Commencement Guide

Students on field preparing for commencement ceremony

Class of 2024

Princeton University will hold its
277th Commencement for the Class of 2024

Tuesday May 28, 2024

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.

View the Baccalaureate Program (.pdf).

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 - See event details
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.

View the Class Day Program (.pdf).

 

4:30 pm
Graduate Hooding and Recognition Ceremony
Location
Jadwin Gym

Because of inclement weather in today’s forecast, the Graduate Hooding and Recognition Ceremony will be held in Jadwin Gym, not on Cannon Green. There will be no simulcast at Frist Campus Center. All degree recipients, faculty and guests should arrive at Jadwin Gym by 3:45 p.m. 

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

View the Graduate Hooding and Recognition Ceremony program (.pdf).

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. If you would like two copies of the expanded (names of students and prizes listed) Commencement program mailed to you in June, please complete this Undergraduate form

(Graduate students may request a mailed program from the Graduate School form.)

View the Commencement program (.pdf)

View the Commemorative Commencement program (.pdf)

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.