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TESU Annual Commencement
Thomas Edison State University’s 2023 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
Please accept our sincere congratulations on earning your degree!
Thomas Edison State University’s 2023 Commencement Ceremony has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, N.J.
Please save the date, we are excited to celebrate with you!
Students graduating in the December 2022, March 2023, June 2023 and September 2023 graduation cycles will be invited to attend the 2023 Ceremony.
Eligible graduates will receive additional information via email in Summer 2023. Stay tuned to the Commencement website for details and information as we get closer to the date.
Not sure when you should apply for graduation? Learn more about deadlines and Graduation Information.
For additional questions or more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at (609) 984-1180 or email commencement@tesu.edu.
The ceremony will be live streamed on the day of Commencement for any family or friends that are unable to attend the event in person.
Additional information about tickets will be posted here closer to the event.
Associate degree graduates will receive a burgundy gown, burgundy mortarboard cap and tassel with a 2023 charm.
Bachelor degree graduates will receive a black bachelor’s gown, black mortarboard cap and tassel with 2023 charm.
Master degree graduates will receive a black master’s gown, an academic hood with colors that reflect the specific master’s degree they have earned, a black mortarboard cap and tassel with a 2023 charm.
Doctorate degree graduates will receive a black doctoral gown, an academic hood with colors that reflect the specific doctoral degree they have earned, a black doctoral tam (cap) and a gold tassel with a 2023 charm.
You may not wear anything not provided by the University or a TESU recognized honor society on top of your academic regalia.
Details about the schedule and what to expect will be posted here closer to the event.
- When you arrive, proceed to our Registration Area, located on the main concourse at Gate C (street level). We will ensure that you have all your academic regalia and any earned honor cords and help you robe properly. If you are a member of the military or a veteran, you will also be able to pick up your cord and stole.
- Be sure to allow time to stop by the University Store to shop for clothes or accessories to commemorate your accomplishment!
- Don’t miss your chance to receive your green Philanthropy cord – stop at the Foundation’s Philanthropy cord table, donate $23 or more and receive a cord to wear during the ceremony.
- Stop by and “Share your Story” at the Graduate Testimonials table before you line up for your class procession.
- When you walk on stage, you will announce your own name into the microphone. Members of the military may add your rank and branch of service. As a courtesy to other graduates and guests and to help ensure the ceremony concludes on time, please refrain from making any additional comments at the microphone.
- Legacy Photographics will be taking photos as you cross the stage and in front of a TESU photo backdrop once you descend the stage. There is no obligation to purchase pictures. Proofs will be emailed to each graduate within 48 hours and you may select and purchase photos at that time. For more information visit www.legacyphoto.com.
- The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.
Join the TESU Genius Program!
The Office of Alumni Engagement is dedicated to maintaining meaningful lifelong connections with TESU alumni. Throughout the University’s nearly 50 years of serving adult learners, more than 60,000 alumni have been TESU’s biggest advocates. Last year alone, alumni referred 531 applicants to the University.
The TESU Genius Program is a great way to stay connected and support the mission of the University! By attending Commencement, you have already completed the Wizard Step. Post a photo of your graduation celebration using the hashtag #TESUGrad and you will have completed the Illumniator Step. Stop at the Philanthropy Cord table and become a donor and you will complete the Entrepreneur Step. After completing all 5 steps, you will receive a custom TESU Coin!
Learn more about the TESU Genius Program and how to stay connected on the Alumni website.
Photos will be taken at the Commencement Ceremony. Please take a moment to read the Photo Release information below:
As event registrants, you and your guests accept the terms and conditions: I do hereby give Thomas Edison State University, its assigns, licensees and legal representatives, the irrevocable right to use my name (or fictional name), picture, image or photograph in all forms and media, and in all manners for advertising, promotional or educational purposes, trade or any other lawful purposes, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written copy, that may be created in connection therewith. I am of full age. I have read this release and am fully familiar with its contents.
A separate photo release will be obtained for anyone participating at “Share Your Story” before the ceremony.
For additional questions or more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at (609) 984-1180 or commencement@tesu.edu.
Toni M. Terry, BA
"I am 67 years old, soon to be 68, and to be able to say I did this at this day in my life is just gratification for my own self."