Hooding & Recognition Ceremony and Commencement Ceremony

Deeply rooted traditions celebrate and honor graduate student accomplishments at Princeton.

In an annual two-day celebration, Princeton University honors graduate students completing their terminal advanced degrees. On the first day, graduate students are individually acknowledged during the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. On the second day, graduate and undergraduate degrees are officially conferred during Commencement. Graduate students and families are encouraged to attend both the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony and University Commencement. 

As you review this guide, please note requirements and deadlines. 

Choosing a Princeton faculty member to hood you

Every student receiving a Ph.D. at the Hooding & Recognition Ceremony must select one Princeton faculty member to hood them. 

Hooding and Recognition Ceremony

Monday, May, 26, 2025
Hooding and Recognition Ceremony
Cannon Green (behind Nassau Hall)

The Hooding and Recognition Ceremony celebrates the achievements of graduate students receiving a Ph.D. or a final master's degree.

Presided over by Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber and Dean of the Graduate School Rodney D. Priestley, the program lasts approximately 2.5 hours and, weather permitting, is held outside on Cannon Green. (In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony is moved inside to Jadwin Gymnasium.) All degree recipients are individually recognized, and all faculty and graduating students wear academic regalia. Ph.D. candidates will ceremoniously receive their academic hood (a piece of regalia worn over the shoulders that indicates their degree) from a faculty member (usually their adviser), or the chief marshal of the University. 

Eligibility: Recipients of Ph.D. and final master's degrees

Guests: Tickets are not required. Guest seating begins at 3:30 p.m. Guests are not permitted in the student assembly area. 

Hooding & Recognition Schedule

Hooding and Recognition Lunch

  • Engineering and Natural Sciences graduates - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
  • Humanities and Social Sciences graduates - 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
  • Guests for the Hooding and Recognition Lunch are limited to the graduate, plus two guests. 
  • Location: On campus, to be announced

3:30 - 4:00 p.m. – Assemble for ceremony

4:30 p.m. – Ceremony begins

Questions?

Questions about the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony?  Please review our FAQs.

Commencement Ceremony

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
278th Commencement Ceremony
Princeton Stadium

Eligibility: Ph.D. and final master's candidates

Guests: All registered graduates will receive eight guest tickets. (Registered degree recipients themselves do not require tickets.) Tickets will be grouped together, then mailed to the graduate after registration closes. International students who need invitation letters to secure family visas should submit requests to [email protected]

Commencement Ceremony Schedule

8:30 a.m. — Formation for Commencement

9:30 a.m. — Commencement begins

10:00 a.m. — Commencement exercises

11:30 a.m. — Commencement concludes

2:00 p.m. — Commencement Reception

The Office of Advancement is proud to welcome the newest members into Princeton’s alumni community. Immediately following Commencement, celebrate the completion of your graduate degree with family and friends at a casual reception in the Frick Atrium. A formal invitation will be mailed to the graduate closer to the date of the event.

Questions?

Questions about the Princeton Commencement ceremony? Please visit the University's Commencement Guide and our FAQs.

Special Events

In addition to the events below, there will be numerous celebrations and get-togethers hosted by departments, programs and organizations. Watch your email for information!

Princeton Reunions Weekend

Thursday, May 22 - Sunday, May 25, 2025

Degree candidates are welcome and encouraged to attend Reunions 2025 including the activities of the  Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni (APGA). Learn more and register for wristbands and meal tickets.

Cultural Graduations

Monday, April 28 - Sunday, May 25, 2025

Carl A. Fields Center for Cultural Equality

The Carl A. Fields Center for Cultural Equality organizes five annual cultural graduation ceremonies that celebrate the accomplishments of undergraduate and graduate students who have engaged in many areas of diversity at Princeton University. Degree recipients must register in order to participate. Please contact the Carl A. Fields Center with questions and to register.

Middle Eastern, North African, & Arab (MENAA) Graduation

Monday, April 28, 2025 from 6:00-7:30 pm, Prospect House

Native American & Indigenous Graduation

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Prospect House

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Graduation

Sunday, March 25, 2025 from 10:00 - 11:30 am, Richardson Auditorium

Pan-African Graduation

Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Richardson Auditorium

Latinx Graduation

Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 7:30 - 8:45 pm, Richardson Auditorium

Registration deadlines: Sunday, April 6, 2025 or when capacity is reached, whichever occurs first.

Additional Resources