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Frequently Asked Questions (Graduate Commencement)

Monmouth University’s May 2026 Graduate/Doctoral Commencement Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11a.m. in the OceanFirst Bank Center on campus. As a reminder, the ceremony will last approximately one-and-a-half to two hours.

  1. How many guest tickets do graduates receive?
    • Graduates will receive six (6) guest tickets each. Graduates do not need a ticket. There is an option to request up to two (2) extra guest tickets in the RSVP link
    • Graduates must RSVP to attend the graduation ceremony and to receive their guest tickets. The RSVP link was sent to their student email on Friday, March 13. The link will close at midnight on Friday, May 1.
  2. How do I get my tickets?
    • Guest tickets will be electronic and will be emailed to the graduate’s student email a few days prior to the ceremony.
  3. Do children need tickets?
    • Infants do not need a ticket. If a child is able to walk, a ticket is needed. Children are not permitted to sit on a lap in lieu of a ticket. Strollers and carriers are not permitted in accordance with fire safety regulations.
  4. How and when do I get my cap and gown?
    • Cap and gowns are ordered via a link sent to the student’s email. The link opened on Friday, Feb. 13, and will close on Sunday, March 22, at midnight.
    • Cap and gown pick up will begin on Monday, April 27, between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the lobby of the OceanFirst Bank Center. After that, cap and gowns may be picked up Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the University Store. The day of the ceremony, cap and gowns may be picked up at graduate lineup in Boylan Gym.
  5. What time do graduates have to be at the ceremony?
    • Graduates are asked to be at lineup in Boylan Gym approximately 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. Signs and staff will be available to direct you to this area.
  6. What time will the doors open for guests?
    • Guests will be permitted to enter the venue approximately 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. Signs and staff will be available to direct you to this area. The electronic tickets will be scanned at the entrance.
  7. Will a photographer be at the commencement ceremonies?
    • GradImages is proud to support one of the biggest moments in a graduate’s life: walking across the stage and into the next chapter. With over 40 years of experience, we understand the importance of this moment and the desire to preserve these memories for a lifetime. Finding your graduate’s photos after the ceremony is easy. Visit the GradImages website to view and purchase custom photo products like prints, plaques, specialty gifts, and more.
    • You can also pre-register your contact information using this link. Upon completion, you will receive a coupon code for 20% off an order of $50 or more.
    • If have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-261-2576, online at our website, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. We have a large team of customer care representatives ready to help graduates and family members with anything they may need.
  8. When will I receive my diploma?
    • Diplomas will be mailed to your home address by an outside service approximately 3–4 weeks after your graduation date. Diploma cases will be distributed on stage to each graduate. All financial obligations to the University must be satisfied prior to diplomas being released. This includes fines and fees incurred while a student.
  9. Are there any accommodations for disabled guests?
    • ADA Seating: Seating is for the person with a disability. One person may sit with them, if space is available. ADA seating tickets are part of the six (6) allotted to each graduate. When you arrive, please let the people taking your ticket know that you will need ADA seating. Please note accommodations are limited. There is an elevator for those who are not able to use the stairs.
    • Disability Parking is available. You may also drop your guests off near the entrance to the building and then park. Disability parking is limited.
  10. Is there a rehearsal for graduation?
  11. The livestream link for the Graduate/Doctoral ceremony on May 13, 2026, 11 a.m.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please call the Office of Student Life at 732-571-3417.