Commencement 2025
May 15
Celebrate Your Achievement!
Join us as we honor the hard work and success of our graduates with a series of special events leading up to Commencement Day. Below, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for this milestone celebration.
Schedule of Events
The Details
RSVP & Academic Attire
Step 1: RSVP to Commencement
- Required for all graduates (even if not attending).
- Check your GCU email for instructions from noreply@tassel.com.
- Submit your RSVP and secure tickets.
Step 2: Order Your Cap & Gown
- Use the Cap and Gown 2025 link or visit Student Links (March 3–24).
- Deadline: March 24, 2025.
- Late orders: Email commencement@georgian.edu ($25 fee; attire may arrive day-of).
Step 3: Pick Up Attire
- Strongly recommended: May 8 during Celebration of Success.
- Alternate dates: May 12–13 in Jeffries Hall.
Academic Attire Guidelines
- Wear: Black gown, colored hood, cap with tassel.
- Bachelor’s: Tassel on the right.
- Master’s/Doctoral: Tassel on the left.
- Honor cords: Distributed by departments/honor societies.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking on grass/pavement.
- Prohibited: Offensive decorations, purses, or personal items (leave with guests).
- Tip: Press your gown before May 15!
Academic Attire Pick-Up Dates
- May 8: Raymond Hall North Dining Room | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- May 12: Jeffries Hall 131 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- May 13: Jeffries Hall 131 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Special Instructions
- Bring a valid GCU ID or state-issued ID to pick up attire.
- GCU@Brookdale students: Pick up attire and packets at the Lakewood campus.
- GCU@RCSJ-Cumberland students: Attire distributed by faculty after May 8 if not attending the Celebration.
Commencement Tickets
- Undergraduates: 3 tickets per graduate.
- Graduate/Doctoral Students: 8 tickets per graduate.
- Tickets: Unique QR codes emailed after RSVP (mobile or printed).
- Each guest must have their own ticket (QR codes scan once).
- Extra guests: Watch via simulcast.
- Waitlist: Request extra tickets via Tassel (not guaranteed).
Commencement Lineup
- Report to Jeffries Hall in full academic attire ON TIME:
- Undergraduates: 11:30 AM.
- Graduates: 4:30 PM.
- Lineup assignments provided on-site.
- Late arrivals: Seated after National Anthem & Invocation.
Professional Photos at the Event
- Georgian Court University’s marketing team, PSC (Princeton Strategic Communications), will provide ceremony photography.
- Photos will be posted on social media in the days following the ceremony.
Name Pronunciation & Time Off Requests
- If mispronunciation of your name is a frequent issue, fill out the form on Tassel when you RSVP to ensure correct pronunciation.
- Graduates needing documentation for time off should request a letter from the Office of Conferences and Special Events at 732-987-2263 or commencement@georgian.edu by May 1.
Academic Eligibility
Georgian Court University holds its Commencement Ceremony each May for:
- May graduates of the current year
- Graduates from the preceding August, December, and February
Graduation Requirements
To participate, students must have completed all degree requirements. Review all requirements here: Graduation Requirements.
Graduation Application
To have your degree conferred and receive a diploma, you must apply for graduation by completing a graduation application. The deadline was Feb. 1 for May 2025 graduation.
A graduation application is required even if you do not plan to participate in Commencement.
Exceptions for Commencement 2025 Participation
Undergraduate and Graduate students may request to participate without meeting all degree requirements if they:
- Lack no more than 7 credits required for degree completion, OR
- Have two majors (or a major and a minor) and:
- Lack no more than 7 credits for their first major
- Have progressed far enough in their second major/minor to reasonably expect graduation in August or December 2025
Steps to Request an Exception:
- Submit a graduation application for the expected future graduation term
- Submit the Request to Participate in Commencement 2025 Without Having Met Degree Requirements Form
- Deadline: Forms must be received by the Office of the Registrar by March 31, 2025 – late submissions will not be processed
Student Accounts & Diplomas
- Balances: Clear by May 1 to participate. Contact 732-987-2295 for payment plans.
- Diplomas: Mailed 6–8 weeks post-Commencement.
- Name Changes: Submit a Change of Information Form by May 1.
Degree Honors (Undergraduates Only)
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.9+ GPA
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.75+ GPA
- Cum Laude: 3.6+ GPA
(60+ GCU credits required)
Safety & Logistics
Security & Prohibited Items
- Screening: Conducted by GCU Safety and Lakewood Police.
- Not allowed: Balloons, air horns, drones, weapons, or emotional support animals.
Parking & Directions
- Carpool: Max 2 cars per graduate.
- Road closure: Lakewood Ave. one-way southbound at 7:30 AM.
Campus map | GPS directions to the main entrance
Special Needs
- Request accommodations via Tassel when RSVPing.
- Seating in arena rear for guests with disabilities.
Photos & Refreshments
- Apollo Fountain photo times:
- May 7: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- May 8: 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- May 10: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- May 15: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Flowers: Sold outside the venue.
- Café: Open 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM in Gavan Lounge.
Key Deadlines & Contacts
- March 24: RSVP & attire order deadline.
- March 31: Request to Participate Form due.
- May 1: Balance clearance, diploma name/address updates.
- Hotels:
- Clarion Hotel Toms River (732-703-6034)
- Hilton Garden Inn Lakewood (732-262-5232)
- Contact:
- General Questions: commencement@georgian.edu | 732-987-2263
- Student Accounts: 732-987-2295