Commencement FAQ
Q. When will the 2023 commencement be held?
This year’s Graduate Commencement will take place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, on Tuesday, May 16, at 11 a.m. The Undergraduate Commencement will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, on Thursday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m..
Q. How do I make accommodations for a guest with a disability?
Graduates are asked at the point of registration through Marching Order if they personally require any ADA accommodations. Further information will be provided by the Marshal team prior to the commencement ceremony.
Prudential Center guests can contact Guest Services at the Prudential Center at guestservices@prucenter.com using the Subject Line: Kean University Commencement ADA Accommodations or call 973-757-6000.
NJPAC guests please be advised on the day of commencement there will be signage and assistance for ADA guests upon arrival.
Q. Do graduates need tickets?
Yes, after graduates confirm their registration, they will be emailed e-tickets for their guests to enter the venue. The tickets will be scanned by printing a physical copy of the ticket or using a mobile device.
Q. How can I obtain my reader card?
All reader cards with the phonetic spelling of your name to be read as you walk across the stage will be available for pick-up on Commencement Day. Graduate Commencement, please go to the Community Room for pick-up at NJPAC. Undergraduate Commencement, please go to the M&M Tower at Prudential Center for pick-up.
Q. How long is the commencement ceremony?
Both the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies will last approximately two hours.
Q. Can my friends and family watch it online?
Yes, a livestream will be available on Kean.edu the day of Commencement.
Q. When should I arrive? What should I wear?
Please arrive at the venue, wearing your gown over your clothes, one hour before the ceremony. Please note that traffic may be heavy going into Newark, so we suggest you arrive early to have ample time to find parking and line up for the procession.
Q. How do I order and get my cap and gown?
All undergraduate and master graduate orders must be placed in-person by Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Barnes & Noble Kean University Bookstore for Kean Union students and Barnes & Noble Ocean County College Bookstore for Kean Ocean students. Download Order Form. There will be a $40 fee to order your cap and gown which includes a tassel and Kean University Stole.
If you already ordered your cap and gown and could not pick it up during the Grad Fair, they are now available for pick up at the Barnes & Noble Kean University Bookstore for Kean Union students and the Kean Ocean Student Life Office (Gateway 215) for Kean Ocean students until Friday, May 12, 2023.
The Kean University Stoles included with the cap and gown order are available to pick-up only at the Barnes & Noble Kean University Bookstore during business hours until Friday, May 12, 2023. Any online orders, the Kean University Stole was not included and you will need to pick-up in-person. They will be available on Commencement Day for pick-up as well.
All honor cords are distributed by the individual schools and colleges, please contact them directly for updates.
Q. Will I be handed a diploma cover?
Graduates will receive their diploma cover at commencement.
Q. Can I bring a bag?
Select the relevant link below to view the bag policy for your venue:
New Jersey Performing Arts Center Bag Policy
Q. Can I leave after my name is called?
Graduates and their guests are asked to remain for the duration of the ceremony. Ushers will dismiss everyone in an orderly fashion with social distancing.
Q. What if I have further questions?
If you have any further questions, email commencement@kean.edu. For more information, visit kean.edu/commencement.