What to Expect at the Honors College Scholars Convocation
Congratulations, graduates! Your hard work has paid off.
Celebrate your achievement at the Honors College Scholars Convocation for the Class of 2024.* At this much-anticipated ceremony, our Dean will be awarding the Honors College medal to students who have completed all requirements to receive recognition as an "Honors College Scholar." Below is a brief look at what the Honors College ceremony will entail for graduating scholars.
* Graduation events are two-part: convocation and commencement. Convocation honors and recognizes the individual graduates and the honors earned from the Honors College. The 258th Anniversary Commencement celebrates all members of the Class of 2024 from Rutgers–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health at one event. It is at Commencement where President Holloway confers the degrees. Learn more about the University Commencement.
Ceremony Program
We look forward to celebrating you as Honors College Scholars at our upcoming convocation.
◊ Opening ◊
J.D. Bowers, PhD
Dean, Honors College, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
◊ Welcome ◊
Francine Conway, PhD
Chancellor, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
◊ Honors College Scholars Presenters ◊
Vanassa Lafleur, School of Arts and Sciences
Buzzy Brickman, Rutgers Business School
◊ Convocation Address ◊
Petra Gaskins, Councilwoman, City of New Brunswick, and Chief of Staff to New Jersey State Senator Joseph Cryan
◊ Presentation of the Honors College Medal ◊
Please hold your applause until all names have been read.
◊ Reader ◊
Krista Klein, PhD
Acting Associate Dean, Honors College, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
◊ Induction Into the Honors College Alumni Society ◊
Co-Leads of the Honors College Traditions Committee
Bianca Caproni, School of Arts and Sciences
Sandhya Rajagopalan, School of Arts and Sciences
◊ Closing ◊
J.D. Bowers, PhD
Dean, Honors College, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Come Prepared
- All Honors College Scholars MUST complete the mandatory Honors College Senior Exit Survey as well as the Rutgers Center for Career Exploration and Success Exit Survey by Sunday, April 21 to participate in the Honors College Convocation. Complete the surveys now, if you haven't already.
- Bring your Scholars Convocation registration email when you arrive, either printed or on your phone. All your guests will need to check in at the entrance to the President's Tent. *See Registration Section below on how to RSVP by Wednesday, April 24.
- Register your vehicle for the event parking. *See more in the Parking Section below.
- Come dressed in your academic regalia (your cap and gown), which is required for participation in the Scholars Convocation—no exceptions.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking and standing for a long duration. You’ll want to be comfortable!
- Be prepared to pass through security before entering the President’s Tent. We prefer that you do not bring a bag, but if you do bring a bag, it will be inspected. Those with oversized or prohibited items may be directed to return such items to their vehicle. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. View the Gate Procedures & Prohibited Items list.
- Remember to bring your photo identification and remind your guests to bring their photo IDs as well.
- Fill out the Special Accommodations section when registering for the event if you or your guests require any accommodations, including special-needs parking, seating, alternate viewing options, and traveling on campus. People requesting parking accommodation will require handicapped signage on their vehicles. *See Event Accessibility section below.
- Check out the HC Scholar Experience webpage to learn all you need to celebrate your upcoming graduation and prepare for life as alumni.
Event Registration
RSVP IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT DUE TO LIMITED SPACE.
Each Honors College Scholar can bring up to THREE guests. Your guests will need to check in at the President’s Tent and show their photo IDs, which need to match the names listed on the registration form.
Other guests can view the Scholars Convocation live stream in the adjacent Academic Building, room 2400, or from the Honors College website (more below). Seating in the Academic Building is first-come, first-served and does not require a check in.
NOTE: The registration form is provided via Rutgers Qualtrics platform. You will need to log in with your NetID in order to fill out the registration.
We cannot guarantee space after April 24.
Note: Honors College Scholars who are unable to attend the convocation on Wednesday, May 1, will be able to pick up their medals at the front desk of the Honors College offices starting on Friday, May 3 through Friday, May 10 during business hours from 9:30 am - 4 pm.
Arrival and Procession—Updated
- Please allow at least 30 minutes to park and walk—refer to the parking section below for more details.
- The doors will open at 2:30 PM for your guests to check in at the Tent.
- All graduates should plan to arrive at the Honors College Druskin Lounge no later than 3:00 PM to allow time to find your place in the procession area.
- The ceremony begins promptly at 4:00 PM with the student procession to the Tent.
- In the procession area, line up with your classmates.
- If you want to sit with friends, be sure they are standing in front of or behind you.
- Plan to process in a dignified, single file line, with some formality.
Smile as you process – you’re on camera! Follow the instructions of the Scholars Convocation Ambassadors as you walk to your designated seating area in the Tent.
Event Parking
Special event parking will be available in the following locations:
View each location above to get directions. You can also zoom in on the parking map provided to you on this page or visit the main Rutgers Map to identify where these parking lots are located in advance of your arrival.
Before arriving at the event and parking, guests must register a vehicle to be able to park at the available locations, otherwise guests may receive a citation.
Photography
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.
All students are encouraged to share their memories from the Convocation on social media. You can tag us in your posts @ruhonorscollnb. We may share your posts online after the event.
Livestreaming of the Event
Please be aware that this event will be livestreamed by Rutgers iTV for your convenience at the adjacent Academic Building, room 2400.
This live stream will also be available on the page below. Please share this with your family and friends who are unable to attend the event in person.
The ceremony and live stream will begin at 4:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Event Accessibility
Rutgers University strives for our campus experiences to be universally designed and useable by all people to the extent possible. If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please fill out the Special Accommodations section while registering for the event.
People requesting parking accommodation will require handicapped signage on their vehicles.
Rutgers University complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative action, and providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
NOTE: For graduates who have guests coming from abroad and need a letter to accompany their visa application, please visit Rutgers Global website.