Commencement Information

Please note there are important differences between graduation and commencement with which you should be familiar.

Graduation is a three-step process consisting of submitting an Application for Graduation form, completing all academic requirements for your degree, and settling all financial obligations. The administrative process of degree conferral will indicate your official date of graduation. 

Commencement refers to the ceremony where you share the excitement and importance of your academic accomplishments with peers, family, and friends. It is also a time for the University, Board of Trustees, senior administrators, and faculty to pay special tribute to you for the outstanding efforts you have shown in earning your degree. 

Students graduating in December 2024, January 2025, May 2025, and August 2025 are invited to participate in the May 2025 ceremony. 

The ceremony features remarks from the President, guest speakers, and the reading of your name, upon which you will proceed across the stage. The graduate and doctorate ceremony will take place in the morning and the undergraduate ceremony will take place in the afternoon on the same date. The undergraduate ceremony typically lasts an estimated 2 hours while the graduate and doctorate ceremony typically lasts only 1 ½ hours. Graduates and guests are asked to remain for the entire ceremony in which they are taking part.

Students can verify that their degree application has been submitted by checking the Commencement candidates list which will be posted on the Commencement Candidates page in early 2025. The lists are updated daily as degree applications are submitted. Students should check that their name is spelled correctly. How it appears on the list will be as it appears on your diploma. Any changes should be reported to the Registrar's Office at 609-896-5065. If you are not listed and feel you should be, please contact your dean’s office directly.

Diplomas are not distributed during the Commencement ceremony. Your actual diploma will be mailed to you 4-6 weeks after clearance from the Registrar and Dean for your specified degree conferral date (December 2024, January 2025, May 2025, or August 2025). If you would like a copy of your transcript, please request it through the Registrar's Office. Information and the Transcript Request Form can be found on the Registrar's Office website. Diplomas and transcripts indicate academic honors based upon the cumulative grade point average achieved at the end of the senior year.

Graduates will be able to secure tickets for Commencement at the end of April, beginning with cap and gown pickup. The number of tickets issued per graduate is determined by the number of approved degree applications and arena seating capacity and will be announced in early 2025. Live video streaming of the event will be available on the Rider web site.

Graduate and Undergraduate Ceremonies
This year’s Commencement ceremonies will be held at the CURE Insurance Arena Center, located at 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton, NJ. The air-conditioned arena offers comfortable seating and easily accessible parking. The arena is fully compliant with all ADA accessibility guidelines. Arena maps indicating graduate gathering and seating areas will be posted to this website in early 2025. Tickets will be required for entrance to the ceremony and will be provided in advance to graduates. Seating is general admission, all seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accommodations are available for graduates and guests who require parking or seating due to a disability or special need. Please contact [email protected] if you require special needs accommodations.

Rider University recognizes exceptional academic achievement at Commencement. Qualifications for academic honors at Commencement are based upon the student's academic average at the end of the first term of the senior year (December 2024 for May 2025 Commencement). Honors, as noted in the Commencement program and by tassel color, are awarded as follows:

Visit the Jostens' website to order your class ring today!