Doctoral and Master's Ceremony FAQs
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?
Can I participate in the Commencement Ceremony before completing my degree requirements?
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:
- Veterans Cord, for student veterans
- Program Distinction stole (for participating programs only, refer to your Program Handbook for more information.)
- Stole or pin to signify membership in a Stockton-authorized group
Inappropriate and unauthorized adornments:
- Any cord other than those mentioned above
- 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.
Do I need to return my cap, gown and hood?
Master’s 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.
Are tickets needed for this ceremony.
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 seating?
No, this event 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.
Is there a dress code?
No, there is no dress code.
What is a hooding ceremony?
The hooding ceremony dates back to medieval times when faculty mentors hooded students. At Stockton, this honor is bestowed upon a program faculty member.
Do I wear my hood to the ceremony?
No, the hood should remain off and unbuttoned and you will be hooded on stage. You will enter into the Sports Center with the hood draped over our right arm. Again, please make sure the hood remains unbuttoned. More details will be provided during lineup.
Where should we park?
Please follow Campus Police direction when you arrive on campus.
What time do Graduates need to line up?
Candidates will report to I-wing gym, no later than 1:00pm. The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00pm.
What time will the doors open for guest seating at the Sports Center?
Doors will open approximately 60 minutes prior to the advertised start time of the ceremony.
What items are prohibited in the Sports Center?
Items that are prohibited in the Sports Center include:
-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 the morning of the ceremony?
Yes, some of the on campus food service operations will be open the day of the ceremony. Please note that food and beverage are not allowed in the Sports Center Arena. There will be a light reception in the Campus Center after the ceremony.
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.
Where should I meet my guests after the ceremony?
Students and guests are encouraged to meet at the reception, immediately following the ceremony, in the Campus Center Event Room.
Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes, links to the live streams will be posted to stockton.edu/commencement.
If I wanted to make dinner reservations what time is the ceremony scheduled to end?
The ceremony is scheduled to end approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes after the start, directly followed by a reception in the Campus Center. There will be a post ceremony celebration in the Campus Center. Please also give time for departure traffic from the parking lots and the amount of time it takes to reach your destination.
Is there special needs parking?
Is special-needs seating available in the Sports Center?
Special-needs seating will be available upon arrival. When the guests arrive they should ask an usher for assistance. Ushers will make every effort to seat the entire party together however it is not guaranteed. Please arrive early to ensure your party will be seated together.
Are there sign language interpreters?
Are rental wheelchairs available?
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.
