ATTENTION: Graduation Application Due: April 1!

May 13, 2026: Important Information Regarding the Arching Day

Ramapo College will host Class of 2026 graduates and guests for the time-honored tradition of Arching on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The Arching Ceremony begins at 4:45 p.m. and is held at the Arch.

Arching ceremonies mark both the beginning and ending of the Ramapo College experience. On their first day as Ramapo students, the Class of 2026 students processed up Mansion Road and through the Arch where they were greeted by our College President. On May 13, 2026, graduates of the Class of 2026 will process through the Arch and down Mansion Road as it is lined with cheering families, friends, faculty, and staff. This signifies the completion of the Ramapo experience.

Arching Day Schedule

• 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. Nursing Pinning (Bachelors) & Hooding Ceremony (Masters & Doctoral), Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center, Arena
• 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.  Rites of Passage, Trustees Pavilion
• 1 p.m.-2:15 p.m.  Academic Achievement Ceremony, Sharp Theater
• 2:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m.  (Doors at 2:00pm) Master of Social Work (MSW) Hooding Ceremony, Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center, Arena
• 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (Doors at 2:30pm) M.A. in Educational Leadership & M.A. in Special Education Hooding Ceremony, Trustees Pavilion
• 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.  (Doors at 2:30pm) Master of Business Administration (MBA) & M.S. in Accounting (MSAC) Hooding Ceremony, Friends Hall
• 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.  (Doors at 2:30pm) M.S. in Data Science, M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Applied Mathematics, & M.F.A. in Creative Music Technology Hooding Ceremony,  H  Wing Auditorium 129
• 4:45pm Arching Ceremony (Line up begins at 4:30pm)

Graduates and their guests not attending a pre-ceremony are invited to come to campus starting at 3 p.m. to take their own photos and socialize in the Grove/Arch area.

Hooding Ceremony Information

Hooding Ceremonies are a special recognition for graduates receiving a final master’s or doctoral degree. As with Commencement, all faculty and students wear academic regalia at Hooding. All candidates are individually recognized and hooded at the Hooding Ceremony. The Hooding Ceremony is for graduate students and their guests only (pre-registration required) and does not replace Commencement. The Commencement Ceremony, held the next day, includes graduate and undergraduate students and is the official conferring of degrees.

Arching & Hooding Ceremony Registration Required by May 2

The Arching Ceremony is open to all graduates (bachelors, masters, and doctoral). Registration will open on April 1. There is no cost to attend but an RSVP by the graduate is required by May 2.

The Arching Ceremony is designed for graduates to bring TWO guests for the most optimal viewing experience for all guests (see event photography section below). The ceremony will be livestreamed.

Access to Campus & Parking Information

The North entrance to the College closes earlier in the day. Graduates and guests are directed to the South entrance. Parking is available in the B-D Lots. Handicap parking is in Lot A.

Event Photography

During the Arching Ceremony, guests’ view near the Arch may become obstructed by faculty greeting graduates. Please plan your viewing location accordingly.

The Ceremony will be livestreamed at ramapo.edu/commencement.

Prior to Arching

Retail Outlets: Below please find the hours for the retail outlets that will be open on Arching Day.

• Dunkin’, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
• Common Grounds, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Photos: Graduates and their guests not attending a pre-ceremony are invited to come to campus starting at 3 p.m. to take their own photos and socialize in the Grove/Arch area.

Photo opportunities are as follows:
Congratulations Message on Lawn (across from the Bradley Center)
RCNJ Letters (Learning Commons)

The Outdoor Spiritual Center & Kameron Pond

The Arch (Arch/Grove area)* Note: At 4:15 p.m., the line for photos at the Arch will close in preparation for the Arching Ceremony. It will reopen after the ceremony.

Galleries: Numerous senior projects will be on display in the Kresge and Pascal Galleries in the Berrie Center until 6:30 p.m.

Arching is an outdoor event that involves a lot of walking and standing for guests. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Post-Arching Reception

Immediately following the Arching ceremony, pre-registered graduates and guests are invited to attend the Post-Arching Reception at the Bradley Center and along Cherry Lane.  Enjoy the company of your peers, music, and food!

A limited number of tables and chairs will be available at this event, graduates and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities. Guests may wish to drop their chairs and blankets on the hill along Cherry Lane prior to enjoying the celebration in the Grove and watching Arching.

Arching Day Rain Plan