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. 

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.

Deadlines for Bachelor and Master Students

• Ship to Kean for Grad Fair Pick-Up: Friday, March 27
• Ship to Home: Monday, April 13

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.

Join the Class of 2026 for 🪩KLUB KU🪩, an unforgettable senior night experience created just for you! This one is for the graduating undergraduate seniors! Come out on Saturday, April 26, from 7 – 10 p.m. at Liberty Hall Academic Center (1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083).

Enjoy a high‑energy evening filled with music, dancing, and a vibrant club atmosphere. Sip on delicious mocktails, snack on finger foods, enjoy plenty of photo opportunities, and don’t forget to grab some exciting giveaways throughout the night. Celebrate memories, friendships, and your final year in style—because seniors deserve to go out big! 

TICKETS:

Available for current Kean graduating undergraduate seniors (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026) and one guest. Tickets can also be purchased at the Wilkins Theater box office during operating hours and online.

• Kean Student Tickets: $10
• Kean Student Guest Tickets: $20
• Doors Open: 6:30 p.m., Event Time: 7 – 10 p.m.
• Purchase Tickets

EVENT ENTRY:

• All guests and Kean students must have a ticket to enter.
• Kean students must present their Kean Event Pass to enter.
• Guests must have a valid physical State photo ID or passport for admission. No pictures will be accepted.
• Metal detectors in use.
• No outside food or drinks allowed.

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! 

COST 
There is NO sitting fee to take your portraits. Upon reviewing the proofs, you can decide to purchase any photos. 

ATTIRE 
Portraits will be taken in the Business Attire as you come dressed. Cap and Gown attire will be provided for a second pose. 

KEAN OCEAN CAMPUS  

The Kean Ocean portrait sitting appointments have concluded. All additional appointments will have to be made at the Kean Union campus in April and at the Kean Union Grad Fair.  

KEAN UNION CAMPUS  

Dates: Kean Union appointments for the following dates: 

• Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  Location: Miron Student Center (MSC), Room 314
   
• Thursday, April 30, 2026 • 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.  
  Location: Green Lane Academic Building (GLAB), Barnes & Noble Bookstore 

These are the last appointment dates for all Kean graduates.
 

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. – 7 p.m. at 1-800-736-4753. 

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

Shop Rings Now

Have questions about Commencement?
Email us at commencement@kean.edu and we will assist you.

Questions About Student ADA Accessibility?
Email adacommencement@kean.edu for all student ADA accessibility inquiries.