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Commencement

2020

Undergraduate Student Awards

Student in graduation day wearing cap and gown with honor cords

Academic Excellence Award

The Academic Excellence Award is presented to the senior who has attained the highest grade point average for four years. This year’s awards go to:

Georgian Court University Commencement

Kingdon Gould Award

The Kingdon Gould Award is presented to the senior who, in the opinion of fellow classmates, contributed the most to the general welfare of Georgian Court University. This year’s award goes to:

The Details

You MUST let us know that you will attend the ceremony. You MUST let us know the names of your guests, and the make and model of your car MUST be provided.

It will only take a few seconds to RSVP. State your intention of participation or non-participation in the Commencement exercises through your Self-Service account by clicking on the Respond to Commencement 2020 link in the Student Links section, beginning September 21, but NO LATER THAN October 9. You should RSVP as soon as possible. If a ceremony is full, no more graduates will be permitted to RSVP. Within one week of completing the RSVP form, you will receive two sets of e-tickets. One set will be your tickets to the event, and the other will be your parking pass. You must show both sets when you arrive on campus for Commencement and they will be scanned by event staff. Graduates in academic attire will not need tickets. After you respond, you will get a confirmation receipt. Please screenshot (preferred) or print this receipt for your records.

For graduates who did not order or receive their academic attire for the May 2020 ceremony, the bookstore will be offering extended hours, in addition to their typical hours, for attire to be picked up. You will provide your height and weight, as well as your academic discipline to the bookstore staff, where they will provide you with a cap and gown, tassel, and hood that will fit you. Please bring either your GCU ID or another photo ID with you. Graduates can only participate in the Commencement Ceremony if they have academic attire. Before arriving on campus to pick up attire, you MUST complete the COVID-19 screening form online, and show it to campus safety at the Main Entrance. This form can be found at: connect.georgian.edu/register/cv19. Face coverings must be worn at all times while on campus.

The University Bookstore is open Monday and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Academic attire can be picked up between these hours, beginning September 23 and ending October 16. In addition, the bookstore will have some dates with extended hours as follows:

Saturdays, September 26 & October 39:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, September 23 & 309:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Thursdays, September 24 & October 19:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 49:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

You must bring your photo ID and your Self-Service confirmation receipt/screenshot of your receipt to pick up cap and gown!
Note: Graduates who did not receive their academic attire and do not/cannot participate in their ceremony, may still pick up academic attire, but will need to contact the Office of Conferences and Special Events first at commencement@georgian.edu or at 732-987-2263.

If your name is frequently mispronounced, please e-mail commencement@georgian.edu with a phonetic spelling of your name. This will be used to pronounce your name during the ceremony.

The fee for graduation is $165, which was included in your last tuition bill, regardless of whether or not you participate in the ceremony. This includes the cost of your diploma, degree auditing, hood, cap and gown, and other administrative costs. Graduate accounts must be settled with the Office of Student Accounts, either online through Self-Service or in person during business hours, by October 16, 2020, for you to be able to participate. Graduates with outstanding accounts will NOT be permitted to walk in the ceremony and will NOT be able to pick up their academic attire. Be sure to check your Self-Service account and contact the Office of Student Accounts at studentaccounts@georgian.edu.

If you need to have the university send your employer a letter confirming your Commencement ceremony, please provide the Office of Conferences and Special Events (CSE) with the name and address of your supervisor, as well as your name and degree, by October 9, 2020. We request that in addition to your employer’s physical address, you also include the e-mail address of your employer. A signed letter will be sent directly to your supervisor and a copy will be sent to you via e-mail. Contact CSE at commencement@georgian.edu or 732-987-2263.

If you or a ticketed guest require special accommodations, please notify the Office of Conferences and Special Events (CSE) by October 9, 2020. The special needs guests will be attended to by GCU health care professionals. Contact CSE at commencement@georgian.edu or 732-987-2263.

The university attempts full compliance with ADA regulations. Trained and certified working service animals, who have a specific purpose, are always welcome on our campus, however, “emotional support” and “therapy pets” are NOT permitted at public events or athletic competitions. Please visit https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm to view a summary of the law.

September 21Start date to RSVP for Commencement on your Self-Service account
October 9Deadline to RSVP for Commencement on your Self-Service account. Remember, if a ceremony is full, you will be unable to attend. RSVP ASAP!

Deadline for notifying the Office of Conferences and Special Events about graduate or ticketed guest’s special needs accommodations. E-mail or call 732-987-2263.
October 16Last chance to pick up academic attire at the University Bookstore, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Deadline to settle outstanding bills with the Office of Student Accounts to be able to participate in Commencement

Log in to your Self-Service account starting Thursday, October 15, to view  your line-up location in Jeffries Hall. Graduates are to report, wearing cap, gown, and hood, to their room assignment ON TIME. Graduates who arrive after the procession has begun will be seated after the National Anthem and Invocation.

Professional Photography
Ceremony photography will be provided by Island Photography, who will photograph each graduate twice—once as they receive the diploma and a portrait taken after exiting the stage. GRADUATES SHOULD NOT POSE ON STAGE. Complimentary color proofs will be e-mailed to your GCU e-mail address from Island Photography. GCU is NOT responsible for photo orders or delivery. All orders and inquiries should be handled through Island Photography at 800-863-0908 or https://www.islandphoto.com/. Candid photos will also be taken throughout the ceremony; a link to these photos will be posted on the GCU website.

Commencement Announcements
Personalized Commencement announcements may be ordered through the University Bookstore at 732-987-2633 for an additional charge.

Three Commencement Ceremonies (see Schedule of Events for ceremony assignment by program) will be held on the Lakewood campus, outdoors, rain or shine (dress appropriately). However, in the event of predicted severe/dangerous weather, students would be notified by 10:00 a.m., on the day prior to their assigned ceremony, if the severe weather plan will be enacted and ceremony may be rescheduled to Monday, October 19.

Graduates are allowed two guests. Graduates who RSVP for a ceremony will receive their guest tickets and parking pass by e-mail. Please have these tickets available upon entry, to be scanned. Graduates are encouraged to screenshot their tickets, parking pass, and COVID-19 screening results for all parties to reduce contact, though printouts are acceptable. To comply with New Jersey Executive Orders, no other visitors will be permitted on campus. Each ceremony will be live streamed at georgian.edu to allow others to watch remotely.

Social distancing will be adhered to strictly. The two ticketed guests for each graduate will be seated together in a pair of chairs. Face coverings MUST be worn at all times on campus. The event venue will be sanitized before and between each ceremony. Sanitizing stations will be available.

Restroom facilities will be available only in the Wellness Center, located adjacent to the event venue (soccer field).

Printed programs will be available for those in attendance. The program will also be available for download at georgian.edu/commencement.

COMPLETE COVID-19 SCREENING BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL AND MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING WHILE ON CAMPUS

Before arriving onto campus, the graduate and each of the 2 (two) ticketed guests will need to complete the COVID-19 screening form, which is available at https://connect.georgian.edu/register/cv19. It is recommended that you fill this out the morning of your graduate’s Commencement Ceremony, and you answer truthfully. Be prepared to show clearance for all parties to enter campus when you arrive. If your graduate’s ceremony is postponed, you must complete this form again. If you are traveling from out of the state or country, please keep in mind current travel bans, as well as New Jersey’s current state quarantine list. As this list is constantly being updated, please check the most recent list at https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-and-transportation/which-states-are-on-the-travel-advisory-list-are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new-jersey.

Guests must wait in their car until seating opens (90 minutes prior to start of ceremony). Graduates can go to Jeffries Hall for line-up, but only graduates will be permitted inside Jeffries Hall. When seating opens, guests must go directly to their seats on the soccer field. Guests must remain in their seats once the procession begins and until the recession (end of the ceremony).

When on campus, you must adhere to all rules regarding COVID-19 in New Jersey. Face coverings must be worn at all times, even when outdoors. Social distancing must be maintained. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please contact the Office of Conferences and Special Events at commencement@georgian.edu or 732-987-2263.

Guests will be subject to security checks by GCU campus safety and Lakewood police officers prior to entering the Commencement venue. The ceremonies are celebratory, yet solemn. Air horns, fireworks, canned string, balloons, food, beverages, skateboards, confetti, hoverboards, drones, and any other items that will diminish the experience for all guests and the graduates will be confiscated.

Weapons of any kind (carry permits are not recognized by the State of New Jersey) are NOT permitted on the premises.

The university attempts full compliance with ADA regulations. Trained and certified working service dogs are always welcome on our campus, however, “emotional support” and “therapy pets” are NOT permitted at public events or athletic competitions. Please visit https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm to view a summary of the law. Guests without trained and certified working service dogs will be asked to remove their animal from the campus.

Each graduate is permitted one vehicle on campus for their ceremony. A parking ticket will be e-mailed to the graduate. Please have this available for scanning upon entering. Graduates are encouraged to screenshot their parking pass to reduce contact, though printouts are acceptable.

If the graduate and guests are coming from multiple locations, we suggest finding a meet-up spot to leave all but one vehicle. There will be very limited general parking on Lakewood Avenue.

If the graduate or a ticketed guest require special accommodations, please notify the Office of Conferences and Special Events (CSE) by October 9, 2020. The special needs guests will be attended to by GCU health care professionals. Contact CSE at commencement@georgian.edu or 732-987-2263.

The university attempts full compliance with ADA regulations. Trained and certified working service animals, who have a specific purpose, are always welcome on our campus, however, “emotional support” and “therapy pets” are NOT permitted at public events or athletic competitions. Please visit https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm to view a summary of the law.

Professional Photos at the Event
Ceremony photography will be provided by Island Photography, who will photograph each graduate twice—once as they receive the diploma and a portrait taken after exiting the stage. GRADUATES SHOULD NOT POSE ON STAGE. Complimentary color proofs will be e-mailed to the graduate’s GCU e-mail address from Island Photography. GCU is NOT responsible for photo orders or delivery. All orders and inquiries should be handled through Island Photography at 800-863-0908 or https://www.islandphoto.com/. Candid photos will also be taken throughout the ceremony; a link to these photos will be posted on the GCU website.

Commencement Announcements/Class Rings
Personalized Commencement announcements and class rings may be ordered through the University Bookstore at 732-987-2633 for an additional charge.

Hotel accommodations are available, but you should book early and ask for the GCU corporate rate. Contact any of these establishments directly. The corporate rate is not available for online reservations.

Hilton Garden Inn
6.8 miles from GCU
1885 Route 70, Lakewood
732-262-5232

Clarion Inn at Toms River
12.2 miles from GCU
815 State Hwy. 37, Toms River
732-341-2400

Ramada Inn Toms River
4.4 miles from GCU
U.S. Hwy. 9 & State Hwy. 70, Toms River
732-905-2626

The following information was also e-mailed (@georgian.edu address) to all eligible students, on September 18.

√ COMMENCEMENT ACTIVITIES LOCATIONS/TICKETS
Graduates will be notified Friday, October 16, 2020 (for Saturday’s ceremonies) OR Saturday, October 17, 2020 (for Sunday’s ceremony) IF their ceremony must be postponed due to severe weather.

Graduates will be notified via the GCU website and official social media channels, as well as an e-mail from commencement@georgian.edu, by 10:00 a.m. if their ceremony must be postponed due to severe weather. If no notification is made, the ceremony will proceed outdoors on your scheduled date and time.

√ COMPLETE COVID-19 SCREENING BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL AND MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING WHILE ON CAMPUS
Before arriving onto campus, you and each of your ticketed guests will need to complete the COVID-19 screening form, which is available at https://connect.georgian.edu/register/cv19. It is recommended that you fill this out the morning of your Commencement ceremony, and you answer truthfully. Be prepared to show you and your ticketed guests’ clearance to enter campus when you arrive. If your ceremony is postponed, you must complete this form again. If you are traveling from out of the state or country, please keep in mind current travel bans, as well as New Jersey’s current state quarantine list. As this list is constantly being updated, please check the most recent list at https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-and-transportation/which-states-are-on-the-travel-advisory-list-are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new-jersey.

When on campus, you and your guests must adhere to all rules regarding COVID-19 in New Jersey. Face coverings must be worn at all times, even when outdoors. Social distancing must be maintained. If you or any of your guests have any questions or concerns regarding this, please contact the Office of Conferences and Special Events at commencement@georgian.edu or 732-987-2263.

√ RSVP FOR COMMENCEMENT ON SELF-SERVICE
You MUST let us know that you will attend the ceremony. You MUST let us know the names of your guests, and the make and model of your car MUST be provided.
It will only take a few seconds to RSVP. State your intention of participation or non-participation in the Commencement exercises through your Self-Service account by clicking on the Respond to Commencement 2020 link in the Student Links section, beginning September 21, but NO LATER THAN October 9. You should RSVP as soon as possible. If a ceremony is full, no more graduates will be permitted to RSVP. Within one week of completing the RSVP form, you will receive two sets of e-tickets. One set will be your tickets to the event, and the other will be your parking pass. You must show both sets when you arrive on campus for Commencement and they will be scanned by event staff. Graduates in academic attire will not need tickets. After you respond, you will get a confirmation receipt. Please screenshot (preferred) or print this receipt for your records.

√ PICK UP ACADEMIC ATTIRE
For graduates who did not order or receive their academic attire for the May 2020 ceremony, the bookstore will be offering extended hours, in addition to their typical hours, for attire to be picked up. You will provide your height and weight, as well as your academic discipline to the bookstore staff, where they will provide you with a cap and gown, tassel, and hood that will fit you. Please bring either your GCU ID or another photo ID with you. Graduates can only participate in the Commencement Ceremony if they have academic attire. Before arriving on campus to pick up attire, you MUST complete the COVID-19 screening form online and show it to campus safety at the Main Entrance. This form can be found at: https://connect.georgian.edu/register/cv19. Face coverings must be worn at all times while on campus.

The University Bookstore is open Monday and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Academic attire can be picked up between these hours, beginning September 21, and ending October 16. In addition, the bookstore will have some dates with extended hours as follows:

Saturdays, September 26 & October 39:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, September 23 & 309:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Thursdays, September 24 & October 19:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 49:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

You must bring your photo ID and your Self-Service confirmation receipt/screenshot of your receipt to pick up cap and gown!
Note: Graduates who did not receive their academic attire and do not/cannot participate in their ceremony, may still pick up academic attire, but will need to contact the Office of Conferences and Special Events first at commencement@georgian.edu or at 732-987-2263.

√ NAME PRONOUNCING FOR THE CEREMONY
If your name is frequently mispronounced, please e-mail commencement@georgian.edu with a phonetic spelling of your name. This will be used to pronounce your name during the ceremony.

√ OUTSTANDING BILLS
The fee for graduation is $165, which was included in your last tuition bill, regardless of whether or not you participate in the ceremony. This includes the cost of your diploma, degree auditing, hood, cap and gown, and other administrative costs. Graduate accounts must be settled with the Office of Student Accounts, either online through Self-Service or in person during business hours, by October 16, 2020, for you to be able to participate. Graduates with outstanding accounts will NOT be permitted to walk in the ceremony and will NOT be able to pick up their academic attire. Be sure to check your Self-Service account and contact the Office of Student Accounts at studentaccounts@georgian.edu.

√ REQUEST FOR TIME OFF FROM YOUR EMPLOYER
If you need to have the university send your employer a letter confirming your Commencement ceremony, please provide the Office of Conferences and Special Events (CSE) with the name and address of your supervisor, as well as your name and degree, by October 9, 2020. We request that in addition to your employer’s physical address, you also include the e-mail address of your employer. A signed letter will be sent directly to your supervisor and a copy will be sent to you via e-mail. Contact CSE at commencement@georgian.edu or 732-987-2263.

√ SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
If you or a ticketed guest require special accommodations, please notify the Office of Conferences and Special Events (CSE) by October 9, 2020. The special needs guests will be attended to by GCU health care professionals. Contact CSE at commencement@georgian.edu or 732-987-2263.

The university attempts full compliance with ADA regulations. Trained and certified working service animals, who have a specific purpose, are always welcome on our campus, however, “emotional support” and “therapy pets” are NOT permitted at public events or athletic competitions. Please visit https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm to view a summary of the law.

√ CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES

September 21Start date to RSVP for Commencement on your Self-Service account
October 9Deadline to RSVP for Commencement on your Self-Service account. Remember, if a ceremony is full, you will be unable to attend. RSVP ASAP!

Deadline for notifying the Office of Conferences and Special Events about graduate or ticketed guest’s special needs accommodations. E-mail or call 732-987-2263.
October 16Last chance to pick up academic attire at the University Bookstore, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Deadline to settle outstanding bills with the Office of Student Accounts to be able to participate in Commencement

Schedule of Events

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Ceremony 1—Weather Permitting—GUEST TICKETS, PARKING TICKET, COMPLETED CV19 SCREENING, AND FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

11:30 a.m., Soccer Field
ALL MASTER’S DEGREE GRADUATES
Administration and Leadership
Applied Behavior Analysis
Biology
Business Administration
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Criminal Justice and Human Rights
Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Education: Early Childhood P–3
Education: Elementary K–6
Education: ESL
Education: School Counselor
Education: Teacher of Students with Disabilities
Education: K–12
Education: Reading/Literacy Specialization
Holistic Health/Integrative Health
Homeland Security
School Psychology
Theology

10:00 a.m.Seating opens for ticketed guestsSoccer Field
10:30 a.m.Graduates report to line-up assignmentsJeffries Hall Classrooms
11:10 a.m.Academic Procession to fountain begins
All guests must be in their seats
11:30 a.m.Commencement Ceremony beginsSoccer Field

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Ceremony 2—Weather Permitting—GUEST TICKETS, PARKING TICKET, COMPLETED CV19 SCREENING, AND FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

3:30 p.m., Soccer Field
BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATES IN THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINES
Accounting
Business Administration
Dance
Digital Communication
Digital Design
English
Finance
Graphic Design and Multimedia
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
Management
Marketing
Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Psychology
Psychology
Religious Studies
Social Work
Spanish
Teacher Education (all students completing Teacher Education, regardless of their other major)
Visual Art

2:00 p.m.Seating opens for ticketed guestsSoccer Field
2:30 p.m.Graduates report to line-up assignmentsJeffries Hall Classrooms
3:10 p.m.Academic Procession to fountain begins
All guests must be in their seats
3:30 p.m.Commencement Ceremony beginsSoccer Field

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Ceremony 3—Weather Permitting—GUEST TICKETS, PARKING TICKET, COMPLETED CV19 SCREENING, AND FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

11:30 a.m., Soccer Field
BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATES IN THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINES
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Criminal Justice
Exercise Science, Wellness, and Sports
Health Profession Studies
Health Sciences
Mathematics (without Teacher Education as a major)
Medical Imaging Sciences
Natural Sciences
Nursing

10:00 a.m.Seating opens for ticketed guestsSoccer Field
10:30 a.m.Graduates report to line-up assignmentsJeffries Hall Classrooms
11:10 a.m.Academic Procession to fountain begins
All guests must be in their seats
11:30 a.m.Commencement Ceremony beginsSoccer Field

Monday, October 19, 2020

SEVERE WEATHER DATE

In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be moved to Monday, October 19. Graduates will be notified via the GCU website and official social media channels as well as an e-mail. This decision will be made by 10:00 a.m. the day prior to your ceremony. The time of your ceremony will not change from the schedule below, regardless of whether or not the other ceremonies have to take place on this date as well.

If no notification is made, the ceremony will proceed outdoors on your scheduled date and time.

Monday, October 19, 2020

CEREMONY 2—GUEST TICKETS, PARKING TICKET, COMPLETED CV19 SCREENING, AND FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

9:30 a.m., Soccer Field
BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATES IN THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINES
Accounting
Business Administration
Dance
Digital Communication
Digital Design
English
Finance
Graphic Design and Multimedia
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
Management
Marketing
Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Psychology
Psychology
Religious Studies
Social Work
Spanish
Teacher Education (all students completing Teacher Education, regardless of their other major)
Visual Art

8:00 a.m.Seating opens for ticketed guestsSoccer Field
8:30 a.m.Graduates report to line-up assignmentsJeffries Hall Classrooms
9:10 a.m.Academic Procession to fountain begins
All guests must be in their seats
9:30 a.m.Commencement Ceremony beginsSoccer Field

Monday, October 19, 2020

CEREMONY 3—GUEST TICKETS, PARKING TICKET, COMPLETED CV19 SCREENING, AND FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

12:30 p.m., Soccer Field
BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATES IN THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINES
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Criminal Justice
Exercise Science, Wellness, and Sports
Health Profession Studies
Health Sciences
Mathematics (without Teacher Education as a major)
Medical Imaging Sciences
Natural Sciences
Nursing

11:00 a.m.Seating opens for ticketed guestsSoccer Field
11:30 a.m.Graduates report to line-up assignmentsJeffries Hall Classrooms
12:10 p.m.Academic Procession to fountain begins
All guests must be in their seats
12:30 p.m.Commencement Ceremony beginsSoccer Field

Monday, October 19, 2020

CEREMONY 1—GUEST TICKETS, PARKING TICKET, COMPLETED CV19 SCREENING, AND FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

4:00 p.m., Soccer Field
ALL MASTER’S DEGREE GRADUATES
Administration and Leadership
Applied Behavior Analysis
Biology
Business Administration
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Criminal Justice and Human Rights
Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Education: Early Childhood P–3
Education: Elementary K–6
Education: ESL
Education: School Counselor
Education: Teacher of Students with Disabilities
Education: K–12
Education: Reading/Literacy Specialization
Holistic Health/Integrative Health
Homeland Security
School Psychology
Theology

2:30 p.m.Seating opens for ticketed guestsSoccer Field
3:00 p.m.Graduates report to line-up assignmentsJeffries Hall Classrooms
3:40 p.m.Academic Procession to fountain begins
All guests must be in their seats
4:00 p.m.Commencement Ceremony beginsSoccer Field

Social Media Graphics & Downloadable Signs

To download an image, first click on the image to open it. Once opened, right click on the image and choose save.

Facebook Profile Pictures

Facebook Covers

Posters

Lawn Signs

Deposit Deadline Extended to June 1

Georgian Court University has extended the deposit deadline to June 1 in response to the U.S. Department of Education announcement concerning delayed data availability from the revised Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, deposits are also refundable up to June 1. Click here for more information about the deposit extension.