CONGRATULATIONS - NJIT Class of 2021

Candidates will participate in one of multiple 100+-person Convocation Ceremonies on
campus, designed so we can honor all candidates, they will have the opportunity to
cross the stage and have their portrait taken. 
All Convocation Ceremonies will be recorded and presented as part of the  
Commencement Ceremony on May 18.

All candidates who have confirmed their attendance can now
claim their GradPass on the MarchingOrder portal.

Convocation Ceremonies will occur on the following days:

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 (Rain or Shine)
Ph.D. Candidates
5 p.m. – Wellness and Events Center
Due to the number of Ph.D. candidates, we are pleased to announce that we will allow up to two guests per candidate. You will sit in pods with your guests on the arena floor of the WEC; therefore, tickets are nontransferable. Due to social distancing, we recommend your guests be adults, as it is difficult for children to sit for extended periods. To claim your tickets, you must go to the MarchingOrder portal If you have already responded and you wish to change your response, you may do so by going to the MarchingOrder portal. You must claim your tickets by 10 a.m. on Friday, May 7.

Friday, May 14, 2021 (Rain date: Saturday, May 15, 2021)
Baccalaureate and Master Candidates
Due to New Jersey State guidelines at the time of planning, we regret that guests will not be permitted to attend the Baccalaureate and Master's Convocation Ceremonies.

Commencement Ceremony

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

5 p.m.
NJIT.edu

It is very important that you visit this site regularly, so you are informed of all the latest updates and meet critical deadlines.

While we cannot predict the pandemic’s trajectory, NJIT continue to develop back-up plans, monitor local and state health information, and work closely with our local health department and emergency management agencies to ensure safe ceremonies.

Please read the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)’s current travel advisories for potential attendees who might be traveling from out-of-state.

Individuals who are sick should be discouraged from attending – see CDC guidelines for what individuals should do if they are sick and to see a list of possible COVID-19 symptoms.

All guests, graduates, and participants to wear face coverings, except when doing so would inhibit the individual’s health or with limited exceptions pursuant to Executive Order 163.

Convocation Ceremony Details

Ph.D. Convocation Ceremony

• The Ph.D. Convocation Ceremony will take place Wednesday, May 12, at 5 p.m. at the NJIT Wellness and Events Center.
• Each candidate can be accompanied by up to two guests. You must claim your guest tickets by noon on Friday, May 7. We recommend your guests be adults, as children tend to get restless and we must maintain social distancing. Guest are also required to wear a mask. Tickets are nontransferable as you will sit in pods. If you or your guests require assistance with accessibility, you must inform us by Sunday, May 2.
• Doors will open at 4 p.m. We ask that you and your guests arrive prior to this time.
• All candidates and their guests are to park in the Summit Street Parking Garage, located at 154 Summit Street, Newark, NJ 07102.
• All candidates must wear their NJIT regalia to participate. If you did not order your regalia, you must do so immediately and request expedited shipping; there will be a charge. 
• Candidates must wear their hoods to the ceremony, as social distancing will prohibit us from hooding candidates.
• As part of the ceremony, candidates will cross the stage as their names are read. A photograph will be taken with their adviser, or a representative, in the background. It will also be filmed and presented as part of the formal ceremony, which will air on the NJIT website Tuesday, May 18, at 5 p.m.
• It is imperative that you have access to your GradPass, either on your cellphone or in a printed version, as the QR code is what we will use to announce your name.  If you do not have your GradPass, your name will not be announced.
• If you have not done so already, please upload your name pronunciation before noon on May 2, and Commencement photo before 10 a.m. on May 4. Your portrait style Commencement photo must feature you wearing your regalia or professional attire in order to be approved.

Baccalaureate and Master’s Convocation Ceremonies

• The Baccalaureate and Master’s Convocation Ceremonies will take place Friday, May 14. In case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be hosted at the assigned times Saturday, May 15. Your GradPass lists the time of your ceremony, section and seat number. You are to report to your section. The exact location will be shared prior to the ceremony via email and on the Commencement website.
• You must report to your section one hour prior to the start of your ceremony; there, you will receive ceremony details. All sections will gather outdoors on campus. 
• Once candidates are escorted to their ceremony, they will remain standing for the duration of the ceremony. If you require assistance with accessibility, you must inform us by Sunday, May 2.
• Due to State Guidelines, guests are not permitted to attend the Convocation Ceremonies.
• You are to park in the Summit Street Parking Garage, located at 154 Summit Street, Newark, NJ 07102.
• All candidates must wear their NJIT regalia to participate. If you did not order your regalia, you must do so immediately and request expedited shipping; there will be a charge. 
• As part of the ceremony, candidates will cross the stage as their names are read. A photograph will be taken with their college dean, or a representative, in the background. It will also be filmed and presented as part of the formal ceremony, which will air on the NJIT website on Tuesday, May 18, at 5 p.m.
• It is imperative that you have access to your GradPass, either on your cellphone or in a printed version, as the QR code is what we will use to announce your name. If you do not have your GradPass, your name will not be announced.
• If you have not done so already, please upload your name pronunciation before 10 a.m. on May 4, and Commencement photo before noon on May 4. Your portrait style Commencement photo must feature you wearing your regalia or professional attire in order to be approved.

GradPass

All candidates who responded that they will attend their Convocation Ceremony must claim their GradPass through the MarchingOrder portal. Your GradPass has important logistical details, including the date and time of your assigned ceremony, section for line up and seat number (not applicable for Ph.D. candidates). Your GradPass also has a QR code, which is what will be used to allow you access to the ceremony. It will also be used during the ceremony to announce your name. It is imperative that you download your GradPass to your cellphone, or print it and bring it with you to your assigned ceremony.

Honorary Degree Recipients

New Jersey Institute of Technology proudly announces the recipients of the university’s highest honor. The Class of 2021 Honorary Degree Recipients are:

Please note: Deadlines may not be extended beyond dates mentioned due to production restrictions.

Oak Hall will manage all regalia orders. You will need to use their platform, and they may need to correspond with you. Once you have submitted your order it cannot be changed.

MarchingOrder will manage the RSVP to Convocation Ceremonies, Phonetic Spellings, Name Pronunciations and Photo Upload.  You will need to use their platform, and they may need to also correspond with you. MarchingOrder will allow you to resubmit your photo and RSVP to participate in the Convocation Ceremony at any time while the portal is open. Once the deadline has passed, no other updates will be allowed.

We appreciate your cooperation and highly encourage your participation as we honor and celebrate your academic achievement.

Convocation Ceremonies RSVP

Candidates will participate in one of many 100+-person Convocation Ceremony on campus, where they will have the opportunity to cross the stage and have their picture taken. All Convocation Ceremonies will be recorded and presented as part of the official Commencement Ceremony. All candidates must confirm their attendance by 10am April 19. If for any reason you need to alter your RSVP, you can do so up to the time of the deadline by returning to the portal. Convocation Ceremonies will occur on the following days:

• Wednesday, May 12: Ph.D. Candidates
• Friday, May 14 & Saturday, May 15: Baccalaureate and Master Candidates 

Candidates will be assigned the date and time for their Convocation Ceremony once all RSVPs have been collected. Candidates will receive their Convocation Ceremony details by April 26. Due to New Jersey State guidelines at the time of planning, we regret that guests will not be permitted to attend the Convocation Ceremonies, unless otherwise noted. RSVP here.

Regalia Information

Due to increased demand and delayed shipments, it is taking longer than expected to ship out regalia. We apologize for the delay. However, if you ordered by the deadline, you will have your Cap & Gown in time for your ceremonies. Orders are expected to ship by May 6. If you do not receive a tracking email by May 6, please contact Oak Hall at 1-800-456-7623 or webdept@oakhalli.com. Please do not call prior to May 6.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

You must order your regalia online and indicate your preferred shipping address. As a special gift to you, The Alumni Association of NJIT has made it possible for each candidate to receive a credit of up to $11 to cover the cost of shipping. International shipping is $60, but with your Alumni Associate gift, it will now be $49. 

Please note important dates regarding regalia:

• March 23 to April 20: Recommended time frame to order your regalia and receive it time for Commencement. We recommend you order your regalia early in case you experience shipping delays.
• April 21 to May 5: Recommended time frame to claim your commencement regalia with expedited shipping. The cost of expedited shipping will be the candidate’s responsibility.
• May 25: Last day to claim your commemorative regalia as a keepsake.

Order Regalia Here!

Your regalia will be shipped to you in a box. Inside the box you will find your cap, gown, hood and tassel. Your gown is inside a bag. Please do not open the bag prior to checking if it correct. Once you open the bag you forfeit the opportunity to return your regalia if it is incorrect. A quick guide to know you have received the correct attire would be:

• Ph.D. candidates - gowns are red
• Master candidates – Through the bag, read the size printed inside the collar which will also state “MASTERS”
• Bachelor candidates – Through the bag, read the size printed inside the collar which states “GreenWeaver”

If you have an issue with your attire once you have received it, please contact the vendor. You must include your order number in the email. 

Students receiving two degrees must contact the NJIT Bookstore, to receive their additional attire.

Phonetic and Name Pronunciation

You have until noon on May 2 to ensure your name is pronounced correctly, we strongly recommend you complete this portion of the Commencement process. Failure to do so may result in your name being mispronounced. Upload Phonetic and Name Pronunciation Here

Upload Photo Wearing Your Regalia or Professional Attire

Upon approval, your graduation photo will be a part of your presentation as a candidate of the Class of 2021. Candidates are asked to submit a photo of themselves, wearing their regalia or professional attire, portrait style, from the waist up with a neutral background. Failure to do so will result in the photo being rejected and you will receive an email asking you to resubmit a photo. You have until 10 a.m. on May 4 to upload your photo. You can also change your photo up to that time by going back into the portal and resubmitting a photo for approval. Upload Photo Here

Who Can Participate

• Everyone who has been granted approval to participate by the Office of the Registrar and is on one for the following lists:
  • August 2020 graduates
  • December 2020 graduates
  • May 2021 candidates

• If you are unsure as to whether or not you have completed your degree requirements, contact your academic department or adviser.

If your name does not appear on the list, please contact commencement@njit.edu.

Commencement-Related Mailings

Any Commencement information that needs to be mailed to you will be sent via email or to your address of record. If you have had or anticipate a change in address, please notify the university by updating your address through Highlander Pipeline. It is very important that you keep this address current at all times to ensure you are receiving the necessary correspondence. Your address on record will be used to send you your diploma. 

Latin Honors:  Baccalaureate Candidates only with a 3.4 GPA or GREATER

All those candidates that have earned medals for undergraduate academic honors of Cum Laude (GPA of 3.400 - 3.649), Magna Cum Laude (GPA of 3.650 - 3.849) and Summa Cum Laude (GPA of 3.850 - 4.00) will receive medals based on their current GPA; the medals will be distributed prior final GPA’s confirmation. The honors designation will appear in the Commencement program. For May candidates who earn honors once the degree is conferred, the designation will appear on the official transcript approximately one month after graduation. The honors designation will also appear on your diploma. If you are eligible, you will receive an email from the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) by April 16 informing you of your eligibility. DOS will serve as your point of contact for medal distribution. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact commencement@njit.edu.

President’s Medal for Academic Excellence

The NJIT President’s Medal for Academic Excellence is awarded to all graduating undergraduates with a grade of A in all courses taken at NJIT or transferred into NJIT that are counted toward degree requirements. To be eligible for the Presidential Medal, students must complete a minimum of 60 credits at NJIT, with at least 33 credits in upper division courses. The Office of the Registrar has already contacted these students to inform them of their eligibility. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact commencement@njit.edu.

Parking

All candidates must park at the Summit Street Parking Garage located at 154 Summit Street, Newark, NJ 07102.

Accessibility/Sign Language Interpreter

If a candidate or guest requires assistance with accessibility or a sign language interpreter, he/she must email the request to commenceemnt@njit.edu by Sunday, May 2, 2021. If a wheelchair is required, the individual must bring their own as COVID restrictions do not allow us to provide one.

Cap and Mask Decorating Contest

All graduates of the Class of 2021 are invited to participate in this year’s Cap & Mask Decorating Contest!  The deadline to submit is 11:45pm on Monday, May 10.  All submissions will be taken electronically through our Highlander Hub Form:  Class of 2021:  Cap & Mask Decorating Contest Submission Form.  Winners will receive over $200 in prizes, including Diploma Frames from the NJIT Bookstore, Nucleus Yearbooks, and NJIT swag!  All submissions will be reviewed and winners will be announced before the commencement ceremony.  All submissions and winners will be featured on Instagram @NJITStudentLife,   If you have any questions about the Cap & Mask Decorating Contest, please reach out to Christina.A.Pascucci@njit.edu. 

Instragram Contest

Leading up to the Commencement Ceremony on May 18, there will be Instagram contests for the Class of 2021 on @NJITStudentLife, so be sure to start following if you’re not already.  Contests will take place on May 11, 12, 13, 14, and 17.  Winners will receive $50 in prizes from the NJIT Bookstore!  If you have any questions about the Class of 2021 Instagram Contests, please reach out to Christina.A.Pascucci@njit.edu. 

What NOT to bring

For safety reasons, guests are refused entry, or ejected from the facility, if they are in possession of prohibited items. Illegal items will be confiscated and turned over to the police.

The following items are not permitted at the WEC:

• aerosol cans
• alcoholic beverages
• animals / pets (except service animals)
• balloons, beach balls, silly string
• cans, thermoses, bottles, glass or other beverage containers
• coolers or ice chests
• clothing containing vulgar language
• illegal drugs
• large bags and purses (with the exception of a small clutch purse)
• laser pens and pointers
• noisemaking devices (i.e. whistles, air horns, drums, horns, vuvuzelas)
• outside food and beverage
• professional photography equipment (other than a camera)
• selfie sticks and GoPros
• poles to display banners, flags, etc.
• signs with wires, lights, and/or batteries
• skateboards and/or rollerblades
• strollers
• un-approved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
• weapons (i.e. knives, pepper spray, tear gas, handcuffs, stun guns, etc.)
• any other item deemed to be inappropriate or dangerous by WEC Management and/or the NJIT Police Department

*This list is subject to change at the discretion of WEC Management.

Decorate and Celebrate Commencement at Home

Download and print graduation lawn signs and backdrops to add to your festivities.
Lawn Sign 1 | Lawn Sign 2 | Lawn Sign 3 | Backdrop

Print Approval Letter

If you intend to have any of the above materials professionally printed, you will be asked to provide an official letter of approval from the University.

Lodging, Restaurants and Attractions

For further information on lodging, restaurants and Newark destinations, we recommend that you check the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Center at newarkhappening.com.

Diploma Distribution

For May 2021 candidates who are on the Registrar's list, that have completed all of their degree requirements and have no holds on their records, diplomas will be made available on Diploma Day. Additional information will be posted on the Office of the Registrar’s website as soon as details and procedures have been finalized. If you are currently taking coursework at another institution as part of your degree requirements, you must arrange to have the transfer credit(s) processed in sufficient time to be posted to your record before the department reviews your file for certification. Those who cannot be certified in a timely fashion and those with holds will receive their diplomas once all the requirements have been met. August 2020 and December 2020 graduates should have already received their diplomas. If you have not received your diploma, please contact the Office of the Registrar (See Commencement-related mailings section above.)

Graduation Fair (Grad Fair)

Unfortunately, this event has been canceled.

The Nucleus: The NJIT Yearbook

• All 2020-2021 yearbook orders must be processed online through the Josten's website. 
• To schedule a portrait session, please visit the Lifetouch Prestige Portraits website, using the school code 216. Important note: Due to COVID-19 protocols, no walk-in appointments will be honored.
• To receive the most current yearbook information, please follow The Nucleus yearbook on Instagram.

If you have any questions, please contact The Nucleus.

NJIT Bookstore Special Offer

Please note: This coupon can be used towards the purchase of a diploma frame.

See attached coupon

20210330-HighlanderGrad-147.jpg

Alumni Association As a graduate, you join the ranks of a proud alumni community over 70,000 strong that has the power to influence legislation, recruit deserving students, attract critical resources to the university and open doors for other alumni. Please visit the Alumni Relations Office website for the most current information. Keep an eye out for all the activities associated with the Young Alumni Club, which consists of all alumni who have graduated in the past 10 years.

If you have questions after reviewing the commencement website, please email commencement@njit.edu.