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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The President and the Board of Trustees of Stockton University invite nominations for the Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree, and Presidential Medal of Distinction recipients. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni may participate in the nomination process.

Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree, and Presidential Medal Nomination

Cap and gown distribution will take place at Grad Finale:

April 21 & 22, 2025

10:00am - 5:00pm

Campus Center Event Room 

Each graduate will receive 10 guest tickets at Grad Finale. 

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

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.

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. 

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

Faculty, staff and the Doctor degree candidates who rented a gown will need to return their rented gown and hood to the designated location after the ceremony. They may keep their cap and tassel.

Each graduate will receive 10 guest tickets.

Graduates seeking additional guest tickets are initially advised to ask fellow graduates who may not be utilizing their full allotment.  If this option is not successful, you may email commencement@stockton.edu.  The email should be titled Request for Additional Guest Tickets (and state which ceremony, AM or PM).  Should additional guest tickets be available, an email will be sent with details on when and where to pick them up. 

Commencement guest tickets are University property and are not be sold.

No, guest seating is general admission. The row and seat numbers on the tickets can be disregarded.

Yes, all guests need a ticket regardless of age.

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

No, please see the section below labeled accessibility.

9:30 a.m. 
School of Education
William T. Daly School of General Studies
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
School of Social & Behavioral Sciences

2:30 p.m.
School of Arts and Humanities
School of Business
School of Health Sciences

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

No, there is no dress code.

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.

Please visit our Parking website for more information.

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

Items that are prohibited in Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall include:
- weapons of any kind
- alcoholic beverages
- illegal substances
- noise makers
- balloons
- signs
If you are in possession of them you will be asked to take them back to your vehicle.

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.

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

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

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.

The ceremony is estimated to be approximately 2.5 hours.

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

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

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

Yes, links to the live streams will be posted to stockton.edu/commencement.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

For questions regarding your diploma, please email registrar@stockton.edu.

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.

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.

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