Where to park and other essential information for Commencement Week 2025

During Commencement Week May 9-15, access to parking and some campus buildings and resources may change.

Festivities will begin with the School of Graduate Studies Hooding Recognition Ceremony & Reception on Friday, May 9, in Esbjornson Gymnasium, followed by the University Ceremony & Celebration on Saturday, May 10, at Coach Richard Wackar Stadium. Individual College Commencement Ceremonies will take place May 12–15, 2025, also at Wackar Stadium and Esbjornson Gymnasium (severe weather venue). 

College-level ceremonies will also take place in Wackar Stadium from Monday, May 12 to Thursday, May 15. In the event of severe weather, ceremonies will move to Esbjornson (Esby) Gymnasium.

Visit the Rowan University Commencement site for details on ceremonies and more.

Information for visitors

Parking & Shuttles

During Rowan’s main, university-wide and college-level Commencement ceremony, parking lot C (off Carpenter Street) will be reserved for visitors with special needs. A parking pass will be required to use that lot.  Passes may be obtained through the Rowan University Parking Office.

Other visitors may park in lots A, B, D (partial), and in the Edgewood Park Apartments and Chestnut Hall lots. Stadium Drive will also be closed at parking lot D.  Free shuttles will loop through these lots to Wackar Stadium. Additional shuttles will loop from Rowan Boulevard/Courtyard by Marriot to the stadium. See specifics on parking below.

Need help navigating campus? View the campus map.

Campus dining options

The Owl's Nest Restaurant in Chamberlain Student Center will be open during Commencement week, Monday - Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Information for employees and students

During Commencement Week, all University offices will be open during regular work hours.

Employees should avoid designated visitor parking lots. Alternate parking locations include the Townhouse garage, Rowan Boulevard and Mick Drive garages or open lots on the south side of campus.

Wellness Center

The Rowan University Wellness Center will be open on summer hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon. to Thurs.; Fri. 8-4.

 Recreation and Fitness Centers

The Rowan University Rec Center will be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, May 10-15.

The Fitness Center on Victoria Street will be open from 4-8 p.m.

Note: should Commencement activities move indoors due to inclement weather, the Rec Center will close the first floor for regular activities.

For more information, including hours and times for all ceremonies, please visit Commencement 2025.

Commencement parking details:

• Lot C - Full lot closure beginning on Sunday, May 4 beginning at 11:30 p.m. (permit only parking during Commencement – accessible and special guests)
• Lot D - Partial lot closure beginning May 6 at 11:30 p.m.  (side closest to Wackar Stadium beginning at 11:30 p.m. (Shuttle service available) 
• Lot O & Lot O-1 - Full lot closure beginning May 7 at 11:30 p.m. 
• Lot M & Lot W - Closure beginning on Thursday, May 8 at 11:30 p.m.
• Lot B - Partial lot closure (500 spots) Friday, May 9, then reopens to all guests for commencement ceremonies
• Lot C-1 (Team House Half-Circle) - Full lot closure beginning Friday, May 9 at 11:30 p.m. 
• Lot O-2 - Full lot closure beginning on Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 a.m. 
• North Campus Drive (from the soccer/lacrosse complex to parking lot D) - Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 a.m. 
• Stadium Drive (only access to parking Lot D and D-1) - Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 a.m. 

All affected lots will reopen by Monday, May 19 at 6:00 a.m. Vehicles parked in these lots after the closure time will receive a ticket and can be towed.