Calendar of Events
The following events require tickets for guests and, in the case of Baccalaureate, for graduates as well. You may use either the order form enclosed in the Hooding and Commencement Information mailing or the website. For Reunion events, follow the directions below.
Thursday, May 29 through Saturday, May 31
Princeton Reunions Weekend. Degree candidates and their guests are welcome and encouraged to attend Reunion events (seminars, receptions, dinners, etc.) sponsored by the Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni (APGA) and various departments, and to socialize and enjoy the entertainment at all major Reunion sites. For more information visit the APGA website or e-mail the APGA. Tickets or wristbands for degree candidates and one guest may be purchased beginning Thursday (May 29) evening and throughout the weekend at APGA headquarters in Whig Hall.
Sunday, June 1
Baccalaureate Service. University Chapel. 2 p.m. Ticketed seating for graduate degree recipients and guests is available outdoors in front of the Chapel (audio system and large-screen TV) and the service is simulcast at various locations (Alexander Hall; McCosh 10 and 50; and Betts Auditorium). Three tickets are allocated to each degree recipient: one for the recipient and two for guests. The program includes music, prayers and an address by a guest speaker.
Monday, June 2
Dean’s Brunch. Tents at the Graduate College (Procter Hall in case of rain). 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For all degree recipients and their guests (children are welcome), hosted by Dean and Mrs. William B. Russel (please observe the same 5-person limit as for Commencement).
Parking for the Dean’s Brunch
Parking is available in Lot 19 (off Springdale Road ). Limited parking for the physically disabled is available at the circle lot at Cleveland Tower.
Hooding Ceremony. McCarter Theatre. 5 p.m. For all advanced degree (Ph.D. and final master's) candidates and their guests. Admission is by ticket only (three guests per degree candidate). Simulcast seating in Dodds Auditorium is available; admission is by ticket only (three guests per degree candidate).
The ceremony is presided over by President Shirley M. Tilghman and Dean William B. Russel. The program lasts for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The doors will open for audience seating at 4:30 p.m.
Note: The registration deadline for those whose degrees were awarded in September 2007, November 2007, and January 2008 is Friday, April 11, 2008. The deadline for those whose degrees will be awarded in April and June 2008 is Friday, May 2, 2008.
Master's recipients line up in the Lockwood Lobby (facing the train station). Ph.D. recipients line up in the opposite side lobby. Wear cap (short point in front, tassel on left front) and gown. If you have purchased the faculty-quality regalia, please carry your hood on your arm. Standard regalia hoods will be delivered directly to McCarter Theatre. As it will be necessary for you to remove your cap, do not pin it tightly to your hair.
Parking for the Hooding Ceremony
Limited parking for the physically disabled is available directly in front of the theatre. Limited parking is also available on the side streets and at the train station lot.
Tuesday, June 3
Commencement Ceremony 9 a.m. Guest seating begins on the front lawn of Nassau Hall. In case of severe weather (high winds, lightning), Commencement will be held in Jadwin Gym; the change in location will be announced by 8:00 a.m. on radio stations WHWH AM 1350 and WPRB FM 103.3. For more information, check the University home page that day.
Admission is by ticket only (five guests per degree candidate). Tickets may be received by mail or may be picked up in 105 Clio Hall on or after May 21, 2008. The ceremony will be simulcast in Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall; no ticket is necessary for entrance to the simulcast site.
Formation for Commencement. 9:45 a.m. Degree candidates assemble. Candidates for advanced degrees assemble at the beginning of the procession on the walk in the rear of Nassau Hall facing West College, in two columns (with those who wish to sit together in file rather than side-by-side) in the following order: Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Arts in Near Eastern Studies, Master of Science, Master of Architecture, Master in Public Affairs, Master in Public Affairs and Urban and Regional Planning, Master in Public Policy, Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Engineering, and Master in Finance. Marshals will be available to assist you.
10:15 a.m. Guests must be seated.
10:20 a.m. Academic procession begins.
11:00 a.m. Commencement Exercises. Students remain standing until President Tilghman sits down. Remove cap when President Tilghman does.
Conferring of Advanced Degrees. Dean Russel will ask candidates receiving various degrees to rise and remain standing until the president confers the degrees. At the conclusion of the program (approximately 12:30 p.m.), all will stand to sing a verse of "Old Nassau." Remain standing, put on cap, and follow the faculty marshals onto Cannon Green.
Diplomas. Advanced degree recipients (for the June degree period only) receive diplomas on Cannon Green. In the event of an indoor Commencement, diplomas will be distributed in Jadwin Gym.
APGA Reception. Immediately following Commencement. Maclean House. The Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni (APGA) hosts a reception for graduate degree recipients and their guests.
Parking for Commencement Activities
A free shuttle service will run from the Lot 7 parking garage and Lot 23 along Elm Drive on campus to Nassau Hall, and to Commencement events through Tuesday. More information is available on the Commencement website.
Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
If you or another member of your family needs accommodation for a disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 609-258-8840 as soon as possible and no later than May 1 with information about your particular needs.