TESU Annual Commencement

There is no limit to the number of tickets you can request. The CURE Insurance Arena can comfortably accommodate all graduates and their guests, so you may invite as many people as you’d like. Tickets are free and all tickets are general admission.

For security purposes, every guest, including graduates and children, must have a printed or electronic ticket to enter the arena.

To order tickets, click the “TESU Commencement” Eventbrite link included in the email invitation you received. Enter your name, email, and the number of tickets you need. Your tickets will be emailed to you and can also be downloaded immediately from Eventbrite. Once downloaded, you can forward tickets electronically or print them at home.

There is no deadline for ordering tickets. You will be able to request and access your tickets until and on the day of Commencement.

If you or your guests have trouble accessing or printing tickets, or if guests arrive without a ticket, extra tickets will be available at the arena on the day of the ceremony. TESU volunteers will be at the entrance distributing tickets as needed. Whatever the situation, we’ve got you covered!

For family and friends who are unable to attend in person, a livestream of the ceremony will be available on the Commencement website and on the main page of www.tesu.edu.

The deadline to order regalia for home delivery is one month before the ceremony. Orders placed after this date are not guaranteed to arrive in time, and the ordering site will be taken offline.

September graduates, and anyone registering after the deadline, will have their regalia available for pickup at the CURE Arena on the day of Commencement, based on the information provided in the Commencement Attendance Form.

Associate degree graduates will receive a burgundy gown, burgundy mortarboard cap and tassel with a charm reflecting the year of the ceremony.

Bachelor's degree graduates will receive a black bachelor’s gown, black mortarboard cap and tassel with a charm reflecting the year of the ceremony.

Master's 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 charm reflecting the year of the ceremony.

Doctoral 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 charm reflecting the year of the ceremony.

Graduates are asked not to wear anything that has not been provided by the University or a TESU recognized honor society on top of your academic regalia. We appreciate your understanding.

If you would like to decorate your cap to proudly express your personality, you are welcome to do so! Learn more about our Cap Decorating Contest and your chance to win a TESU grad bag and VIP seating for your guests.

The doors to the CURE Insurance Arena open at 11 a.m. for graduates and their guests. Your guests can arrive with you, but it’s not required.

Graduates need to begin lining up for the procession near Section 103 on the concourse of the Arena by 12:30 p.m.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 1 p.m.

• Check-in at Registration 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. If you are a veteran or an active member of the military, you will also pick up your military cord and branch-specific stole.
• After registering, you can stop by the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services table for maps of the concourse, details for the day and information about your next TESU program!
• Stop at the TESU Foundation table, make a donation and receive your green Philanthropy cord to wear during the ceremony as a demonstration of your commitment to supporting future students.
• Purchase gear at the University Store to show your TESU pride.
• Put the finishing touches on your regalia and take advantage of the Photo stations on the concourse.
• Allow your family members and guests to settle in.
• Line up for your class procession by 12:30 p.m. at Section 103 on the concourse.

Seating is general admission, and guests can arrive any time after 11 a.m. to find their seats and get settled. There will be several concession stands open and available around the Arena for guests to enjoy beforehand.

Additional emails regarding the ceremony and what you can expect will be sent out in the “Countdown to Commencement” in the weeks prior to the ceremony. Keep an eye on your email and we look forward to celebrating with you!

• 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 50-plus years of serving adult learners, more than 60,000 alumni have been TESU’s biggest advocates.

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 Illuminator Step. Stop at the Philanthropy Cord table and become a donor and you will complete the Entrepreneur Step. After completing all five steps, you will receive a custom TESU Coin!

Learn more about the TESU Genius Program and how to stay connected on the Alumni website.

The celebration doesn't have to stop after commencement concludes. Discover where to continue your celebrations around Trenton, New Jersey.

Trenton Downtown Association

The City of Trenton, NJ

NJ Transit

Major airports near Trenton, New Jersey:

• 8 miles to Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN / KTTN)
• 42 miles to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL/KPHL)
• 56 miles to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR/KEWR)
• 81 miles to Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE/KABE)

Hotels near Trenton

Local Dining (for individual or group dining):

• Coopers Riverview
• Erini Restaurant
• The Yardley Inn

* The University does not endorse any venue, activity or accommodations referenced above. Please contact the locations directly as hours and availability are subject to change.