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Commencement Team

commencement@drew.edu

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ FOR GRADS

IS THERE A GRADUATION PRACTICE OR REHEARSAL THAT GRADUATES NEED TO ATTEND?

No, graduates will be provided with guidance on the day of the ceremony. It is important that all grads meet in Baldwin Gym no later than one hour before their designated ceremony to ensure they receive all necessary instruction.

SHOULD GRADUATES WEAR THEIR REGALIA TO CHECK-IN ON GRADUATION DAY?
All graduates should come wearing regalia ready to commence.

If you have any questions regarding regalia ordering, please contact the Drew University Bookstore at (973)-408-3097.

WHAT IF I LOSE OR MISPLACE MY CAP, TASSEL, OR GOWN?

Graduates can purchase replacements in the event of misplacing the above items ahead of Commencement events. The Drew Bookstore will be open at 8 a.m. on both Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13.

ARE UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE CORD/STOLES REQUIRED FOR GRADUATES? HOW DO GRADUATES ACQUIRE UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE CORDS/STOLES?

Cords/stoles are not required as a part of the Drew Commencement regalia package.

All graduate cords are coordinated and distributed by the faculty advisor(s) for each CLA honors society.

Please note that cords are not distributed for latin honors, as final GPAs are not available until after all Commencement events.

Questions about honors cords? Contact the Dean’s Office at cladean@drew.edu.

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES TO THE COMMENCEMENT DRESS CODE THAT GRADUATES SHOULD KEEP IN MIND?

We encourage you to be considerate of the location for our Commencement events. If Commencement is outside on Mead Hall Lawn, we ask that graduates please be mindful that high heels may sink into the grass.

WHEN DO SENIORS CURRENTLY LIVING ON CAMPUS MOVE OUT?

A: Graduating members of the CLA currently living on campus must move out by 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

WHEN CAN GRADUATES EXPECT TO RECEIVE THEIR DIPLOMA?

The class of 2023 degrees will be conferred in May, and all diplomas will be mailed to the address provided on the graduation application that was requested by the Registrar’s Office. Diplomas should arrive within 5-10 weeks after the conferral date, with international mailings being on the longer end of the time range.

FAQ FOR GUESTS

IS THERE A GUEST CAPACITY? DO GUESTS NEED TICKETS TO ATTEND A CEREMONY?

All seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis at no cost, and will open one hour before each ceremony. There are no tickets or reservations required for guests.

Please note that guest capacity will not change in the event of inclement weather venue changes. We look forward to welcoming all guests, rain or shine. 

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER?
In the case of severe inclement weather, ceremonies will remain at their originally scheduled time and be moved indoors to the following locations:

  • Theological School: Simon Forum
  • Caspersen School of Graduate Studies: Concert Hall, Dorothy Young Center for the Arts
  • College of Liberal Arts: Simon Forum
HOW LONG IS EACH CEREMONY?

We anticipate each ceremony taking approximately two hours from the promoted start time.

WHERE SHOULD GUESTS PARK FOR COMMENCEMENT EVENTS ON MAY 12-13?

When you pull in at campus, security staff will direct you to an open parking area.

Parking on campus is first-come, first-serve.

We encourage guests to carpool and/or use ride-share services if possible. A campus map with parking information is posted on drew.edu/commencement.

Handicap parking is available on-site; be sure to have a tag or permit displayed. Please enter at Lancaster Road and inform the parking staff of your need for disability parking as you enter campus, and you will be directed accordingly.

WHAT LODGING IS AVAILABLE IN THE MADISON-MORRISTOWN AREA?

No lodging will be provided on campus for non-resident students and all guests. There are various accommodations in the Madison area.

WILL ALL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES BE LIVE STREAMED?
Yes. Drew will live stream all ceremonies to the main Commencement website . There will also be an overflow space showing the ceremony’s live stream in Crawford Hall in the Ehinger Center during each ceremony.
WILL FOOD OR DRINKS BE AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS?

Guests may purchase water and/or snacks from the Bookstore tent near the ceremony site. Please note that all purchases at the tent are cash only.

In addition, Starbucks (located inside the Ehinger Center) and the EC Food Court will be open.

WHERE CAN I FIND ASSISTANCE IF NEEDED AT COMMENCEMENT?

There will be an information tent set up on the back of Mead Hall Lawn that will be staffed by our Commencement team. There you can find information about the campus, the schedule for the day, and may request an audio listening system, if needed.

There will also be Commencement volunteers throughout campus, easily identifiable by bright green t-shirts, that will be available to assist with any questions you may have,