2008 Commencement Ceremony

The University Commencement Ceremony for New Jersey Institute of Technology will be held on Saturday May 17, 2008 at the Prudential Center in Downtown Newark. The processional will start promptly at 8:45 am. The formal ceremony will start at about 9:00 am and is expected to last approximately 3 hours. During the ceremony, honorary doctoral degrees and earned doctoral master’s and bachelor’s degrees will be conferred on the Class of 2008

Those guests with special needs, upon arrival at the Prudential Center, please contact an  usher or security officer and they will direct you to a handicap accessible location in the Prudential Center. Outside of the Center,  wheelchairs will not be available. Once inside the Center, wheelchair can be provided.

 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do I go and how do I get there?
The ceremony takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. You may click on the above link to go to the Prudential Center website which gives directions on how to get and a map of the complex. Please be mindful that you need to arrive before 8:30 am and allow some extra time for the heavy traffic that is normal for that time in the area.

Where do I park at the Arena?
Parking is available for a charge at commercial lots nearby the Prudential Center. A map of the parking near the Prudential Center can be found here.  Everyone is advised to allow extra time to arrive at the Prudential Center on schedule.

Where do I go after parking?
You should enter the Arena through the PNC Tower (at the right as you look at Prudential Center from Mulberry Street). The gates will open at 7:30 am. Only graduates and participants in the ceremony will be permitted to enter the lower level staging area.
 
Do I need a ticket?
No, tickets are not being distributed this year.
   
How are seats assigned at the Prudential Center?
All seats are general admission and available on a first come basis.
 
How do I obtain a visa to attend the ceremony?
The graduate must visit the Office of International Studies in Fenster Hall, 1st Floor to request the visa request letter on your behalf.
   
May I take graduation photos?
You may take photographs of the graduation ceremony from your seat. Professional photographers will also be taking photographs; the graduate will be contacted about that with more information.

Where do I meet my graduate after the ceremony?
The graduates will be probably be exiting through the Verizon Tower. Please meet your graduate outside this area or in another area that you choose outside of the building.
   
What hotels are in the Area of Prudential Center?
There are severals hotels in Downtown Newark. NJIT does not have any special arrangements with any of them. NJIT does not endorse any of these; they are merely provided as a service.They include, among others:

    Hilton Newark Gateway
    1 Gateway Ctr
    Newark, NJ 07102
    Phone: (973) 622-5000

    Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott®
    Newark Liberty International Airport 
    Newark, New Jersey 07114 USA
    Phone:  1-973-623-0006


NJIT does have arrangements with hotels in and near campus. They include:
   Hampton Inn & Suites
   100 Passaic Avenue
   Harrison, NJ 07029
   973-483-1900
   www.hamptoninnandsuitesnewark.com

   The Robert Treat Hotel
   50 Park Place
   Newark, NJ 07102
   973-622-1000

For these hotels, you must identify yourself as affiliated with NJIT.

For further information on lodging, restaurants and Newark destinations, check the  website at http://gonewark.com.
 
Please note the following items are NOT ALLOWED in the Prudential Center
(subject to change based on event without notice):

• Beach Balls, Silly String, Balloons
• Large Bags, Backpacks, Briefcases
• Coolers
• Glass Bottles, Cans
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Thermoses
• Recording Devices
• Pets (only service animals are permitted)
• Aerosol Cans
• Firearms, Knives (incl. pocket knives), Box  Cutters or Weapons of any kind
• Chains
• Hanging Banners, Signs, Sticks, Poles
• Laser Pointers
• Noise Makers, Whistles, Air Horns, Bull Horns, Cow Bells
• Fireworks
• Clothing containing vulgar language
• Drugs, Narcotics, Illegal Substances
• Pepper Spray, Mace

We look forward to seeing you on May 17, 2008!