The College of New Jersey

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Welcome from President R. Barbara Gitenstein

Commencement is an exciting opportunity for our community to celebrate its graduates and reflect upon their extraordinary achievements. We will honor these students as they enter a world of boundless opportunities, one for which their education at TCNJ has prepared them very well. As this will mark my last as TCNJ’s President, it is a particularly meaningful one for me and I look forward to celebrating with you on campus.

Departmental/School Ceremonies

Commencement at TCNJ is a two-day celebration including the campus-wide main ceremony on May 17 and departmental/school ceremonies occurring on May 17 and 18. See times and locations below.

Day 1

Thursday, May 17, 2018

  • Career and Community Studies Ceremony

    Education Building, Room 212

    Communication Studies Ceremony

    Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater

    Criminology Ceremony

    Brower Student Center, Room 225

    Engineering Ceremony

    Recreation Center

    Music Ceremony

    Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall

    Physics Ceremony

    Decker Hall Social Space

    Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Ceremony

    Library Auditorium

  • African-American Studies Ceremony

    Library Auditorium

    Counselor Education Ceremony

    Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall

    Elementary and Early Childhood Education Ceremony

    Recreation Center

    History Ceremony

    Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater

    Interactive Multimedia Ceremony

    Brower Student Center, Room 225

    Journalism and Professional Writing Ceremony

    Decker Hall Social Space

    Mathematics and Statistics Ceremony

    Brower Student Center, Room 100

    Self-Designed Major Ceremony

    Education Building, Room 212

  • Main Ceremony

    Lions Stadium

  • President's Reception

    Green Lawn and Quimby’s Prairie

Day 2

Friday, May 18, 2018

  • Business, School of Ceremony

    Recreation Center

  • Art and Art History Ceremony

    Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall

    Biology Ceremony

    Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater

    Educational Administration and Secondary Education Ceremony

    Education Building, Room 212

    Public Health Ceremony

    Brower Student Center, Room 225

    Regional Training Center Ceremony

    Brower Student Center, Room 100

    World Languages and Culture Ceremony

    Library Auditorium

  • Chemistry Ceremony

    Brower Student Center, Room 225

    Health and Exercise Science Ceremony

    Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall

    Philosophy Ceremony

    Library Auditorium

    Political Science and International Studies Ceremony

    Brower Student Center, Room 100

    Psychology Ceremony

    Recreation Center

    Special Education, Language, and Literacy Ceremony

    Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater

  • Computer Science

    Brower Student Center, Room 225

    English Ceremony

    Recreation Center

    Nursing Ceremony

    Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater

    Sociology and Anthropology Ceremony

    Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall

  • ROTC Ceremony

    Education Building, Room 212

For more information about your departmental/school ceremony, please contact your school’s dean’s office or department office. The telephone numbers for schools and departments can be found on the Important Phone Numbers section of this website.

  • Bookstore
    Alumni gear, diplomas frames and more gifts for grads
    Visit Bookstore
  • Brick Campaign
    Class of 2018 brick purchase and mini brick pick-up
    More Info
  • Class Rings
    Class rings are available for order through Balfour.com
    Order Now
  • Flowers
    Flowers are available to order / pick-up for graduates
    Order Now

You may have some questions.

Frequently asked questions about commencement are answered below.
For general event questions, please contact Conference and Event Services at 609.771.2361.

What’s the difference between the main ceremony and the departmental/school ceremonies?

All graduates—undergraduate and graduate—are welcome to participate in the main ceremony in Lions Stadium beginning at 3 p.m. The main ceremony consists of the official conferral of degrees and lasts approximately one hour. The main ceremony will take place rain or shine. Departmental/school ceremonies provide an intimate gathering where individual academic departments celebrate each student’s personal success, including the announcement of individual names.

What if it rains?

The main ceremony is an outdoor ceremony and will take place rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. In the event of severe weather, i.e. lightning, the Severe Weather Scenario will be implemented.

Will there be indoor viewing locations?

Yes, guests may view a live simulcast of the main ceremony in various indoor locations on campus.

Where do I park?

Campus Police will direct guests to designated parking areas. Mobility-impaired guests may be dropped off at either the Trenton Hall Circle or the Green Lane entry to Lot #13 (Decker Garage). Golf carts are available to transport these guests to desired campus locations.

Do guests need tickets to attend?

Tickets are not required for any commencement activities, unless you are reserving space in the accessible seating area at the main ceremony or if the college proceeds with the Severe Weather Scenario and the main ceremony is moved indoors.

How many people can attend the main ceremony and/or departmental/school ceremonies?

The number of guests is not limited for all ceremonies, though the college plans for five guests per graduate at departmental and school ceremony locations. In the event of severe weather, two tickets per graduate will be issued for the main ceremony. See the Severe Weather Scenario.

Am I allowed to take photos/videos? Does the college offer photos for purchase?

Yes, guests are permitted to take photos/videos during the main ceremony. The college asks that guests be respectful of others and not obstruct their view of the event. Please check with your graduate’s department regarding departmental/school ceremony procedures. Photos/videos are not available for purchase through the college.

What should I wear?

The main ceremony is an outdoor event. Guests are advised to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Is food available on campus?

Yes, on Thursday and Friday, complimentary food and drinks will be offered throughout the day at TCNJ Commencement Reception on Quimby’s Prairie.

Where do graduates sit at the main ceremony?

Graduates will be seated by school on the ground level of the stadium. View / Download the main ceremony stadium diagram.

Information for Graduates

Congratulations, you made it! Please see below for important info that graduates need to know about Commencement.

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