{"id":238,"date":"2026-02-18T14:56:58","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T14:56:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/commencement\/?page_id=238"},"modified":"2026-02-19T15:57:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T15:57:27","slug":"commencement-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/commencement\/commencement-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Commencement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\r\n \r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n Why was the decision made to move commencement onto the Saint Peter\u2019s campus for 2026?<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Having commencement on the Saint peter's campus allows the entire University community to take<\/span> pride in the university and the facilities it offers. The PNC Arts Center is geographically far for most of our families and it has no connection to the history, spirit or mission of the University. Holding commencement on campus also allows us to hold the Undergraduate and Graduate ceremonies as two distinct events on the same day.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n

\r\n \r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n What is the significance of bringing commencement onto campus this year? What is being done to make sure the Yanitelli Center stands out for the ceremony?<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Bringing commencement back to our campus this year provides an important opportunity for students and their families to return to the place that has been at the heart of their academic journey. In fact, some of our families had never had a chance to attend an event at the University, and this may be the only chance to do so. What a great opportunity to celebrate their loved ones at the institution! Celebrating this milestone on campus elevates the pride we feel in our students, in their accomplishments, and in the University itself. We will ensure that the venue is elegantly and thoughtfully decorated, creating an atmosphere that honors the occasion with dignity and joy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Holding commencement on campus is a practice followed by many universities, because it highlights the importance of the alma mater and strengthens the connection between graduates, their families, the institution that has shaped their lives and the community we are proud of being. Being on campus will allow us to host two distinct ceremonies: one for undergraduates and one for graduate students, so that each group\u2019s accomplishments are recognized with the attention and honor they deserve.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n

\r\n \r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n When is the Commencement ceremony?<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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The Commencement Ceremony<\/a> is Saturday, May 16, 2026. <\/span>Undergraduate Ceremony<\/a> is from 9:30 a.m. \u2013\u00a0 11:30 a.m. and Graduate and Doctoral Ceremony<\/span><\/a> runs from 4:30 p.m. \u2013 6:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n

\r\n \r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n Where will the ceremony be held?<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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The ceremony will be in <\/span>The Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. Recreational Life Center<\/a> at Saint Peter\u2019s University Jersey City, New Jersey 07306.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n

\r\n \r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n How do I know if I\u2019m eligible to graduate?<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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First, you need to \u201c<\/span>Apply for Graduation<\/span><\/a>\u201d by the deadline of February 25, 2026. <\/span>You will know your graduation status once the Registrar\u2019s Office sends you an official email with one of the following statuses:<\/p>\n