Undergraduate Ceremony

Ceremony Information

Undergraduate Ceremony (bachelor’s degrees)
Tuesday, May 28, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.
Prudential Center | 25 Lafayette Street, Newark



Steps to Commencement

  • Step 1: Apply for Commencement

  • Step 1:  Academics

    • Complete the online application for graduation by logging into WPConnect and selecting "Apply for Undergraduate 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/minor should be addressed immediately with your Academic Advisor 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 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 Prudential Center must wear William Paterson-approved academic regalia, which includes a cap, gown, and hood. Academic regalia will be provided through Oak Hall Cap and Gown.
        • The regalia ordering site opens February 2, 2026 and closes April 17, 2026. Regalia can be pre-ordered at oakhallcg.com/pages/wpunj. The cost of the regalia is $96.45 with shipping.
        • Please note: Academic regalia will not be sold at the Prudential Center.

      • Step 3: Invite Your Guests

      • Step 3:  Invite Your Guests -- No Tickets are Needed for Commencement!

        • Download and share the Commencement save the date with friends and family.

        • Step 4: Purchase Parking

        • Step 4:  Purchase Parking Near the Prudential Center

          • Reserve your parking through ParkWhiz or ParkMobile. Parking will be available in April 2026. 
            Please Note: There are only a limited number of pre-reserved spots, but parking will still be available the day of the ceremony! If there is no more availability, we will not be responding to questions regarding parking. This is out of our control and is maintained by ParkMobile/ParkWhiz.

        • 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 WP on Facebook, X and Instagram and use #WPUNJ2026 to share your Commencement experience.