Frequently Asked Questions

LAWRENCEVILLE CAMPUS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

When and where is the Commencement ceremony?
The Commencement 2009 event dates are:

• Graduate & College of Continuing Studies Commencement ceremony - Thursday, May 14, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
  Campus Green, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ

• Undergraduate Commencement ceremony - Friday, May 15, 2009, 9:30 a.m.
  Campus Green, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ

• Westminster Choir College Commencement ceremony  - Saturday, May 16, 2009, 10:30 a.m.
  Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
  For more information on the Westminster Commencement, please click here .
  

Do I need a ticket to attend the ceremony?
Given favorable weather, we intend to hold the Commencement ceremony outside on the Campus Green. Tickets are not required and graduates may have as many guests attend as they wish. In the event of severe weather the Commencement ceremony will be moved indoors into the Student Recreation Center (SRC). Due to seating capacity limitations, tickets are required for entry into the SRC. One ticket per person is required for entry, including adults and children of all ages. Graduates will receive rain tickets when they pick up their cap and gown in mid-April. The number of tickets to be issued will be determined as degree applications are received. The ceremony may also be viewed via live video broadcast in the Alumni Gym, Bart Luedeke Theater and Yvonne Theater; tickets are not required for entry into these venues. Live video streaming of the event can also be viewed on www.rider.edu/commencement.

What happens if it rains?
The Commencement ceremony will be held outside on the Campus Green in light rain. In the event of severe weather (heavy winds, lightening, very heavy rain) the Commencement ceremony will be moved indoors into the Student Recreation Center (SRC). Due to seating capacity limitations, tickets are required for entry into the SRC. Those without tickets may view the Commencement ceremony via live video broadcast in the Alumni Gym, Bart Luedeke Theater and Yvonne Theater or online at www.rider.edu/commencement. The latest information about the location of the ceremony will be announced on the Rider website www.rider.edu; the Rider information hotline at 609-219-2000; and local radio stations including WRRC 107.7 FM, WPST 94.5 FM, NJ 101.5 FM, WHWH 1350 AM, WBUD 1260 AM, WIMG 1300 AM, and WOR-NY 710 AM.

How long does the ceremony last?
The Commencement Ceremony will last approximately one and a half hours. Guests and graduates are asked to stay for the entire ceremony. If you plan to make lunch/dinner reservations following the Commencement ceremony, please give yourself ample time as there will be traffic delays.

Are there parking and seating accommodations for individuals with disabilities?
Accommodations are available for individuals who require special parking or seating due to a disability. Golf cart transportation to the special needs seating area will also be provided. Please contact the Office of the President at 609-896-5001 or e-mail commencement@rider.edu with information about your particular needs and to reserve these seats and services. A sign language interpreter will be present at the Commencement ceremony.

When do I pick up my cap and gown?
Commencement attire should be picked up in the Bart Luedeke Center, Cavalla Room, on Wednesday, April 15 or Thursday, April 16, noon to 7:00 p.m. Fulfillment of all graduation requirements and Student ID are required for cap and gown pick up. If you are unable to pick up your academic attire during this time, please e-mail commencement@rider.edu to make alternate arrangements.  Cap and gown MUST be picked up BEFORE Commencement day. 

What are the graduation requirements?
To be eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony, you must have:
 1.)  filed a degree application with your academic dean’s office;
 2.)  paid all financial obligations to the University; and
 3.)  returned all books to the Library.

Will honors cords, ribbons or pins be provided with my academic regalia?
Graduates will receive a black gown and cap, along with a hood in the appropriate color to designate school, and a tassel in the appropriate color to recognize honors.  Cords, ribbons and pins are not distributed by the University.

When should students arrive for graduation?
Students should plan to arrive one and a half hours before the start of the procession. Students should report to the designated gathering area for their school and check in with the marshals for robing and procession line up instructions. Each student will receive a pre-printed information card that includes name and honors.You will need to hand this to the faculty or administrator reading names before you walk across the stage to be recognized.   

When should family and guests arrive for graduation?
Family and guests should plan to arrive at least an hour prior to the start of the Ceremony. Please expect a heavy volume of traffic as we welcome you to campus. You should plan to allow for time to park and walk to the ceremony site.

Are refreshments available?
All Undergraduates and their guests are invited to the Graduating Seniors’ Breakfast hosted by the Board of Chaplains the morning of Friday, May 15 in Daly’s Dining Center. Graduating student athletes and their guests are invited to attend the Bronc Farewell Breakfast on Friday, May 15 beginning at 7:30am in Daly’s Bronc Diner. All graduates and their guests are invited to a reception following the ceremony. Please join faculty and staff in the Cavalla Room, Bart Luedeke Center for desserts and beverages. Water will be available at stations around the Campus Green and is provided under all graduates’ chairs. Cranberries Café is also open for beverages and light snacks on Commencement days.

How is the Commencement Speaker selected?
Students interested in speaking at Commencement submit an application to a Commencement Speaker Committee comprised of faculty, staff and students. After all applications are reviewed, finalists are interviewed individually and selections are made.

• Any undergraduate student in good academic and social standing may apply to be the Undergraduate Commencement speaker. Please click here to see more detailed information.

• Any CCS and Graduate student in good academic and social standing may apply to be the CCS/Graduate Commencement speaker. Please click here to see more detailed information .

When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are not distributed during the Commencement ceremony. Upon clearance from the Registrar and Dean, the Registrar will order the diploma and it will be sent via regular mail. December graduates can expect delivery by mid-April; May graduates can expect delivery by mid-September; and August graduates should expect delivery by mid-December. Similarly, the Registrar’s Office will mail transcripts for December graduates by mid-February, by mid-June for May graduates, or by mid-September for August graduates. Diplomas and transcripts shall indicate academic honors based upon the cumulative grade point average achieved at the end of the senior year.

How can I purchase graduation announcements?
Commencement announcements will be available for purchase in the University Store in late March 2009.  Please contact the University Store directly at 609-896-5121 for more information.

Will there be photographs available of graduates?
Professional photographers from Legacy Photographic will photograph all graduates during the Commencement ceremony. One photo will be taken in front of the school gonfalon as the graduate approaches the stage, and a second as the graduate is congratulated by President Rozanski on stage. Information on how to order photos is emailed and mailed to each graduate approximately 2-3 days after Commencement. Please direct photography questions to Legacy Photographics at 1-800-447-2550.

How do I order a video recording of the ceremony?
Commencement DVDs may be ordered through Rider University OIT Media Support department using the order form which can be downloaded here. Please contact them directly at 609-896-5000 x7375 with any questions concerning the Commencement DVD.

Will the University Store be open?
The University Store will be open on Thursday, May 14 from 8:30am-7:00pm and on Friday, May 15 from 8:00am-4:00pm. The Rider University store also takes pre-orders for balloons, diploma frames and other Rider merchandise.  Please contact the University Store at 609-896-5121 for more information.

Where can I purchase flowers for my graduate?
Bouquets of roses may be pre-ordered through Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Company any time prior to May 12 and picked up on campus on Commencement day.  Please see the flyer for more detailed information and call 1-888-497-7363 to order.  Additional flowers will be available for sale at Commencement, but availability cannot be guaranteed without pre-ordering.

Are there places to stay in the area?
Please click here for a list of local hotels.

Can you recommend any restaurants near Rider?
If you plan to make lunch/dinner reservations following the Commencement ceremony, please give yourself ample time as there will be traffic delays. Please click here for a list of local restaurants.

How do I join the Rider University Alumni Association?
Be sure to register for MyRider, a network-based, interactive online community for Rider University and Westminster Choir College alumni, current juniors and seniors, and faculty and staff.  Go to alumni.rider.edu to access your online resource for news, alumni and campus events, as well as exclusive benefits and services.

I have other questions - who do I contact?
Contact the Office of the President at 609-896-5001 or email commencement@rider.edu.