School of Nursing Convocation
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
10:00am – NJPAC
1 Center St, Newark, NJ
Announcing Our Convocation Speaker for 2026:
Dr. Ernest Grant will serve as the keynote speaker on May 20! A highly respected leader in nursing, Dr. Grant is widely recognized for his longstanding commitment to patient care, nursing leadership, and advancing health equity. We are proud to welcome Dr. Grant to our community and look forward to the insight, encouragement, and inspiration he will share on this special day.
Also, save the date for University Commencement – Sunday, May 17, 2026, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway. Learn about Rutgers University Commencement.
Information for 2026 Graduates
(August 2025, October 2025, January 2026, and May 2026 Graduates)
Checklists for Graduates
May 2026 Graduates
(Traditional, Second-Degree, and RN to BS Programs)
Apply for graduation by March 1st
View Checklist
Graduate Degrees
(DNP, Masters, and PMC)
January 2026 Graduates – Apply for graduation by November 1st
Contact Us
Student Affairs
Ackerson Hall, Suite 102
180 University Ave.
Newark, NJ 07102
songraduation@sn.rutgers.edu
Regalia Information
- Regalia purchasing is available via: Rutgers Newark – Oak Hall Cap & Gown
- Due date to order with Ship-to- Newark Bookstore Option: March 31, 2026
- Due date to order with Ship-to-Home Option: April 20, 2026
Graduating Student Profile Series
(Self-nominations are welcome) – Learn more
Please consider nominating a graduating student for our Graduating Student Profile Series! All nursing degree programs are welcome.
Selected members will be highlighted online on platforms such as Rutgers Today and the School of Nursing’s social media. It only takes a few bullet points to get the ball rolling.
SAMPLE TOPICS
- Spouses, siblings, or parent-child graduating together
- Has a particularly inspiring reason for becoming a nurse
- Switched to nursing from a very different or unusual career
- Active duty or military veteran
- Made outstanding contributions to the school/classmates, or community
- Accomplished an extraordinary personal or career goal while enrolled
- Spearheaded a project or initiative with a major impact while enrolled
- Overcame a great/unusual challenge to complete the program
- Overcame a major disability
- Other ideas are welcome!
PREVIOUS ARTICLES
Here are some examples of graduate profiles from past years:
- Rutgers Nursing Grad Proves Mental Illness Is No Barrier to Success (2025)
- Since Losing Her Hair at 13, Senior Helps Others With Alopecia (2024)
- Daughter’s Sickle Cell Battle Propelled Nursing Student’s Career Helping Others (2023)
- Nursing Grad Aspires to Provide ‘Care While in the Air’ (2022)
- Nursing Student Follows Family Tradition (2022)
- Nurses Helped Rutgers Grad Through Difficult Times. Now He Joins Their Ranks. (2021)
- “An extra set of eyes and ears.” Twin sisters support each other on the journey to become nurses
We’re only asking for bullet points, but specifics are important. Tell us what makes your story unusual or extra inspiring?
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Transitioning from Student to Alumnus
Let’s not say goodbye. How about see you later? After graduation, we encourage you to keep in touch with us by being an active part of the SON Alumni Association, Check out the job board, or keep us updated on your accomplishments for our newsletters. Join the Alumni board or become a committee member to give back to our school and our profession. There is no charge; you automatically become a member when you graduate. Let’s put your membership into action.
Update My Info and More – We want to stay in touch with you, but you’re going to have to meet us halfway. Click here to update your contact information, share personal or professional news, and sign up to get a print copy of Rutgers Magazine.
Welcome to the RUAA! – Your Rutgers journey is just beginning – because now you’re part of a powerful alumni network with more than 500,000 members living around the world. When you stay Scarlet Forever by connecting with the university and keeping up with your friends and classmates, you’re unstoppable.
Things to know.
- CONNECT accounts (Email, Onedrive, etc.) are locked 2-3 weeks after graduation, but you can keep a Rutgers Scarletmail address as an alumni. You may want to set automated replies or retain other info BEFORE your account is locked – View instructions.
- Stay Connected & follow Rutgers Alumni – Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
- Career Hub resources offer professional support to alumni through career coaching, upskilling, recruitment, networking, industry insights, and more.
- Tips for New Grads, from alumni to our recent graduates featured on LinkedIn:
- Alumni Benefits (continuing ed, insurance deals, alumni access to libraries & fitness facilities, etc.)
- Get Rutgers Gear at the Alumni Shop
Photos and video from prior graduations
Check out our YouTube channel and Flickr Albums for media from prior years.