University Commencement

Kean University will celebrate the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, May 20, with a commencement ceremony for both undergraduate and graduate students. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Prudential Center in Newark. More details will be coming in the Spring 2026 semester.

Eligible Graduates
To participate in the commencement procession, students must wear official Kean University academic regalia, which includes the cap, gown, tassel, stole, and hood. Students can purchase their cap and gown inside Kean's Barnes & Noble Bookstore using Flex Dollars or purchase online using other forms of credit.

Bachelor’s and Master’s Students 
Kean University covers most of the regalia cost. Students are responsible for:

• Bachelor’s degree candidates: $30
• Master’s degree candidates: $40

Click here to order your regalia.

Doctoral Students
Two types of regalia are available:

1. Souvenir Regalia: Designed for one-time use, ideal for those who do not plan to wear doctoral regalia in the future.

2. Fine Quality “Custom” Kean Regalia: A premium option recommended for individuals pursuing careers in academia who anticipate wearing their regalia for future commencement ceremonies.

Click here for more details and ordering information.

Graduates are encouraged to attend the upcoming Graduate Expo if they have questions or need assistance ordering their regalia. The Graduate Expo offers a valuable opportunity to place orders for regalia, class rings, and more. The following vendors will be on-site to assist with your orders:

• Oak Hall: Regalia (cap and gown) fittings and inquiries (Kean Union ONLY)
• Balfour: Class ring samples and fittings
• Barnes & Noble (Kean Bookstore): Custom graduation stoles and other graduation-related merchandise
• Prestige Photography by LifeTouch (Senior Portraits): Available by appointment only 

Kean Union Graduate Expo
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
3 – 7 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Green Lane Academic Building

Kean Ocean Graduate Expo
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gateway Building Atrium, Kean Ocean Campus

At the Graduate Fair, graduates will have the opportunity to pick up their regalia, stoles, and receive answers to any commencement-related questions. The following departments will also be on-site to offer assistance:

• Registrar’s Office: Verify your graduation status
• Career Services: Access job placement assistance and career resources
• Alumni Engagement: Register for future alumni events 

Kean Ocean Graduate Fair
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Gateway Building Atrium, Kean Ocean Campus 

Kean Union Graduate Fair
 Thursday, April 30, 2026
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Green Lane Academic Building

All graduates for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs can schedule a portrait sitting appointment. Your portraits can be used for professional networking, job searches, and profile photos! 

 The Fall 2025 portrait sittings for December have concluded. The next opportunity to take photos will be in Spring 2026. There will be appointments in February, March, and April 2026. We advise you not to wait until the last session. You will receive an email in late January when the appointments open up for the week of February 9. 

Questions? 
If you have already taken your photos and have questions regarding accessing your proofs, please contact Prestige Photography by LifeTouch, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 1-800-736-4775.

Celebrate your major milestone with an official Kean class ring. There are plenty of varieties from the traditional style ring to the modern collection.

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