Class of 2026
Mason Gross School of the Arts 50th Anniversary Convocation
Thursday, May 14 • 2:30 p.m.
State Theatre • New Brunswick, New Jersey
Join us for a live, in-person celebration honoring the Class of 2026. The event will also be livestreamed for family and friends who are unable to attend in person.
Universitywide Commencement for graduates of Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at SHI Stadium. For ceremony details, schedules, and updates, visit the Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement 2026 website.
Ceremony
The Mason Gross Convocation ceremony is an intimate event that celebrates students completing a BFA, BM, MM, MFA, AD, or DMA degree. We also warmly welcome BA, EdM, MA and PhD students earning a degree in Art, Dance, Music or Theater. Students will receive individual recognition and will have the opportunity to have their name called, walk across the stage, shake hands with the Dean and their Department Chair, and have their photo taken.
Immediately following the ceremony will be a post-reception in the Civic Square Building.
The Mason Gross Convocation is a non-ticketed event. This means seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The family seating area will be determined by the event staff. Please see more information under FAQ’s below.
Graduation Awards
A select number of students graduating from Mason Gross who fit certain criteria may be selected to receive a graduation award which will be presented to them at the Mason Gross Convocation Ceremony.
- There are departmental awards and a school wide prize.
- Department awards are assigned by the department faculty.
- The Scott Cagenello School Wide Prize is given to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to helping others in the school and wider community. Nominations for this award can be submitted through an online form by staff, faculty and the students themselves. A link to the submission form will be provided at a later time.
Student Speaker
Each year, Mason Gross selects a graduating undergraduate student to deliver an address at the Mason Gross Convocation. Students may self-nominate to fulfill this duty by submitting a draft of their speech (approximately 3–5 minutes in length) to advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu with the subject line “Student Speaker Submission.” Drafts should be submitted before spring semester mid-terms. An email with more information inviting graduating undergraduate students to submit will be sent early in the spring term, but if you know you will be graduating you can start writing now!
Say Cheese!
Rutgers has partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase. If you would like to receive your photo proofs, please go to www.rutgersphotos.com to submit your information. If you have any questions regarding photos, please contact Pro Pics at info@propicsusa.com.
Mortar Board Contest
Decorate the top of your regalia cap for the annual Mason Gross Convocation Mortar Board Contest! Be creative, be bold, stand out, and make it fun! All students who decorate their Mortar Boards will be entered into the contest to win a prize and the winner(s) will be announced at the Mason Gross Convocation. Don’t miss your chance to show off your creativity one last time before you graduate.
Doctor of Musical Arts Hooding
Students receiving their Doctoral of Musical Arts Degree will be hooded at the Mason Gross Convocation. Students should purchase the appropriate regalia to be properly hooded at the ceremony.
Graduates
Visit the Graduation page to ensure you are prepared for graduation.
Ceremony Details
If you are planning to take part in the convocation ceremony, you should report to the Civic Square Building by 1:30 p.m. for check-in. You will receive all instructions at that time.
There will not be a rehearsal for students. All necessary information will be relayed to you when you report to the Civic Square Building. Mason Gross staff will assist you step-by-step through the ceremony.
Academic Regalia
Academic regalia is required to participate in commencement and convocation ceremonies.
Rutgers–New Brunswick graduates can purchase regalia from the Barnes and Noble Rutgers University Bookstore now through March 31st. Early Bird Discount now through February 28th!
Online orders offer these delivery options:
- Ship to store for no extra charge. Must order for ship to store by February 28 for pick up at Barnes & Noble starting April 2.
- Ship to home for an additional delivery charge. Deadline to order with ship to home option is March 28.
Purchase regalia in-store or pick up online orders at Barnes & Noble on Somerset Street beginning April 2.
The Grad Fair will be held at Barnes & Noble on April 1 & 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join in the festivities, come for a complimentary professional headshot, and meet with representatives for purchasing class rings, diploma frames, personalized announcements and more!
Guests
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the State Theatre?
Directions are available here.
Where do I park?
Parking is available for a fee in a few locations in the downtown New Brunswick area. See other locations here.
What time does the State Theatre open?
- The Theatre will open at 1:30 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; there is no reserved seating. Be sure to allow ample time for arrival due to traffic patterns and weather.
- Please note: For your safety and security, The State Theatre has instituted bag checks and upon entry. While the process is quite efficient, please allow time to complete the bag check. Your patience and understanding during this process is appreciated.
How long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony lasts approximately two hours, depending on the number of students graduating.
What can I bring with me?
This is a very busy event, and space in the seating area is limited. The event staff cannot monitor or be responsible for personal items. Flowers and balloons are not permitted in the seating area.
Can I save seats for family who are running late?
To accommodate all those in attendance, please wait for your entire party prior to entering the seating area. All empty seats will be filled by event staff as necessary.
What if there are no more seats when I arrive?
Due to fire codes, there is a limit to the number of people allowed in the State Theatre. Once this number is met, no more people will be admitted. It is suggested that you make sure you give yourself ample time to get to New Brunswick, park, and walk to the theater. The State Theatre has a video/audio feed into the lobby for the full event.
What is the late seating policy?
If you arrive late to the ceremony, you will be seated at the discretion of the event management in a predetermined late seating area. Late seating usually occurs after the student and faculty processionals, roughly 10 to 15 minutes into the ceremony. After that, seating will be determined by the event staff and seat availability.
Can we sit near or with our graduate?
No. The family seating area will be determined by event staff.
Can we bring an infant or small child?
All infants and small children should be able to sit quietly, or you will be asked to leave the ceremony. Please make arrangements for childcare if your infant or small child cannot sit quietly for the duration of the ceremony. Strollers and car seats are not permitted in the seating area.
What if I have a guest with a disability attending the ceremony?
- Accessible seating will be available in the rear of the orchestra section of the State Theatre and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To accommodate all requests and per ADA laws, those requiring accessible seating will have one (1) companion seat in addition to their accessible seat. Graduating students should contact advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu if you are guests have any hearing, visual or mobility impairments. Accessible seating can only be guaranteed for those who inform the Dean’s Office prior to the ceremony. All held seats will be forfeit 10 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony start-time. Guests can be dropped off at the main entrance if all accessible parking is full.
- When contacting advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu with accessibility requests, please be sure to let us know if your guest requires a wheelchair accessible space or if they have a visual or hearing impairment.
Can I bring food, beverages, or bottled water into the ceremony?
No. Food or beverages are not allowed in the State Theatre.
Can I take pictures?
Yes, you can take pictures. However, we ask that you be aware of students and other guests and not obstruct the aisles or block the view for someone else.
Can I meet my graduate in the seating area after the ceremony?
It is respectfully requested that families and friends arrange to meet each other at the reception in the Civic Square Building following the ceremony. The seating area closes directly after the ceremony ends.
What is the COVID-19 policy?
We are following the State Theatre’s COVID-19 policy:
Based on advice from the CDC, the State of New Jersey, as well as best practices adopted by the performing arts industry:
- Masks are no longer required though we welcome their use.
Merch
Show your Rutgers pride!
Merch will be available for purchase at the Civic Square Building after the ceremony. Purchases can also be made online at shoprhouse.com.