Frequently Asked Questions (Summer Commencement)

Monmouth University’s Summer 2025 Commencement Ceremony to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Pollak Theatre. 

  1. Is there a fee for Commencement?
    • There is no fee to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. 
  2. How many guest tickets do graduates receive?
    • Graduates are limited to five (5) guest tickets each. Graduates do not need a ticket.
    • You must RSVP to attend the graduation ceremony in order to receive your tickets and be included in the line of march. The link to do so was sent to your student email. This link opened on June 6 and will close on August 15.
  3. How do I get my tickets? 
    • Tickets will be available for pickup in the Student Center, second floor, beginning Monday, Aug. 18, to Monday, Aug. 25, from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays only. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, tickets will be available for pickup at graduate lineup beginning at 9:30 a.m.
  4. Do children need tickets?
    • If a child is walking, a ticket is needed as they will need a seat. 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.
  5. How and when do I get my cap and gown?
    • Cap and gowns need to be ordered via the link sent to your student email. The link opened on Friday, June 6, and closed on Sunday, July 6. Cap and gowns will be available for pickup in the University Store beginning Wednesday, Aug. 20, to Monday, Aug. 25, in the University Store in The OceanFirst Bank Center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, cap and gowns will be available for pickup at graduate lineup beginning at 9:30 a.m.
  6. What time do graduates have to be at the ceremony?
    • Graduates are asked to be at the student lineup approximately 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. Signs and staff will direct you to this area.
  7. What time will the doors open for guests?
    • Guests will be permitted to enter the venue 45 minutes prior to the ceremony (10:15 a.m.).
  8. Are there any accommodations for disabled guests?
    • ADA Seating: Seating is for the person with a disability and one person to sit with them, if space is available. ADA seating tickets are part of the five (5) tickets 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.
    • ADA Parking is available. You may also drop off at the entrance to the Pollak Theatre and then park. 
  9. 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.
  10. Will a photographer be at Commencement?
    • Yes. GradImages, a professional photography service, will be at Commencement to photograph graduates as they are recognized on stage. Your proofs will be sent via e-mail to your student account and mailed to your home address. If you have any questions regarding your proofs, please contact GradImages Customer Service Department at 800-261-2576 or email them at ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
    • You may pre-register your e-mail address on the GradImages website to ensure an accurate address is on file. By pre-registering, you will receive a coupon for 20% off your order of $50 or more. 
  11. Is there a rehearsal for graduation?
    • There is no rehearsal for graduation. Detailed instructions will be emailed to the student email and also posted on the Commencement website.
  12. Honor Cords
    • If you are a baccalaureate degree recipient graduating with Honors (cumulative GPA 3.50 or higher with at least 53 MU credits), please pick up your honor cord at the check-in table the day of commencement.
  13. Will the ceremony be live streamed?

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