2024 Commencement Plans

This year, rather than one Commencement in the spring, Montclair State University will hold Winter and Spring Commencement exercises for Montclair State University graduates.

Winter Commencement

Winter Commencement will take place on Monday, January 8, 2024, 10 a.m., at Prudential Center in Newark. We will hold one ceremony and graduates from all colleges and schools will participate. August 2023, December 2023 and January 2024 candidates who have completed all undergraduate or graduate degree requirements will be eligible to participate in the Winter Commencement.

Spring Commencement

Spring Commencement will take place in May 2024 at Prudential Center in Newark. We will hold two ceremonies and graduates will be assigned a ceremony based on their college or school. The time and date will be confirmed over the next few months. All May 2024 candidates who will have completed undergraduate or graduate degree requirements by the end of the spring 2024 term will be eligible to participate in the Spring Commencement.

Please Note: Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will hold Spring Commencement on the Bloomfield campus in May 2024 and will not participate in the January 2024 and May 2024 ceremonies at Prudential Center.

Coming Soon for Winter Commencement

• Registration for Commencement – Opens on Monday, October 16
• Faculty and staff Information
• Information for guests
• Regalia Ordering

We will continue to update information on the Commencement website in the upcoming weeks. Don’t forget to check your Montclair email address for important Commencement emails.

Commencement is the most important event of the year. It’s when we recognize the hard work and tremendous achievement of our graduates. We look forward to celebrating with you at Prudential Center in January and May.

What Is the Difference Between Graduation and Commencement?

Graduation: To graduate, students must submit an application for graduation, successfully complete all undergraduate or graduate program requirements by the end of the graduation term/semester, and the degree must be conferred by the Office of the Registrar on the designated conferment date. IMPORTANT: If you have not done so already, make sure you apply for graduation by Wednesday, November 1 in order to register for Commencement and receive all commencement related emails. You must apply for graduation by November 1 to be eligible to participate in the Winter Commencement.

Commencement: Commencement exercises are ceremonies that mark the closing of your academic career where you receive commendation for your graduation. It is an opportunity for you, your family, friends and the Montclair State University community to celebrate your achievement. The Office of the Registrar will provide a list of eligible graduates and candidates who are on track for successful completion of degree requirements to the commencement team. In order to register for commencement and receive all related emails, degree candidates must apply for graduation by the commencement registration deadline.