Graduation Information
To recognize your academic achievements, SHP graduates will be invited to two graduation events held only once a year in May – Rutgers University Commencement at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, and the School of Health Professions Convocation at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ.
Save the Date
SHP Convocation Ceremony
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
NJPAC, Newark NJ
More information to come
SHP Graduation Process
Degrees are conferred three times a year:
- January (Finishing requirements in Fall semester of the prior year)
- May (Finishing requirements in Spring semester of the same year)
- August (Finishing requirements in Summer semester of the same year)
(Some joint students may follow their affiliate’s graduation dates)
All degree requirements must be met before the date the degree is conferred. This includes:
- Resolution of incomplete/in progress grades (I, IP)
- Grade change (Grades will not be changed after the degree is conferred)
- Submission of major projects, thesis or comprehensive exams.
Graduation means you have successfully met all SHP degree requirements to earn your diploma. The degree completion date is noted on your final transcript and diploma. Degrees are conferred three times a year: January, May, and August.
Commencement and Convocation are the ceremonies that honors & celebrates the graduating class. The ceremonies are held annually in May.
Commencement: Students from all RU schools process onto the field at SHI Stadium to celebrate their achievements in a grand ceremony rooted in centuries-old traditions. Names are not called during the commencement ceremony.
More information regarding Rutgers University Commencement.
Convocation: School specific ceremony that celebrates the achievements of SHP graduating students. Graduates receive individual recognition (name called) and memorable stage-crossing moment.
More information regarding SHP Convocation.
Ceremonies are optional. Graduates should visit the Commencement & Convocation website for additional information.
Upon the completion of an undergraduate degree program, honor designation is bestowed upon graduating students who achieve the following cumulative grade point average
- Cum Laude (with honors) GPA of 3.50 to 3.64;
- Magna Cum Laude (with high honors) GPA of 3.65 to 3.79;
- Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors) GPA of 3.80 to 4.00.
Honor designations apply to undergraduate students only.
All SHP students apply for graduation utilizing the online graduation application in the my.rutgers.edu portal (see instructions below).
Please click here to review detailed instructions.
August 2026 graduates who wish to apply, will need to apply by March 13, 2026 to be eligible to participate in Commencement and/or Convocation.
| January Graduation | November 1 |
| May Graduation | February 1 |
| August Graduation |
Early Application March 13 Regular Application July 1 |
Certificates and Diplomas will only be released to graduates after confirming that all degree requirements have been met and any encumbrances have been cleared. Examples of these holds include: account balance, financial aid, library or student loans.
- Diplomas may be picked-up at our Enrollment Management Welcome Center, located at the Health Sciences-Newark campus.
Certificates and diplomas can be mailed (free of charge) by submitting a Certificate/Diploma Release Form.
Unclaimed diplomas will be permanently archived after two years. Once archived, student will need to order a replacement diploma.
Diploma Size:
-
- The undergraduate diploma is printed on 8.5″ x 11″ paper.
- The Masters diploma is printed on 11″ x 14″ paper.
- The Doctoral diploma is printed on 12″ x 18″ paper.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. All rights reserved.
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