Graduate Ceremony

Graduate Ceremonies (master’s and doctoral degrees)

Tickets ARE required

Follow these steps to Commencement:

Step 1: Academics
Step 1: Academics
- Complete the online application for graduation by logging into WPConnect and selecting "Apply for Graduate Graduation" under the Graduation section. Confirm the name you would like displayed on your diploma.
- Check your Degree Audit to ensure you are on track to complete your degree. Any discrepancies with your major should be addressed immediately with your Graduate Coordinator or the Registrar’s Office.
Mid-Year and Summer candidates can attend Commencement in May
- William Paterson holds one ceremony in May for those completing in Fall 2025, and for Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 candidates.
- Summer 2026 candidates will require permission to participate from their Academic Associate Dean. The candidate must be registered for final courses prior to submitting the permission request in order to be eligible to participate. The permit form is available in WPConnect under the Graduation tab beginning February 2, 2026; it is only required for Summer 2026 Graduates. The deadline to request a permit to walk in the May ceremony is April 17, 2026.

Step 2: Purchase Your Academic Regalia
Step 2: Purchase Your Academic Regalia
- All students who plan to participate in the ceremony at the Sports and Recreation Center must wear William Paterson-approved academic regalia, which includes a cap, gown, and hood. Academic regalia will be provided through Oak Hall.
- The regalia ordering site opens on February 2, 2026 and closes April 17, 2026. Regalia can be pre-ordered at oakhallcg.com/pages/wpunj. The cost of the regalia is for master's degree candidates is $107.20 with Shipping. Doctoral candidates have the choice of Souvenir Regalia for $222.95 with Shipping or Fine Quality Regalia for $681.00. NOTE: Doctoral Candidates must order regalia by March 20, 2026.
- Please note: Academic regalia will not be sold at the Commencement Ceremony.

Step 3: Invite Your Guests
Step 3: Invite Your Guests –TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR COMMENCEMENT!
- Download and share the Commencement Save-the-Date with friends and family.
- Each graduate will receive EIGHT (8) e-tickets which will become available on April 27, 2026. (Graduates and children age 2 and under do not require a ticket.)
- If you would like to request additional tickets, please fill out the request form which will be posted on February 2, 2026. Decisions regarding additional tickets will not be made until April 24, 2026.
- E-tickets are required for entrance into Wightman Stadium. Tickets are required for children. Fire code prohibits children from sitting on the laps of adults.
- All e-tickets are barcoded and will be scanned for entry into Wightman Stadium.

Step 4: Parking on Campus
Step 4: Parking on Campus
- Use Entry No. 5 from Hamburg Turnpike, Entry No. 1 from Pompton Road, or Entry No. 6 from Belmont Avenue to University Drive. Follow University Drive to Parking Garage.
- For the campus map and directions, click here.
- If any of your guests require accommodations, they may be dropped off by the circle by Ben Shahn. University Police and volunteer staff will be stationed in several areas within the parking lot to facilitate this process and provide parking directions for all vehicles.

Step 5: Stay In-the-Know
Step 5: Stay In-the-Know: Keep Up with Commencement News and Social Media
- Check our website frequently. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
- Follow Commencement @wpucommencement on Facebook, X and Instagram and use #WPUNJ2026.
- Have guests who can’t attend? WATCH ONLINE.
  The ceremony will be live-streamed from the University’s homepage at www.wpunj.edu.

Commencement 2025