GSAPP Convocation 2026
Honor and Achievement
GSAPP's 2026 Convocation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026. We are anticipating a day of joy and celebration! Graduation is a time to honor your individual and collective achievements in the presence of family and friends who have gathered from near and far. At the GSAPP convocation ceremony, your name will be called as you walk across the stage to be individually recognized for your accomplishment. Please check this site starting March 1st for the most up-to-date information.
For any questions regarding day-of-ceremony details, please contact Dean's Office Coordinator, Chanelle Greene.
Convocation is on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Location – Nicholas Music Center, 85 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Arrival Instructions
Graduates and guests may begin arriving at 9:45 am. Graduates must check in with their department’s program coordinator upon arrival. It is essential that all graduates arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. to line up for the processional in Rehearsal Hall. Please be sure to arrive on time.
Guest Entry
Guests must present their tickets at the entrance of the Nicholas Music Center. Tickets are required for entry, and all guests should be seated by 10:45 am. Please note that a bag check will be conducted for all attendees. No food or beverages are allowed inside the building; however, empty water bottles are permitted, and water refill stations are available inside.
During the Ceremony
Out of respect for all graduates, early departures will not be permitted. Graduates are expected to remain seated until the ceremony has concluded. Please ensure that all cell phones are silenced during the duration of the ceremony.
Class of 2026 Reception
Join us for the Class of 2026 Reception in Bettenbender Plaza outside of the music hall following the ceremony and class photo. Refreshments will be available for graduates, faculty, staff, family, and friends from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.
Important Information
Accordion Content
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Academic Regalia Requirements
All students participating in Convocation must wear academic regalia, which includes a cap, gown, and hood. Regalia can be purchased through Barnes & Noble at Rutgers.Regalia Packages
Master’s Package Programs
- Applied Behavior Analysis (MABA)
- Applied Psychology (4+1 Program) – MA
- Applied Psychology (Master of Applied Psychology) – MAP
Doctoral Package Programs
- Clinical Psychology – PsyD
- Organizational Psychology – PsyD
- School Psychology – PsyD
Ordering Information
- Online ordering opens: January 19, 2026
- Early Bird Discount + free ship‑to‑store: Order by February 28
- Ship‑to‑home available through: March 31 (shipping fees apply)
- Deadline to order Custom Doctoral Regalia: February 28, 2026
- In‑store pickup and on‑site purchases will be available during the Grad Fair, held at Barnes & Noble on April 1–2, 2026.
What to Wear Under Your Regalia
Please dress appropriately. Choose clothing with pockets for securing personal belongings, and wear comfortable shoes or low heels.
Regalia Guide
How to Wear Your Convocation Regalia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHlOQ5rIPQE -
Ticket Information
A ticket request form will be sent to GSAPP graduates on Monday, February 2, 2026. Each graduate is entitled to five (5) complimentary tickets for their guests. All individuals entering the Nicholas Music Center must have a ticket. Children who cannot sit on a guest’s lap will require their own ticket.If you need additional tickets, please reach out to classmates who may not be using all of theirs. Due to limited seating, GSAPP is unable to provide extra tickets at this time.
Livestream Information
The ceremony will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person. The livestream link will go live at 10:50 am on the day of the ceremony and will be shared during the week of May 11, 2026. -
Parking Information
Guests may park in Lots 79, 74A, 70, and the Douglass Parking Deck.Accessible parking is available:
- Four accessible spaces are located directly next to the Nicholas Music Center.
- Additional accessible parking is available in Lot 79.
Guests with a valid handicap placard may park in any available accessible parking space.
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A group photo will be taken outside the Phillip J. Levin Theater immediately following the ceremony. After the photo, please enjoy refreshments in the courtyard in front of the Nicholas Music Center and inside the Rehearsal Hall with your family and friends.
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Graduation Photo Submission
We are requesting that each graduate submit either a cap and gown photo OR a professional headshot to be displayed during the Convocation ceremony. Please review the criteria below before uploading your photo.
Graduation Photo (Cap & Gown)
- A photo of you wearing your academic cap and gown.
Professional Headshot Requirements
- Recent color photo
- Plain white background
- Bright, even lighting
- Centered, frontal view of your full face
- Cropped from just above the head to the collarbone
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Prescription glasses may be worn if you normally use them
Need a Professional Photo?
You may schedule an appointment at the Career Portal Lounge on the Busch or College Avenue campuses. The Office of Career Exploration and Success offers two self‑service photography studios where students can take high‑quality, professional photos.
Schedule an appointment:
https://careers.rutgers.edu/portraitLocations:
- 604 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 (Busch Campus)
- 106 Somerset Street, 4th Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (College Ave Campus)
Additional Option: 2026 Grad Fair
You may also have a complimentary professional headshot taken at the 2026 Grad Fair at Barnes & Noble on April 1, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
At the Grad Fair, you can:
- Get a free professional headshot
- Purchase regalia in-store
- Meet with representatives for class rings, diploma frames, personalized announcements, and more
Photo Submission Deadline
Please submit your photo to the Dean’s Office by Friday, May 1, 2026 using the link below:
Convocation 2026 – Graduation Photo or Professional Headshot Submission Form