Commencement Week 2026: Parking and other essential information

As Commencement kicks off, parking and other campus resources will be affected by the festivities. Though the first ceremony will be held on May 8, some lots and dining options have already changed their schedules.

Visit the Rowan University Commencement site for details on ceremonies and more. All ceremonies will take place in Richard Wackar Stadium, except where noted or in the event of severe weather.

Parking and shuttles:

Due to preparations for Rowan University’s 2026 Commencement ceremonies, several parking lots will be closed to ensure safe event setup and operations.

The following parking lots will be closed for Commencement setup and activities:

• Lot C - Full lot closure beginning on Friday, May 1 beginning at 8 a.m. and will reopen Sunday, May 17
• Lot C-1 (Team House Half-Circle) - Closed beginning Thursday, May 7 at 11:30 p.m. and will reopen Thursday, May 14
• Lot D - Full lot closure beginning on Friday, May 8 at 11:30 p.m. and will reopen Thursday, May 14
• Lot M (Outside Esby Gym) - Full lot closure beginning Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m. and will reopen Saturday, May 16
• Lot O & Lot O-1 - Full lot closure beginning Wednesday, May 6 at 11:30 p.m. and will reopen Friday, May 15
• Lot O-2 and Lot W (Mimosa) - Full lot closure beginning on Thursday, May 7 at 11:30 p.m. and will reopen Saturday, May 16
• North Campus Drive (from Lot B entrance to Lot D) - Closed beginning Friday, May 8 at 12 p.m. and will reopen Saturday, May 16
• Celebration Zone is ACTIVE PEDESTRIAN ONLY from Saturday, May 9 to Friday, May 15
• Stadium Drive (only access to parking Lot D and D-1) - Closed beginning Thursday, May 6 at 11:30 p.m. and will reopen Friday, May 15

Students, employees, and visitors should plan accordingly and use alternative parking areas during the closure period.

Accessible parking accommodations are available for guests with mobility needs. Individuals who require accessible parking should have completed the Commencement Accessible Parking Request form prior to May 4. Guests with questions about accessible parking should contact parking@rowan.edu.

Complimentary shuttle and golf cart transportation will be available from select parking lots. Please see the Commencement map for these locations and more.

For complete details regarding Commencement schedules, guest information and parking updates, please visit the Rowan Commencement website.

Need help navigating campus? View the Commencement campus map.

Campus dining options:

Au Bon Pain and Sushi Do closed on May 5. Holly ToGo, Prof’s Express and Einstein Bros. closed May 6. Holly Pointe, Starbucks and Marketplace will close May 8, as that is the last day for the current meal plan. All locations will be closed on May 9 and 10. Owl’s Nest will be open for Commencement Week May 11 through May 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then close for the summer. Check the website for more details.

Rec Center:

Summer hours start May 7, with the Rec Center being open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday., and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Check their website for more specifics, including schedules for the pool and Fitness Center.

If Commencement activities move indoors due to inclement weather on any day, the Rec Center will close its first floor for regular activities. Ceremonies on May 8 and May 15 will also see the first floor closed during normal hours.

Wellness Center:

The Wellness Center will be open with its summer schedule: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.

For more information, including hours and times for all ceremonies, please visit Commencement 2026.