We look forward to celebrating with the families and friends of our graduates on May 24, 2023 at the Prudential Center (Pru), the NJ Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and Newark Symphony Hall (NSH).
Commencement Day 2023
Each candidate may participate in 2 ceremonies - the University-wide Ceremony on the main court at Pru, followed by their respective School Naming Ceremonies. First, all degrees will be conferred at the University-wide Ceremony, with everyone participating, and which will be led by a full academic procession. Second, names of the candidates will be read at the separate School Naming Ceremonies for the candidate's respective school.
University-wide Ceremony | 10:00 a.m. on the main court at Prudential Center
GradFest 2023 | 11:30 a.m. at all 3 locations
School Naming Ceremonies for Undergraduates:
School of Engineering & Science, School of Systems & Enterprises | 1:00 p.m. at NSH
School of Business | 1:00 p.m. at NJPAC
College of Arts & Letters | 1:30 p.m. at NSH
School Naming Ceremonies for Graduates:
School of Business | 3:00 p.m. at NJPAC
School of Systems & Enterprises | 3:30 p.m. at NSH
School of Engineering & Science | 3:30 p.m. at NSH
Guest Tickets
All tickets have been distributed to the Name Reading ceremonies. Extra tickets were completely given out to the Wait List. The only ceremony you can currently order tickets for is the University Ceremony at 10am at Prudential Center.
Live Stream and Recording
Please note all ceremonies will be live-streamed and broadcast to Stevens Ducks TV. About 10 days following the ceremonies, the recording of each ceremony will be posted to the Stevens YouTube channel.
GradFest 2023
This year GradFest will be held at ALL THREE venues starting at 11:30 a.m. - NJPAC for the School of Business Undergraduates and their guests; Newark Symphony Hall for the rest of the Undergraduates and their guests; and Mulberry Commons outside of Prudential Center for our Graduates and their guests. FREE food, giveaways, photo opps, live music - come and celebrate the Class of 2023! Wrist bands are needed for entry, and will be available for pick up at Prudential Center and all venues for guests who are ticketed to at least one of the ceremonies.
Parking and Transportation
Prudential Center is very close to public transportation at Newark Penn Station, which is a major hub for NJ Transit and the PATH (coming from Hoboken). Shuttle buses will be running to Newark Penn as well as all 3 venues throughout the day. Prudential Center parking details can be found on their website. NJPAC also lists their parking lots online, with discounted event parking at $24 per car per day (first come first serve.) There are lots available near Newark Symphony as well, and online programs such as SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help you find parking in all areas. Please note Stevens does not operate nor partner with any of these services. We only offer them as an option to find parking for Commencement 2023.
Arrival and Entrances
For the University Ceremony, please plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the 10:00 a.m. start to line-up for the procession. Graduates enter through the M&Ms Tower entrance at Mulberry and Lafayette Streets, and guests enter through the Citizens Tower entrance at Mulberry Street and Edison Place. Doors open for guests at 8:30 a.m.
For the School Name Reading Ceremonies, please plan to arrive 1/2 hour prior to the ceremonies to allow for time name card pick up in the lobby and to be directed to seats. Only the administration and faculty will be in the procession at those ceremonies. Guest doors will also open 30 minutes prior to the event.
Accessibility Statement
Stevens strives to host an inclusive, accessible Commencement ceremony that enables all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Accessibility accommodations already in place for Commencement 2023 include:
A wheelchair ramp will be available to all stages for event participants.
Accessible drop off and pick up zones in front of each venue.
Accessible entrances and seating at all venues.
Accessible parking available at lots near to each venue.
Limited loaner wheelchairs available at the venue entrances to be used to transport guests to seats.
Each venue has further information on their websites: PruCenter.com, NJPAC, Newark Symphony Hall. To request a specific accessibility accommodation, or if you have further questions, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Guests from Outside the US
For more information on receiving a letter to obtain a visitor visa for your family and guests, please see the online support Inviting Someone to Visit You
Know Before You Go
No Guest WiFi:
There is no guest WiFi available at any of the three locations.
Avoid the Lines:
TO AVOID LONG LINES entering all three venues, it is recommended that you plan on arriving early. Prudential opens its doors for guests at 8:30 a.m., guests are required to go through security checkpoint, and seating is general admission. Newark Symphony Hall and NJPAC open doors to guests 30 minutes prior to ceremonies.
For your convenience:
FLOWERS will be available for sale at each location for your convenience.
THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE will operate on location at the Prudential Center only. The bookstore will be located on the concourse between the M&M's and Citizen's Towers.
Policies regarding bags, balloons, and animals at all three venues:
BAG POLICY: Bags up to 12"x14" are permitted inside. Anything larger are not permitted, with the exception of childcare or medical bags.
BALLOON POLICY: NO balloons are allowed inside.
ANIMAL POLICY: No animals/pets other than service animals are allowed inside.
Prudential Center Concession:
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Prudential wil.prucenter.com/concessions
PRUDENTIAL CENTER IS NOW A CASH-FREE VENUE:
Cash will NOT be accepted at concession stands and retail locations. Pay with a debit or credit card using tap to pay, chip or swipe, or mobile payment, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Questions
If you have any further commencement-related questions, contact the Office of University Events at [email protected].
