TJU Commencement Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How will I be notified about commencement related activities?
All correspondence regarding graduation and commencement exercises will be sent to your Jefferson administered student e-mail account. We cannot e-mail your personal accounts. It is recommended that you check your Jefferson e-mail regularly.
When is the commencement ceremony?
Jefferson School of Health Professions and Jefferson School of Pharmacy:
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the PA Convention Center.
Jefferson School of Nursing: Wednesday, May 29, at 2:30 p.m. at the PA Convention Center.
Jefferson Medical College, Jefferson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, & Jefferson School of Population Health: Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the Kimmel Center.
How is the date of commencement determined?
Since Thomas Jefferson University must rely on outside venues to host their commencement exercises, we must schedule commencement on the dates that are made available by the PA Convention Center and Kimmel Center. Unfortunately, this means that some years, Commencement cannot be held on or around a weekend.
How can I be sure that my name will be listed in the Commencement program?
In order for your name to be listed in the Commencement Program, you MUST fill out an online graduation application no later than December 31, 2012.
Are tickets required for young children?
Tickets are required for everyone over two years of age. Children under two must sit on someone’s lap.
How long does each Commencement ceremony last?
Though lengths may vary, each ceremony typically lasts between 1 ½ hours to 2 hours.
How many tickets will I receive?
All students attending the 2013 Commencement Ceremonies will receive four tickets for their guests. Students will be notified by email if more tickets become available.
Is it Open Seating or Assigned Seating?
It is open seating at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where the JSHP, JSN and JSP ceremonies are held and assigned seating at the Kimmel Center, where the JGSBS, JMC and JSPH ceremonies are held. With the assigned seating at the Kimmel Center, only the first four tickets are guaranteed to be seated together.
Is my child allowed to process on stage with me to receive my diploma?
For safety reasons, Children and infants will not be allowed to accompany graduates on stage. Please arrange for family and friends to care for children at the ceremony.
How do I get my cap and gown?
Upon completing the online graduation application, you will be prompted to fill out your Regalia Order Form. This should be done no later than December 31, 2012. You will then be notified about picking up your cap and gown at the Regalia Fair which is hosted in the spring:
JMC, JGSBS, and JSPH
Location: JAH Center Cafeteria
Dates: Monday, April 29, 2013 and Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day
JSHP, JSN, and JSP
Location: JAH Center Cafeteria
Dates: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 and Thursday, May 2, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day
What if I am not able to attend the Regalia Fair?
If you are not able to attend the Regalia Fair, you must appoint a classmate/friend/family member to pick up your materials for you. They must have a copy of your student ID in order to do this. Another option is to pick up your regalia from the Registrar’s office starting the week following the Regalia Fair.
What happens if I have holds?
You will not receive your regalia or your diploma if you do not clear your holds.
What is the cost for graduation regalia (cap and gown)?
Students are not charged for their Commencement regalia.
What if I am unsure about attending Commencement?
If you are unsure that you will be able to attend Commencement, please RSVP “undecided” on your graduation application. You will still be prompted to fill out your regalia order form just in case.
What if I would like to change my RSVP later on?
If you decide NOT to attend commencement, and replied “undecided” or “yes” on your graduation application, please access your school’s page at http://www.jefferson.edu/commencement, click “Graduating in Absentia”, and either fax, e-mail, or hand in a copy of the form to the Registrar’s office no later than March 1, 2013.
When will I receive my diploma?
For Spring 2013 graduates, your diploma will be available for pick up immediately following your graduation ceremony. Please remember to bring a photo ID with you to authorize the release of your diploma. If you are unable to attend the ceremony or your graduation date is for the Summer or Winter semester, your diploma will be mailed to you approximately four to six weeks following your official graduation date.
Which address will my diploma be sent to?
Your diploma will be sent to the mailing address that you indicate on your graduation application. Please be aware that FedEx does NOT deliver to P.O. Box addresses.
What if one of my guests requires handicapped seating?
Please advise the University Office of the Registrar (graduation@jefferson.edu) no later than March 1, 2013 if any of your guests will need handicapped seating. If your circumstances have changed after the March 1st deadline and you need to request special seating, please send an email immediately to graduation@jefferson.edu. Please note, neither Thomas Jefferson University nor the Kimmel Center can provide, loan or rent wheelchairs for guests with special needs. Medical supply companies in the area can assist with acquiring one if needed.
Where can I order graduation photos/videos?
Please visit http://jefferson.edu/commencement/photos_video.cfm for information regarding commencement photos and videos.
Where can I order graduation announcements, class rings, or diploma frames?
Please visit http://jefferson.edu/commencement/accessories.cfm for information on ordering graduation accessories. Note that the Registrar’s office does not provide graduation announcements for students.
Where should I advise my guests to stay if they are from out of town?
Please visit http://jefferson.edu/commencement/accomodations.cfm for a list of our preferred hotels.
What should I bring with me on the day of commencement?
You will need to bring a valid photo ID in order to pick up your diploma following the ceremony.
What if I have questions that are not listed here?
Please send an email to graduation@jefferson.edu.
