May 2026 Commencement Ceremony
Prudential Center – Citizens Tower
60 Edison Place, Newark, NJ 07102
Monday, May 18, 2026 • 5:30 PM
Tickets are NOT required
Please plan accordingly and allow ample time for traffic, parking, and security screening at the venue. Continue checking the college website and social media for updates and additional details as the ceremony approaches.
Congratulations, Graduate! This is your moment to celebrate your hard work and achievements as you cross the stage at the Prudential Center. Doors will open at 4:30 PM, and all graduates must enter through the Citizens Tower. Please arrive early, as all attendees must pass through venue security screening.
Commencement is a meaningful tradition that celebrates your dedication, growth, and accomplishments. The following information will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Ceremony Guidelines and Expectations
To ensure a respectful and enjoyable ceremony for all graduates and guests, please note the following:
- The Prudential Center is a smoke- and tobacco-free facility, including electronic cigarettes. Smoking is prohibited inside the arena and within 25 feet of all entrances and exits, including Championship Plaza and balconies.
- Guests of any age are not permitted in the Graduate Area. If you are attending with children, please arrange for them to remain with a guest in the seating area.
- Please silence all phones and electronic devices during the ceremony.
- To avoid obstructing views or disrupting the ceremony, the following items are not permitted: banners, flags, sign balloons, beach balls, confetti, confetti cannons, sparklers, noisemakers, air horns, wrapped gifts or similar items.
- An official photographer will take photos of graduates as they cross the stage and again after exiting the stage.
Families will receive instructions after the ceremony on how to view and purchase photos. - Additional candid photos from the ceremony will be available on the college’s Flickr account.
- Guests are encouraged to remain seated so everyone can enjoy the ceremony.
Guests should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony. Doors open one hour prior at 4:30 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get my cap and gown?
- Caps and gowns may be picked up during GradFest (April 29, 2026) or You do not need to pre-order your cap and gown. However, you must have applied for graduation and be eligible to graduate. If you cannot attend GradFest, you can pick up at the College Bookstores on the Cranford (www.ucccranfordshop.com) and Elizabeth (www.uccelizabethshop.com) campuses starting April 30, 2026 with a valid photo ID.
How do I get to the Prudential Center?
Driving directions are available at https://www.prucenter.com/directions
Is the Prudential Center accessible by public transportation?
Yes. The arena is easily accessible by NJ Transit trains, PATH, Amtrak, Light Rail, and bus routes.
Newark Penn Station is located approximately two blocks east of the Prudential Center.
For more transit information or to plan your trip visit:
• www.njtransit.com/prudentialcenter • www.amtrak.com
• www.pathrail.com
Where should I park?
Pre-paid parking reservations can be made here: https://www.prucenter.com/parking
Where should my guests enter?
Guests may enter through: Citizens Tower, M&M Tower and the Hyundai Deck Walkway Entrance.
Graduates must enter through the Citizens Tower and should not enter the building with their guests, as they must check in at the graduate entrance.
What should I wear to the ceremony?
Graduates should wear business casual attire under their cap and gown. Graduates should also wear comfortable shoes.
Why should I attend Commencement?
Commencement is the official ceremony celebrating the completion of your academic journey. We strongly encourage all graduates to attend and celebrate this milestone with family, friends, and the college community.
If you are unable to attend, your diploma will be mailed to the address on file.
What should I bring to the ceremony?
Graduates must bring their cap, gown, tassel and any academic or participation stoles or cords that have been awarded.
Will professional photographs be taken?
Yes. Professional photographs will be taken as you cross the stage. After the ceremony, you will receive an email with instructions to view and purchase photo proofs using the email address provided on your Name Card.
Graduates will also have an opportunity to take complimentary photos with President Dr. Margaret McMenamin after the ceremony.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed approximately ten weeks after commencement, provided that all graduation
requirements have been completed. The diploma will be sent to the address on file with the college. If you have moved, please make sure we have your updated address on file.
Can I bring flowers into the arena?
Yes. Flowers are permitted.
Can I bring a bag when I walk in the graduate line?
Graduates are encouraged to bring minimal personal items. Graduates may not carry anything in their hands when walking across the stage, so ensure items such as phones fit into a pocket. Staff cannot be responsible for personal items left at check-in or seating areas.
For Guests, Prudential Bag Policy:
- It must comply with the Prudential Center bag policy
- Bags up to 12” x 14” are permitted
- Backpacks of any size are not permitted
Exceptions may be made for childcare or medical bags. For Prudential’s Bag Policy and a list of prohibited items please go to https://www.prucenter.com/entry
Where can I meet my family after the ceremony?
At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will recess out of the arena through the Citizens Tower.
You may meet your guests outside the arena after exiting the building.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Graduation eligibility questions: Ceremony-related questions:
Deadra Holman commencement@ucc.edu
holman@ucc.edu