Arching Ceremony Photo Gallery

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Arching Ceremony

Ramapo College will host Class of 2023 graduates and guests for the time-honored tradition of Arching on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. The Arching Ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be 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 2023 students processed up Mansion Road and through the Arch where they were greeted by our College President. On May 10, graduates of the Class of 2023 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.

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) 

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

Event Registration Required

The Arching Ceremony is open to all graduates (undergraduate, masters and doctoral).  There is no cost to attend but an RSVP by the graduate is required.

The registration deadline for the Arching Ceremony was April 30.  Registration by this date included event admittance and up to three food vouchers (one per graduate and one per guest-up to two total) for the event after the formal Arching Ceremony.

A late registration form is now available on Archway.  Click here to register now.  Please note while graduates are still permitted to bring two guests, they will only receive one food voucher for the graduate.

Access to Campus & Parking Information

The North entrance to the College will be closed starting at 9:30 a.m. Graduates and guests will be directed to the South entrance. Parking will be available in the B-D Lots. Handicap parking will be in Lot A2.

Event Photography

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

Prior to Arching

Retail Outlets: Below please find the hours for the retail outlets that will be open on May 10.

• Student Center Atrium, 7:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Dunkin’, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Common Grounds, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Photos: Graduates and their guests 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)
North Entrance Sign (at the North Entrance to campus)
RCNJ Letters (Learning Commons)
The Arch (Arch/Grove area)* Note: At 4 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.

Post Arching Event

Immediately following the Arching ceremony, pre-registered graduates and guests are invited to attend PO’s Post Arching Celebration on the Bandshell Lawn. Enjoy the company of your peers, live music and food trucks until 7 p.m.!

The food trucks will have food and beverages available for purchase, and you may use your food vouchers. All food trucks will accept cash. Credit cards, Venmo and Apple Pay are also accepted depending on the vendor.

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.