Audition to be the SAS Student Speaker
Deadline: BEFORE MIDNIGHT FRIDAY, MARCH 30.
Submission process:
- Submit your proposed speech via email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Use subject line: Student Speaker 2024
- Include your name, RUID, a telephone number, and which ceremony would be your preferred ceremony
Speech Draft Guidelines:
- Include a title that sufficiently conveys the tone and content of your speech (please no political or religious messages).
- Your speech should be 3-5 minutes in length(approximately 450-600 words)
- The speech should make a connection to all attendees: fellow graduates, faculty, staff, family, friends and others who have supported the efforts of the SAS Class of 2024. Please be prepared to present your speech via Zoom or in-person to the Student Speaker Selection Committee if you are chosen as a finalist.
Selection process:
- The Student Speaker Selection Committee will review all entries and confirm that applicants have graduated in January 2024 or are on track to graduate in May 2024.
- The committee will also seek a diverse representation of SAS students, based on clarity of ideas and adherence to the guidelines provided.
- The Convocation 2024 student speaker will be announced in April.
- Assistance with the speech and delivery will be available to the chosen student speaker.
If you are selected to be the student speaker, you will be seated on stage during the ceremony, have your name printed in the program, have your photograph taken by the event photographer, and be eligible to receive special, reserved seating for your guests.
We hope you will consider applying for the honor of presenting the Convocation 2024 student speech.
For additional questions, please contact us:
Information to attend SAS Convocation!
In order to personally recognize and accommodate all School of Arts and Sciences graduates, we will host four ceremonies- two on Saturday, May 11th and two on Tuesday, May 14th at 10am and 3pm. As a graduate, you will be asked to register for the ceremony you would like to attend –you can only register for one ceremony! Registration is handled on a first come-first serve basis, and all SAS seniors will have access to register at the same time. Registration will open in APRIL, all graduates will receive emails with more information as it becomes available!
If you choose to change your ceremony time, you will be able to do so in the same place you originally registered. Please note: you will not be able to switch into a ceremony once it is at capacity.
Guest tickets will be issued. Each graduate will be permitted 6 guest tickets. If you lose your tickets, you can reprint them. Your guests MUST present these tickets to enter the venue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this the same as 258th Anniversary Commencement? No, the SAS Convocation is different than the 258th Annual University Commencement, which is on Sunday, May 12th. The 258th Anniversary Commencement ceremony will confer degrees on all New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences graduates but does not include individual student recognition. Convocation events are school-specific and will recognize graduates individually by name.
Do I need to register for parking for the SAS Convocation? No. Parking will be available in the Yellow and Green lots near the Jersey Mike's Arena.
How many guests can I bring? Do I need to register them? In order to accommodate all SAS graduates and their families and friends, graduates are limited to 6 guests. Guest names do not need to be registered, but tickets will be issued and must be presented upon entry to the ceremony. Anyone attending who will be in a seat will need a ticket.
What’s an RUWalking Card and how do I get it? The RUWalking card is used to identify individual graduates as names are called when crossing the stage. A link to access your RUWalking card will be sent to your Rutgers email address closer to the event date.
Where do I get regalia? Regalia can be ordered online.
Do I need to attend the 258th Anniversary Commencement and the SAS Convocation? No. You may choose to attend both or whichever ceremony you prefer.
If my major is through another school (SCI, SMLR, Bloustein, etc.), do I attend their celebration or the SAS Convocation? You may choose to attend both or whichever ceremony you prefer.
Regalia
Arts and Sciences student regalia consists of a red gown with black panels, a black cap, and a red and black tassel. The black hood denotes either a BA degree (white trim) or BS degree (gold trim), and is determined by the degree associated with your first (or only) major.
Regalia is now available for purchase.
February 29th: Order online now thru February 29th to be delivered in store with no delivery charge.
March 31st: Want to have it shipped to you? Order online now thru March 31st with the ship to home option. Delivery charge will apply.
April 4th: Purchase in store at the Barnes and Noble Somerset Street location beginning April 4th. Regalia available while supplies last.
Regalia will NOT be available at the Jersey Mike's Arena during Convocation.
Senior Portraits
Lors Photography has. been offering senior portraits at the College Avenue Student Center. They are currently offering spots in March and April. They will email seniors directly to let them know when sessions are available. Seniors will need to schedule with Lors directly via the unique link they send to the Rutgers email address.
In addition, there will be photo opportunities with ProPic Photography at GradFair, which is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, April 4 & 5, 2024 from 10am-6pm.