Graduate Ceremony

Step 1:  Academics

• Complete the online application for graduation by logging into WPConnect and selecting "Apply for Graduate Graduation" under the Graduation section. Confirm the name you would like displayed on your diploma.

• Check your Degree Audit to ensure you are on track to complete your degree. Any discrepancies with your major should be addressed immediately with your Graduate Coordinator or the Registrar’s Office.

Mid-Year and Summer candidates can attend Commencement in May

• William Paterson holds one ceremony in May for those completing in Fall 2024, and for Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 candidates.

• Summer 2025 candidates will require permission to participate from their Academic Associate Dean. The candidate must be registered for final courses prior to submitting the permission request in order to be eligible to participate. The permit form is available in WPConnect under the Graduation tab beginning February 3, 2025; it is only required for Summer 2025 Graduates. The deadline to request a permit to walk in the May ceremony is April 11, 2025.
  

Step 2: Purchase Your Academic Regalia

• All students who plan to participate in the ceremony at the Sports and Recreation Center must wear William Paterson-approved academic regalia, which includes a cap, gown, and hood. Academic regalia will be provided through Oak Hall.

• The regalia ordering site opens on February 3, 2025 and closes April 11, 2025. Regalia can be pre-ordered at wpunj.shopoakhalli.com. The cost of the regalia is TBD. NOTE: Doctoral Candidates must order regalia by February 28, 2025.
  

• Please note: Academic regalia will not be sold at the Sports and Recreation Center.

Step 3:  Invite Your Guests –TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR COMMENCEMENT!

• Download and share the Commencement Save-the-Date with friends and family.
• Each graduate will receive e-tickets which will become available on April 28, 2025. (Graduates and children age 2 and under do not require a ticket.)
  
• If you would like to request additional tickets, please fill out the request form which will be posted on February 3, 2025. Decisions regarding additional tickets will not be made until April 28, 2025.

• E-tickets are required for entrance into the Sports and Recreation Center. Tickets are required for children. Fire code prohibits children from sitting on the laps of adults.

• All e-tickets are barcoded and will be scanned for entry into the Sports and Recreation Center.

Step 4: Parking on Campus

• Use Entry No. 5 from Hamburg Turnpike, Entry No. 1 from Pompton Road, or Entry No. 6 from Belmont Avenue to University Drive. Follow University Drive to Parking Lot No. 6.

• The Sports and Recreation Center is at the base of Parking Lot No. 6.

• For the campus map and directions, click here.

• If any of your guests are disabled, they may be dropped off and picked up at the side of the Sports and Recreation Center in Lot No. 6. University Police and volunteer staff will be stationed in several areas within the parking lot to facilitate this process and provide parking directions for all vehicles.

Step 5:  Stay In-the-Know: Keep Up with Commencement News and Social Media

• Check our website frequently. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

• Follow Commencement @wpucommencement on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram and use #WPUNJ2025.

• Have guests who can’t attend? WATCH ONLINE.
  The ceremony will be live-streamed from the University’s homepage at www.wpunj.edu.