Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony
The Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony is a time-honored tradition intended to recognize the achievement of each student who has earned a doctoral degree. The ceremony begins with an academic processional that includes the doctoral graduates as well as the President, Provost, Senior Vice Provost for Graduate Education, Deans, and graduating students’ faculty advisors. During the ceremony, the name of each student will be called, and the student will go onto the stage with their faculty advisor. The faculty advisor will place the doctoral hood over the head of the student, signifying their success in completing their doctoral studies.
The 2026 Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 18 at 12:00 pm in DeBaun Auditorium. DeBaun Auditorium is on the first floor of Edwin A. Stevens Hall (24 5th Street, Hoboken, NJ).
Doctoral students who completed their degree requirements in August 2025 and December 2025 are invited to participate in this year’s ceremony alongside the students who will complete their degree requirements in May 2026. Relevant students will receive more information about this event via email.
If you have questions about the Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony, please contact [email protected].
Doctoral graduates are also welcome to attend the university Commencement Ceremony at PNC Bank Arts Center on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony and Commencement are two separate events.
Graduate Awards Ceremony
Save the date: Monday, May 18, 2026.
Master's and Doctoral award recipients will be contacted directly with information about the Graduate Awards Ceremony. We look forward to celebrating with you then!
