Commencement FAQ
Q. When will the 2024 commencement be held?
This year’s Graduate Commencement will take place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC, 1 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102), on Tuesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. The Undergraduate Commencement will take place at the Prudential Center (25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102), on Thursday, May 16, 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 that on the day of commencement, there will be signage and assistance for ADA guests upon arrival.
Q. Do graduates need tickets?
No, graduates do not need tickets, however, all guests do need a ticket. After the graduate confirms 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 on Commencement Day. Kean Union graduates who have not picked up their reader cards can pick them up from Hynes Hall, Room 113, during business hours until Friday, May 10. Kean Ocean graduates will pick up their reader cards at Commencement.
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. All in-person guests need a ticket.
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 Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Barnes & Noble Kean University Bookstore for Kean Union students and Barnes & Noble Ocean County College Bookstore for Kean Ocean students. Download Order Form, print and bring to the bookstore filled out. There will be a $30 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 until Monday, May 13. Kean Ocean students will pick their cap and gown at commencement.
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 Monday, May 13. 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.
Q. What if I have further questions?
If you have any further questions, email commencement@kean.edu. For more information, visit the Commencement website.