Commencement will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Please plan accordingly and allow ample time for traffic, parking, and security screening at the venue.

Commencement 2026 Digital Booklet (Available Soon)

Regalia/Cap & Gown:

Regalia is required for all students and faculty participating in Commencement and must be ordered in advance of the ceremony.

Please review the ordering details and deadlines below:

Candidates for Associate’s Degree:

  • Associate’s regalia is green in color and includes a cap, gown, and tassel.
  • Purchase of regalia is $10.00
  • Students have the option to purchase accessories at an additional cost.
  • Students have the option to pick up the order from the Essex County College Gear Shop (Essex County College -Main Campus on May 4th – 8th) or have it shipped to their residence

Deadlines:

  • March 31, 2026– DEADLINE for order to be shipped to Essex County College for Pick Up (free delivery)
  • May 1, 2026 ­DEADLINE for order to be shipped to your residence (shipping and handling fee apply)

How to order:

Students eligible to order cap and gown will receive an email.

Faculty Cap and Gown Rental

Faculty and staff participating in the processional must wear academic regalia/cap and gown. The deadline to order your rental regalia is Monday, March 30, 2026. Orders will not be accepted after the deadline. All orders will be shipped directly to Enrollment Services.

All regalia must be returned at the conclusion of the Commencement ceremony.

FAQs

Graduation refers to the successful completion of your program requirements at Essex County College and the degree must be conferred by the Office of Enrollment Services on the designated conferral date. Commencement is a symbolic ceremony that marks the closing of your academic career. It is an opportunity for you, your family and friends, and the Essex County College community to celebrate your achievement.

Only August 2025, December 2025 graduates, and April 2026 who will have completed all program requirements by the end of the Spring 2026 term will be eligible to participate in Commencement.

Students who will complete degree requirements by the close of the Summer I term will be invited to participate as long as registration is complete, and the graduation fee has been paid.

Students’ names will be read, and students will walk across the stage at the Commencement. More information about the ceremonies will be provided at the Commencement Rehearsal.

The commencement ceremony will be approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. All students are expected to remain for the duration of the ceremony. More information about the ceremonies will be provided at the Commencement Rehearsal.

Diplomas are not given out at the commencement ceremony.

August and December 2025 graduates should have already received their diplomas in the mail. If not, please email [email protected]

April 2026 candidates will receive their diplomas both electronically and via mail. It will only be sent to those students who have completed their program and have no outstanding financial obligations. Our vendor will contact you directly to confirm your mailing address before the diploma is sent.

A one-time non-refundable $60 graduation fee will be assessed to degree candidates for costs related to your diploma.

Diploma covers will be distributed at Commencement. Honors stoles will be distributed during the week of May 4th to August 2025, December 2025 and April 2026 graduate who have completed all program requirements by the end of the Spring 2026.  Students who complete degree requirements during the Summer I term will be contact later to pick up their honor stole.

To Be Announced (TBA)