other recycling centers have created your academic regalia. The plastic bottles have been cleaned, chipped into plastic flakes, melted and forced through spinnerets to create yarn which is weaved to produce the fabric. Each cap and gown sewn from recycled bottle fabric prevents approximately 27 plastic bottles from being dumped into a landfill. Your regalia is labeled Ultra Green and is provided by the University Cap and Gown company. This further demonstrates that sustainability is a focus of what’s happening on our campus with the ultimate goal of making conservation a permanent part of campus life.

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Is there a rehearsal for commencement?

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

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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 to be hooded and receive your diploma cover as a symbol of completion. Pictures will be taken on stage.

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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 us at commencement@wpunj.edu, and we will mail you the diploma cover. The actual diplomas are mailed after all requirements are completed and verified by the Office of Registration Services.

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

Pioneer Salute: The University Commons is completely accessible.

Commencement Ceremony: The IZOD Center is completely accessible.

 

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