Commencement Guide

Students on field preparing for commencement ceremony

Class of 2025

Princeton University will hold its
278th Commencement for the Class of 2025

Tuesday May 27, 2025

Princeton Stadium

Schedule of Events

2:00 pm3:30 pm
Baccalaureate
2:00 p.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m.
Location
Princeton University Chapel

Each senior receives 4 guest tickets for the outdoor simulcast site. Seniors wishing to attend are seated inside the chapel.

The ceremony features a guest speaker and is simulcast on large screens on Cannon Green for guest viewing. In case of rain, indoor simulcast locations near the chapel are available with a ticket.

9:00 pm12:00 am
Senior Prom
9:00 p.m. to midnight.
Location
Jadwin Gym

Each senior receives 6 guest tickets.

All day
Cultural and Affinity Group Ceremonies
Location
Varies - Event details to be updated
10:30 am12:00 pm
Class Day
10:30 a.m. to about noon.
Location
Cannon Green

The Class Day ceremony features student speeches, remarks by the University President, and the presentation of awards along with a guest speaker selected by the senior class. Guests must be seated by 10:00 a.m. when the senior procession begins.  Each senior receives 4 guest tickets.  In case of rain, seniors are seated in the chapel; guests are seated in simulcast locations near the chapel.  A picnic lunch on Alexander Beach follows the ceremony. 

Academic departmental receptions for concentrators occur in the afternoon.

4:30 pm
Graduate Hooding and Recognition Ceremony
Location
Chancellor Green

In the case of severe weather, the Hooding & Recognition ceremony will be held indoors in Jadwin Gymnasium. If this is necessary, an announcement will be sent to all registered participants and faculty, and details will be posted on the Graduate School website by 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 26. 

Advanced Degree recipients can find detailed information and register for events at the Graduate School Hooding and Recognition and Commencement Ceremony site.

10:00 pm
Senior Class Step Sing
Location
Blair Arch (Dillon Gym in case of rain).

No tickets required. 

9:40 am11:30 am
Commencement
Student procession begins at approximately 9:40 a.m. – ceremony runs from 10:00 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m.
Location
Princeton Stadium


Guests are highly encouraged to park at least one hour before the start of Commencement at 9:40am to avoid traffic and parking delays.

Each senior receives 8 guest tickets. In case of severe weather, Commencement is held in Jadwin Gym and students receive 3 rain tickets. 

Diploma distribution and receptions in the residential colleges follow the commencement ceremony.

A ceremonial Commencement program will be provided the day of the event. 

3:30 pm
ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
Location
Faculty Room, Nassau Hall

Accommodations

  • Accommodations: A number of motels, hotels and inns serve the Princeton area, but most are not within walking distance of the University. The University provides a list of preferred Princeton-area hotels.
  • Shuttle Service: The University does not provide shuttle service from hotels. Some hotels do provide such service to campus. Please inquire with the individual hotel.
  • Princeton Area: The Visitor Bureau provides further information about the Princeton area.