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Convocation 2026

This year, the theme of Convocation is Scarlet Raiders: Rooted in Newark & Rising In Excellence.

Conv2026
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Dates & Information

 

Convocation 2026

Monday, August 31, 2026

Golden Dome Athletic Center

3:30pm-4:30pm


Welcome Festival

Monday, August 31, 2026

Golden Dome Athletic Center

4:45pm-7:00pm

convocation_2025_1-1

Convocation 2026 marks the official beginning of the new academic year. The ceremony and festival bring together faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to welcome our new undergraduate students. Convocation 2026 celebrates the enduring spirit of RutgersUniversity–Newark—a university where excellence is pursued with purpose, where diversity drives innovation, and where education serves as a catalyst for meaningful change.

This year’s ceremony recognizes the university’s anchor mission and establishes the expectation and importance of academic excellence with the theme Scarlet Raiders: Anchored in Newark, Rising in Excellence.

Speakers for the ceremony include:

  • William F. Tate IV, Ph.D., President, Rutgers University
  • Tonya Smith-Jackson, Ph.D., C.R.E., Chancellor, Rutgers University-Newark
  • Honorable Ras Baraka, Mayor, City of Newark
  • Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D., Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor, Rutgers University-Newark
  • Corlisse Thomas, Ph.D., Sr. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Sr. Advisor to Chancellor
  • Daniel Cortez, President, Student Governing Association, School of Arts & Sciences Newark
  • Kalila Scott, Student Speaker, Rutgers Business School
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FAQs ABOUT CONVOCATION & WEEKS OF WELCOME FESTIVAL

  • New first-year students & new transfer students, undergraduate student leaders, faculty, staff and university administrative leaders. Convocation & WoW Festival are the perfect opportunity to begin networking with others and begin building relationships before the first weeks of classes.

  • This is a great way for new students to meet each other and hear from University leaders. Students will receive a convocation t-shirt and wristband for access to food and dessert at the WoW Festival. 



     

  • The WoW festival is will begin immediately after convocation. Follow ushers leading you to Norman Samuel’s Plaza and Bleeker Street where the festival will occur.

  • Strive to make your early day on campus productive and reduce any stress during the first day of classes on Tuesday, September 1.

  • Students moving into on-campus housing will receive emails from the Office of Residence Life with the details for move-in along with other details. 



     

  • If you are a commuter student and not living in on-campus housing, you can take public transportation. Those driving will be able to park in Deck 4 (134 Washington Street) and Deck 2 (166 Washington Street).

  • Rutgers-Newark understands the importance families and their support. Family members can explore the surrounding area- they can:

  • The following streets will closed on August 31:

    • Bleeker Street (between University Avenue and Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd) will be closed from 6am-8pm.
    • Bleeker Street, Norman Samuels Plaza and the Residence Life Lawn will serve as the location for the festival that will occur immediately after the convocation ceremony.
    • Those who usually park in the parking lot next to the Dana Library should work closely with RUPD and the convocation planning team for access to the lot the day of the event.