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. Eligibility To participate in the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony, graduate students must have already received their Ph.D. or final Master’s degree during AY 24-25 or must complete all degree requirements and submit final paperwork to the Graduate School by May 8, 2025. Registration Eligible graduates will receive an email with registration instructions for this year’s ceremonies. Register by April 25, 2025. For questions, contact [email protected]. Student Regalia Graduate degree recipients must wear regalia to participate in the ceremonies. Note ordering deadlines of March 24 and April 25, 2025, depending on your regalia selection. Diplomas Advanced degree recipients for the May degree period will receive their diploma by mail. Your advanced degree application must be submitted by May 8, 2025. 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, 2025Hooding and Recognition CeremonyCannon 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 degreesGuests: Tickets are not required. Guest seating begins at 3:30 p.m. Guests are not permitted in the student assembly area. Hooding & Recognition ScheduleHooding and Recognition LunchEngineering and Natural Sciences graduates - 11:30 am - 12:30 pmHumanities and Social Sciences graduates - 1:30 pm - 2:30 pmGuests for the Hooding and Recognition Lunch are limited to the graduate, plus two guests. Location: On campus, to be announced3:30 - 4:00 p.m. – Assemble for ceremony4:30 p.m. – Ceremony beginsQuestions?Questions about the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony? Please review our FAQs. Commencement Ceremony Tuesday, May 27, 2025278th Commencement CeremonyPrinceton StadiumEligibility: Ph.D. and final master's candidatesGuests: 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 Schedule8:30 a.m. — Formation for Commencement9:30 a.m. — Commencement begins10:00 a.m. — Commencement exercises11:30 a.m. — Commencement concludes2:00 p.m. — Commencement ReceptionThe 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 WeekendThursday, May 22 - Sunday, May 25, 2025Degree 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 GraduationsMonday, April 28 - Sunday, May 25, 2025Carl A. Fields Center for Cultural EqualityThe 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) GraduationMonday, April 28, 2025 from 6:00-7:30 pm, Prospect HouseNative American & Indigenous GraduationWednesday, April 30, 2025 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Prospect HouseAsian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) GraduationSunday, March 25, 2025 from 10:00 - 11:30 am, Richardson AuditoriumPan-African GraduationSunday, May 25, 2025 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Richardson AuditoriumLatinx GraduationSunday, May 25, 2025 from 7:30 - 8:45 pm, Richardson AuditoriumRegistration deadlines: Sunday, April 6, 2025 or when capacity is reached, whichever occurs first. Past Ceremonies 2024 Hooding and Recognition Ceremony 2023 Hooding and Recognition View All Past Hooding and Recognition Ceremonies Additional Resources Accessibility: Office of Disability ServicesPrinceton Commencement Guide for info about University activities Preferred Princeton-area hotelsShuttle Service: Princeton does not run a shuttle from hotels. Check with individual hotels.Princeton Area Visitors Bureau