Commencement 2023
Commencement is a proud day for students, families and the entire Rider University community as we celebrate the achievements of our graduates. Please use this website to help plan for the day. The commencement site will be updated regularly beginning early 2023.
Westminster Choir College Chapel Service
Friday, May 12, 2023 at 4 p.m.
All WCC students, families and alumni are invited to a Chapel Service at the Princeton University Chapel to celebrate with their graduating students.
Commencement - Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremony
Saturday, May 13, 2023
procession beginning at 2 p.m.
Cure Insurance Arena
Trenton, NJ
Graduates and guests should plan to arrive at ceremony location 1.5 hours prior to procession time.
Easy as 1-2-3!
Preparing to graduate and participate in the 2023 Commencement Ceremony

Step 1. Complete a degree application
Submit a degree application online using the link found in MyRider under “My Academic Tools” before April 1, 2023. If you have questions about graduation eligibility, please contact your dean.

Step 2. Pay graduation application fee
A graduation application fee of $100.00 is due at the time of degree application. Payment should be made through MyRider.

Step 3: Pre-Order Academic Attire
Students eligible to participate in the May 2023 Commencement ceremonies should pre-order academic attire. Pre-orders are now being accepted, pre-order here. Cap and gown distribution will begin at Senior Send Off on April 25, 2023.
Commencement FAQs
Greening Graduation
In support of Rider’s commitment to sustainability, several green initiatives are part of Commencement planning. We aim to limit printed communication materials by utilizing mainly electronic communication. The Commencement program is printed with vegetable-based inks on FSC-certified paper with 10 percent post-consumer waste recycled content. Graduates wear eco-friendly caps and gowns that are made from 100 percent, post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, with an average of 25 bottles used to make each gown. Funding for the GreenWeaverTM graduation gowns has been provided by the Rider University Energy and Sustainability Steering Committee (ESSC). Since 2011, Rider University has helped to divert over 331,475 plastic bottles from landfills
Questions
Please contact the Commencement office at 609-896-5261, or e-mail [email protected].