Baccalaureate Ceremony FAQs


Eligibility

Do I need to apply to graduate?

It is the student’s responsibility to apply for graduation for the term that it is anticipated that all graduation requirements will be met. Visit the Office of the Registrar for more information.

Those approved to graduate will have the option to participate in the Commencement ceremony in May.

What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Graduation is the successful completion of all major requirements AND the awarding of a degree. At Stockton, students can graduate three times a year -- May, August and December. Students must complete the online Graduation Application in order to begin the graduation process.

Commencement is the University's annual celebration of academic accomplishments that occurs in May. Participation in the Commencement ceremony is not required and does not guarantee the awarding of a degree.

What if I have/had loans?

Graduates who have had Federal Direct Loans while at Stockton must complete EXIT counseling. EXIT Counseling provides important information to prepare students to repay their federal student loan(s). Complete EXIT Counseling. A holdwill be placed on your account until you complete the Exit Counseling requirement. You will not be able to receive your official transcript of diploma until you complete this requirement. Graduates with questions about loans should contact Financial Aid at (609) 652-4203.

Can I participate in the Commencement Ceremony before completing my degree requirements?

Learn more about participating in the Commencement ceremony before completing degree requirements.

What is the criteria and selection process for the Undergraduate student speaker?

Undergraduate students who meet the minimum requirements to serve as Student Commencement Speaker will be notified via their Stockton email by the Office of the Provost. Notification will occur after the final day of the established deadline for students applying for graduation. Students will be advised of next steps for consideration. The minimum requirements include:

  1. A cumulative grade point average of 3.95 or higher at the time of application.
  2. Graduating in the Spring or completed degree requirements during the previous Summer or Fall semester.
  3. Being on-track to earn a minimum of 64 credits at Stockton by the end of the Spring semester and in good academic and financial standing with the institution.

Regalia

When do I get my (regalia) cap, gown, and guest tickets?

Master's and bachelor's graduates who need a cap, gown, and guest tickets must complete the Regalia Request Form. You will receive an email from commencement@stockton.edu once your regalia voucher is ready for pickup.**Please do not attempt to pick up your regalia before receiving this email, it will not be available.**

Doctoral graduates who still need rental regalia should email Commencement@stockton.edu with their height and weight, and indicate that they are a doctoral graduate.

What if I am unable to attend Grad Finale?

Graduates who are unable to attend Grad Finale should have someone attend on their behalf. They will need their height and z number.

What if I lose my cap and gown?

There is a replacement cost for lost caps and gowns. If you have lost your cap and gown please email commencement@stockton.edu.

What are the regalia guidelines?

Candidates for graduation who will be participating in commencement should pay careful attention to what Stockton deems appropriate and inappropriate commencement regalia. Please refer to the information below.

Required Regalia:

  • Black Gown
  • Black Mortarboard or Cap
  • Tassel
  • Hood
  • Shoes

Optional Regalia:

  • Latin Honors Cord, if earned, for Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude
  • Veterans Cord, for student veterans
  • Stole or pin to signify membership in a Stockton-authorized group, i.e., sororities, EOF, a specific program, etc.

Inappropriate and unauthorized adornments:

  • Any cord other than those mentioned above
  • Any medallion
  • More than one stole
  • Any adornment that is not specific to the current commencement ceremony (e.g., candidates for the master’s or doctorate should not wear an honors cord they were awarded as an undergraduate)

Candidates who wish to show their creativity or excitement for graduating may decorate the top of their mortarboards; this is the only ornamentation that is permitted.

When will I receive my Honor Cord?

Only Baccalaureate degree candidates with Latin honors will receive an official honor cord. Latin honor cords will be distributed the day of Commencement at check-in.

Questions pertaining to all other specialized regalia should be directed to your group's advisor, coach, program leader etc. 

Do I need to return my cap, gown and hood?

Master's and Baccalaureate degree candidates may keep their cap, tassel, gown and hood.

Faculty, staff, and doctoral degree candidates who rented regalia must return their rented gown and hood to the designated location after the ceremony.

They may keep their cap and tassel.

Ticketing

How many guest tickets will each graduate receive?

Each graduate will receive 10 guest tickets. Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests. 

Are extra tickets available? 

Graduates seeking additional guest tickets are encouraged to first reach out to fellow graduates who may have unused tickets. If this option does not work, graduates may submit a request via the Request for Additional Commencement Tickets form. To access the form, graduates must sign in with their Google account using their go.stockton.edu email address. Please note that only graduates can submit this request—guests are not permitted to do so. Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests. 

For those unable to attend in person, all ceremonies will be live streamed at stockton.edu/commencement. 

Note: Commencement tickets are the property of the University and may not be sold. 

Is there assigned guest seating?

No, guest seating is general admission.

Does everyone need a ticket?

Yes, all guests need a ticket regardless of age.

What if I lose my Commencement guest tickets?

It is imperative that guest tickets be safeguarded.  Please email commencement@stockton.edu. There will be a replacement fee.

Does special needs seating need to be reserved in advance?

No, please see the section below labeled accessibility.

Commencement Day Information

Which Academic Schools are in the morning versus afternoon ceremony?

9:30 a.m. 
School of Business
School of Social & Behavioral Sciences

2:30 p.m.

School of Arts and Humanities
School of Education
William T. Daly School of General Studies
School of Health Sciences
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

If a graduate is unsure of which academic school their major falls in, they should visit www.stockton.edu/academic-affairs/academic-schools-programs.

Is there a dress code?

No, there is no dress code.

Is Boardwalk Hall located at the Atlantic City Convention Center?

No, Boardwalk Hall is not the same location as the Atlantic City Convention Center. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is located directly on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The address is 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401.

Where should we park?

Please visit our parking website

What time will doors open for Graduate check-in and guest seating?

The doors to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall will open 75 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. 

What items are prohibited in Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall?

Items that are prohibited in Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall include:

-Outside food and beverages
-Weapons
-Drugs / Alcohol
-Smoking / Vaping
-Balloons
-Air Horns / Noisemakers
-Laser Pointers
-Signs
-Animals (except service animals)

If you are in possession of them you will be asked to take them back to your vehicle.

How are graduate names read?

Graduates hand the card they received at check-in to the stage assistant. The card’s scan barcode is associated with a professionally pre-recorded reading of the name. The graduate’s name and degree(s) are displayed on the screen.

Graduates will be emailed an invitation from MarchingOrder to utilize a call-in feature to advise on pronunciation.

Will there be a professional photographer?

Island Photography is our official Commencement Photographer. They will be providing professional photo coverage for every graduate as they are recognized during the ceremony. Proofs will be delivered via email within 48-72 hours after the ceremony. 

Please contact their customer service team if you have any concerns or questions - custserv@islandphoto.com or 800-869-0908

Will there be food and beverage available for purchase?

Yes, there will be concessions available for guests to purchase on the concourse level.

Can we bring large bags?

It is recommended that individuals refrain from bringing large bags unless it is absolutely necessary (i.e. - diaper bags). Large bags will be subject to search.

How long will the ceremony be?

The ceremony is estimated to be approximately 2.5 hours.

Will there be flower sales?

Yes, there will be flower sales on the concourse level. Net proceeds will benefit the Stockton University Women's Volleyball Team.

Will the bookstore be on site?

Yes, the bookstore will be on site with a selection of Stockton University items for purchase.

Will re-entry be allowed?

Yes, re-entry will be allowed, but all guests must have a ticket.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes, links to the live streams will be posted to stockton.edu/commencement.
If I wanted to make lunch or dinner reservations what time is the ceremony scheduled to end?

The ceremony is scheduled to end approximately 2 - 2.5 hours after the start. Making a reservations 2.5 to 3.5 hours after the start of the ceremony should be sufficient. However, please factor in time to exit the building, meet your party, and travel to your destination.

Accessibility

Special Needs Parking and Seating

Please note that while Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is fully compliant with the American Disabilities Act, the facility is very large. Due to the sheer size, it may be difficult for individuals with limited mobility to navigate the distance from the available parking area(s) to the arena or concourse seating areas. Please refer to the following special needs parking and seating information as you make decisions and arrangements.  Special needs parking and seating accommodations are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Parking

Special needs parking and/or drop off is available in the parking garage below Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Please follow signage and attendant direction upon arrival. 

Seating

Special needs seating is limited, so please arrive early and see an usher for assistance. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer reserved seating. Additionally, special needs seating locations will be restricted to guests with special seating needs and one companion. Guests who are unable to navigate stairs or the escalator will be given priority access to elevators.

Are there sign language interpreters?

Yes, there will be sign language interpreters at the ceremony. The interpreters will be shown as a picture in picture on the projection screens in Boardwalk Hall and within the livestream.

Are rental wheelchairs available?

No, there are no rental wheelchairs available. If an individual has mobility issues it is suggested that they rent a wheelchair prior to coming to the ceremony.

Diploma

Diploma Details

For questions regarding your diploma, please email registrar@stockton.edu or visit the Graduation Information page

The Bachelor's diploma size is 8.5' x 11" and the Master's and Doctoral diploma size is 11" x 14".

Stockton University diploma frames are available for purchase at the University Store located in the Campus Center or online at Stockton University Bookstore.

What is the difference between an Official Transcript and an Unofficial Transcript?

An Official Transcript is a printed transcript that contains an official college seal, which can be used to verify your degree. Most commonly, Official Transcripts are used for employment purposes, applying to graduate school or transferring to another institution. An Unofficial Transcript can only be viewed and printed from the students online account and is primarily used for personal reasons.

Is there a fee for transcripts?

More information about transcripts can be found at the Office of the Registrar's About Transcripts webpage.