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Commencement Information

Commencement is a proud day for students, families and the entire Rider University community as we celebrate the achievements of our graduates. The commencement site will be updated regularly to help you plan for the day.
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Class of 2026 Commencement
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Commencement

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Commencement

  • Commencement Information
  • Undergraduate Commencement Speaker Application Instructions
  • Graduate Commencement Speaker Application Instructions
  • Senior Portraits
  • Commencement Candidates
  • Commencement Archives
  • Honorary Degree Recipients
Related links
    Parking Map (PDF)
    Graduate & Doctoral Ceremony – Arena Floor Map (PDF)
    Undergraduate Ceremony – Arena Floor Map (PDF)

2026 Commencement Ceremonies

Ceremony Information will be shared in late October

View Commencement Archives

Step 1 icon - myRider

Step 1. Complete a degree application

Submit a degree application online using the link found in MyRider under “My Academic Tools” before April 1, 2026. If you have questions about graduation eligibility, please contact your dean's office.

Submit your application
Step 2 icon - diploma

Step 2. Pay graduation application fee

A graduation application fee of $150.00 is due at the time of degree application. Payment should be made through MyRider.

Pay the Fee
Step 3 icon - graduation cap

Step 3. Pre-Order academic attire

Students eligible to participate in the May 2026 Commencement ceremonies must pre-order academic attire. Cap and gown ordering information will be available in early 2026.

Commencement Step 4 - Tickets

Step 4. Pick up tickets, parking passes and cap and gown

Information regarding the pick up of guest tickets, parking passes and your cap and gown (if not shipped home) will be provided in early 2026.

Questions

Please contact the Commencement office at 609-896-5261, or e-mail commencement@rider.edu.

Commencement Details

Please note there are important differences between graduation and commencement with which you should be familiar.

Graduation is a three-step process consisting of submitting an Application for Graduation form, completing all academic requirements for your degree, and settling all financial obligations. The administrative process of degree conferral will indicate your official date of graduation. 

Commencement refers to the ceremony where you share the excitement and importance of your academic accomplishments with peers, family, and friends. It is also a time for the University, Board of Trustees, senior administrators, and faculty to pay special tribute to you for the outstanding efforts you have shown in earning your degree. 

Students graduating in December 2025, January 2026, May 2026, and August 2026 are invited to participate in the May 2026 ceremony. 

The ceremony features remarks from the President, guest speakers, and the reading of your name, upon which you will proceed across the stage. 

Students can verify that their degree application has been submitted by checking the Commencement candidates list which will be posted on the Commencement Candidates page in early 2026. The lists are updated daily as degree applications are submitted. Students should check that their name is spelled correctly. How it appears on the list will be as it appears on your diploma. Any changes should be reported to the Registrar's Office at 609-896-5065. If you are not listed and feel you should be, please contact your dean’s office directly.

Diplomas are not distributed during the Commencement ceremony. Your actual diploma will be mailed to you 4-6 weeks after clearance from the Registrar and Dean for your specified degree conferral date (December 2025, January 2026, May 2026, or August 2026). If you would like a copy of your transcript, please request it through the Registrar's Office. Information and the Transcript Request Form can be found on the Registrar's Office website. Diplomas and transcripts indicate academic honors based upon the cumulative grade point average achieved at the end of the senior year.

Information about tickets and parking passes will be available in early 2026.

Live video streaming of the event will be available on the Rider website. 

Graduate and Undergraduate Ceremonies
Information about Rider’s Commencement Ceremonies for 2026 will be shared in late October 2025.

Information about special needs accommodations, parking and seating will be available in early 2026.

Information regarding guest tickets, parking passes and cap and gown pick up (if not shipped home) will be available in early 2026.

Rider University recognizes exceptional academic achievement at Commencement. Qualifications for academic honors at Commencement are based upon the student's academic average at the end of the first term of the senior year (December 2025 for May 2026 Commencement). Honors, as noted in the Commencement program and by tassel color, are awarded as follows:

Undergraduate (white tassel)
Summa Cum Laude: academic average 3.75 - 4.00
Magna Cum Laude: academic average 3.50 - 3.74
Cum Laude: academic average 3.25 - 3.49
Graduate (cranberry tassel)
With Distinction: academic average above 3.85

 

Visit the Jostens' website to order your class ring today!   

Commencement

  • Commencement Information
  • Undergraduate Commencement Speaker Application Instructions
  • Graduate Commencement Speaker Application Instructions
  • Senior Portraits
  • Commencement Candidates
  • Commencement Archives
  • Honorary Degree Recipients
Related links
    Parking Map (PDF)
    Graduate & Doctoral Ceremony – Arena Floor Map (PDF)
    Undergraduate Ceremony – Arena Floor Map (PDF)
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2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

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