2013 Undergraduate Commencement - Kean University

2013 Undergraduate
Commencement
This newsletter contains important and date-sensitive
information for Kean University graduates and their families.
Kean University Undergraduate Commencement
Prudential Center, 165 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ
May 16, 2013
Doors open at 7 a.m.

Commencement Ceremony
The Kean University Commencement ceremony will take place on
Thursday, May 16, 2013, at the Prudential Center, 165 Mulberry
Street, Newark, N.J. Please arrive no later than 7 a.m. with your
cap, gown and reader card and proceed to the Lafayette Tower
entrance to prepare for your processional lineup. The procession
will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
Your 2013 commencement exercises will include graduates from
January and candidates who have filed for graduation in May and
August. Commencement is a celebration of your achievements. It is a
formal event planned with you, your family and the Kean faculty in
mind. The instructions in this newsletter should provide all necessary
information and answer many of your questions. Please pay particular
attention to these instructions, as many past practices will no longer
apply. The success of commencement will depend upon your individual
cooperation.
Honorary Degree Recipients and Commencement Speaker
The commencement speaker and the names of the honorary degree
recipients have not yet been announced. Please check the graduation
Web site at www.kean.edu/commencement, where the names will be
posted at a later date.
Graduate Entrance
All students must enter the Lafayette Tower located at the
Southeast corner of the building at Lafayette St. and Mulberry St.
Please refer to the map on page 7.
Graduate Arrival Time
Please arrive at the Prudential Center no later than 7 a.m. with
your cap, gown and reader card for robing and proceed to the
Lafayette Tower entrance for the processional lineup. You will robe
and gather with your fellow graduates in your assigned areas. There,
you will be directed by the Kean University commencement marshals,
who will be wearing blue robes. They will direct the lineup, which
will begin at 7 a.m. The procession will follow promptly at 8:30 a.m.
No guests will be allowed in the lineup area.
Academic Attire
Please arrive with your caps and gowns; they will not be available on
site. GOWNS SHOULD BE PRESSED! The cap is worn level on the
head, slightly forward, never tilted, with the tassel on the front-right.
Gowns should be approximately 8 inches from the floor (a temporary
hem can be sewn if needed). Please read the information about ordering
caps and gowns on page 4. As part of the procession will include
walking down stairs, we recommend that you wear flat, comfortable
shoes.
Robing Area
There will be designated stations in the Lafayette Tower for those students
needing assistance with their robes.
Line-up Procedure
Please be dressed and ready to form the processional line promptly at
7 a.m. You will line up according to college and major as instructed
by the marshals. Please review the list on page 8 to determine
which college your program is in.
Procession
You will follow bagpipers, platform guests and faculty down a short
corridor and enter the arena. At that point, the marshals will direct
you where to sit. Please follow their instructions.
Awarding of Degrees
You will be asked to stand up with your fellow students as your program
of study is announced. Your name will then be called individually.
You will walk across the stage, where your dean will congratulate
you and shake your hand. If you have any restrictions regarding this
process, please alert the Commencement Committee at
mwuethri@kean.edu or 908-737-7161. Your diploma cover will then
be presented to you.
Photo Opportunities
We understand that this is an important day to be remembered in
photographs. Professional photographers from Island Photography
will be on hand to capture the moment when graduates march in to
the main ceremony and receive their diploma covers.
These photos are taken without obligation, and you will be contacted by
Island Photography within 48 hours of the ceremony to view and order
your photos. At that time, you may place orders or obtain answers to
questions by calling 1-800-869-0908.
This is also an excellent opportunity for friends and family to take pictures,
but guests will not be permitted to approach the student-seating
area or stage to take photos during the ceremony. The use of cameras and
video cameras are allowed for personal use only.
Recessional
There will not be a recessional at the conclusion of the main ceremony.
Please exit slowly in an orderly fashion as directed by the marshals.
Students and Guests with Disabilities
Kean University is dedicated to making sure that Commencement
2013 is an enjoyable and memorable occasion for students, family and
friends alike. Accordingly, every effort has been made to accommodate
our students and guests with physical disabilities. Students and
guests requiring ambulatory assistance are strongly encouraged to provide
their own wheelchairs.
The Prudential Center has a unique building design which allows full
access for guests with special needs and disabilities including an
entrance designed for easy access into and out of the building for
transportation.
Please contact Prudential Center’s Guest Services for additional
information
Courtesy
Please be courteous throughout the ceremony. Turn off all your electronic
devices. Also, please do not leave the arena until the ceremony
is over. Do not bring any flying objects into the Prudential Center,
including frisbees or beach balls. Violators may be ejected.
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www.kean.edu/commencement

Commencement Ceremony
Guest Seating & Tickets
Each graduating student will be given 5 tickets for guest seating in
the Prudential Center when they pick up their cap, gown and
reader card. Tickets will be required. This policy ensures that
every graduate will have 5 seats for guests. The seats are on a firstcome,
first-served basis.
IMPORTANT: Students will receive a ticket voucher when you
pick up your cap and gowns. This ticket voucher must be brought
to Wilkins Theatre Box Office where you will retrieve your five
guest tickets.
Guest Arrival
The Prudential Center will open at 7 a.m for guests on May 16.
Friends and family are welcome to arrive before that time, but
please ask them to wait patiently until the doors open at 7 a.m.
Guests should be in their seats before 8:30 a.m. when the procession
is scheduled to begin.
All guests must enter the PNC Tower located at the Northeast
corner of the building at Mullberry St. and Edison Place.
Any guest over two years of age must have a ticket in order to gain
entrance to the Prudential Center. Children under two years may
enter without a ticket but must sit on their parent’s or guardian’s
lap. Please inform family and friends in advance where to meet
you after the main ceremony.
Directions
Located in downtown Newark, just 2 blocks from Newark Penn
Station. The arena is accessible via New Jersey Transit, PATH
and Amtrak. Bounded by Edison Place to the north, Lafayette
Street to the south, Mulberry Street to the east and Broad Street
and City Hall to the west. For more information, see page 6.
Traffic
IMPORTANT: Traffic heading into Newark will be extremely
heavy. Please plan accordingly and allow plenty of time to arrive
at the venue no later than 7am.
Parking
There is ample parking located within blocks of Prudential
Center. Way-finding signage, Guest Services personnel and security
will assist in getting you to your destination. See parking map
on page 7.
Public Transportation
We strongly encourage the use of public transportation to help
alleviate traffic and parking challenges. Prudential Center is easily
accessible by NJ Transit trains, Light Rail, bus, PATH and
Amtrak. Newark Penn Station is located a short 2 blocks east of
the arena.
To exit the arena towards Newark’s Penn Station, head to the
Northeast corner of the building near sections 20-22, 130-133 or
231-233. To get on the buses to Broad Street Station, exit onto
Edison Place or Lafayette and go 1/2 block West to Broad Street.
For more information or to plan your trip, visit
www.njtransit.com/prudentialcenter
www.pathrail.com or www.amtrak.com
Food Concessions
Food and beverages will be available at concession stand locations
in the arena. However, we strongly encourage students to please
eat breakfast prior to arriving at the Prudential Center as the concession
stands are not accessible from the student lineup area. No
outside food, beverages, coolers, bottles or cans may be brought
into Prudential Center.
First Aid
First Aid stations are located on the Main Concourse and the
Upper Concourse.
Main Concourse – Outside the Ice Lounge at Section 8 & 9
Upper Concourse – Outside Section 115 and 215
During Events the first aid stations are staffed by paramedics. If for
any reason you are unable to make it to the first aid rooms, please
summon a Guest Services staff member and they will alert first aid.
Guest Services
Guest Service locations are available to answer your questions,
collect lost and found, provide Assisted Listening Devices and
provide assistance to guests. In addition, guest services can assist
with finding lost guests and providing wheelchair escorts during
events. There are 2 locations for Guest Services:
Main Concourse – Outside the Ice Lounge at Section 9
Upper Concourse – Outside sections 114 and 214
Restrooms
Restrooms equipped for individuals with physical disabilities are conveniently
situated throughout the Prudential Center.
Elevator/Escalator
There are elevators and escalators located throughout the Prudential
Center allowing easy access to all levels on the arena.
Stairs
Stairwells are located in each of the four corners of the building are
accessible to every level of the arena.
Strollers
Small, fold-up umbrella strollers are allowed in the Prudential
Center. Fold-up strollers should be stored under your seat. Strollers
that cannot fit under your seat will not be permitted.
Security
As security procedures have been enhanced at many public venues,
all bags will be subject to inspection. We therefore ask that
all students and guests minimize the number of items they bring
into the Prudential Center.
www.kean.edu/commencement 3

General Information
Caps, Gowns and Reader Cards
If you meet the stated requirements and are planning to participate
in these exercises, please complete the online order form for
a cap and gown to Jostens at http://college.jostens.com/jostens.
The cost of your cap and gown is included in your graduation fee.
The deadline to complete and receive a confirmation number for
your cap and gown order is Thursday, March 21, 2013. Be sure
to include your specific degree information and your major.
The first two days of Cap and Gown distribution, Monday, May 6,
2013 and Tuesday, May 7, 2013 have been designated for Priority
Pick-up. Only those students that have ordered their cap and
gowns online via the Jostens website, and received an order confirmation
will be allowed to pick up their cap and gowns on these
two days. If you are unable to pick up your cap and gown on the
priority pick up days, you can come on any of the other distribution
dates.
A package containing your cap, gown and reader card will be distributed
from the University Center room 228. These items may
be claimed by you on the following dates upon presentation of
your Kean University identification card and confirmation number.
If you wish for a family member or friend to pick up your cap,
gown, and reader card please provide the individual with written
authorization. The pick up dates are as follows:
Kean University-Union Campus
Monday, May 6 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Priority Pick-up)
Tuesday, May 7 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Priority Pick-up)
Wednesday, May 8 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 9 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, May 10 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A package containing your cap, gown and reader card will be
available for distribution at the OCC Bookstore for Kean Ocean
Graduates. These items may be claimed by you on the following
dates upon presentation of your Kean University identification
card and confirmation number. If you wish for a family member or
friend to pick up your cap, gown and reader card, please provide
the individual with written authorization. The pick up dates are
as follows:
Kean University-Ocean Campus
Monday, May 6 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Priority Pick-up)
Tuesday, May 7 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Priority Pick-up)
Wednesday, May 8 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 9 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, May 10 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Don’t forget to bring your cap, gown and reader card to the ceremony.
There will be no extra caps, gowns and reader cards
available at the site. For more information, please call the
University Center Administration Office at 908-737-5200.
Graduation Honors Designations
Kean University proudly recognizes students who have consistently
demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. Those
who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive a gold tassel
and participate in the Commencement ceremony with honors:
• Maintain an overall cumulative G.P.A. of 3.45 or higher.
• Complete a minimum of 45 semester hours at Kean (excluding
credits earned on a pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis)
by the end of the fall semester of senior year.
Honors are divided into three categories according to grade-point
average, as follows:
Summa cum laude 3.85 to 4.00
Magna cum laude 3.65 to 3.84
Cum laude 3.45 to 3.64
Those designated by the Office of the Registrar as eligible to participate
in Commencement with honors may pick up their gold
tassels during cap and gown distribution at the University Center.
Note: The posting of honors designations on diplomas, transcripts,
and other student records is based on the FINAL cumulative
G.P.A. which includes the fall semester for January candidates,
spring semester for May candidates, and Summer Sessions I and II
for August candidates.
Honors Convocation
The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs will hold the
Honors Convocation for all seniors graduating with honors on
Friday, April 19, 2013, at 3:30 p.m. in the Harwood Arena. The
Convocation is by invitation only.
In order to be invited to this special ceremony, you must meet the
requirements listed under Graduation Honors Designations.
Please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at 908-737-7030 if
you have any questions.
Diploma pick-up dates
If you have met your academic requirements and have no outstanding
financial obligations, the Office of the Registrar will
notify you in writing when your diploma is ready to be picked up.
A courtesy copy of the Kean University transcript indicating the
degree conferred will be included with each diploma. If you wish
to have someone else pick up the diploma, that person must present
written authorization with your signature.
Diplomas sent via mail
If you wish to have your diploma mailed, please submit a written
request to the graduation evaluation department in the Office of
the Registrar. Diploma covers will not be mailed but will be distributed
at the commencement ceremony on May 16, 2013, and
will be available for pick up at the Office of the Registrar.
Certification
Undergraduate degree students who have also applied for New Jersey
state teacher certification will receive their certificates via mail from
the Department of Education, Office of Licensing and Credentials.
For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at
908-737-3290.
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General Information
Important Commencement Dates
Thursday, March 21
Deadline to submit cap and gown online order form to Josten at
http://college.jostens.com/jostens.
Friday, April 19, 3:30 p.m.
Honors Convocation, Harwood Arena - by invitation only
Monday, May 6, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Priority Pick-up)
Cap, gown and reader card pick-up, University Center, Rm. 228
Tuesday, May 7, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Priority Pick-up)
Cap, gown and reader card pick-up, University Center, Rm. 228
Wednesday, May 8, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cap, gown and reader card pick-up, University Center, Rm. 228
Thursday, May 9, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cap, gown and reader card pick-up, University Center, Rm. 228
Friday, May 10, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cap, gown and reader card pick-up, University Center, Rm. 228
Thursday, May 16, 8:30 a.m.
Commencement Ceremony, Prudential Center
Kean University-Ocean Campus
Cap, gown and reader card pick-up, OCC Bookstore
Monday, May 6 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 9 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, May 10 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tips for a Memorable and Safe Commencement
• Traffic heading into Newark will be extremely heavy. Please plan
accordingly and allow plenty of time to arrive at the venue no
later than 7am.
• Don’t forget to bring your cap, gown and reader card to the ceremony.
Extra caps, gowns or reader cards will not be available at
the site.
• Since part of the procession will include walking down several
flights of stairs, we recommend that you wear flat, comfortable
shoes.
• Prior to the ceremony, decide where you and your family will
meet after the event.
• Always follow the instructions of the marshals in the blue robes.
They are there to make sure that the event proceeds in an
orderly fashion.
• Never leave your belongings unattended.
• Please be courteous and turn off all electronic devices.
• Do not leave the arena until the ceremony is completed.
• Eat breakfast prior to arriving at Prudential Center as concession
stands are not accessible from the student lineup area.
• No outside food, beverages, coolers, bottles or cans may be
brought into Prudential Center.
• The use of alcoholic beverages at Commencement 2013 at
Prudential Center is strictly forbidden. This policy will be
vigorously enforced.
• If you are making lunch reservations, please understand that
the ceremony may take three hours or more and that traffic
will be heavy leaving the area.
Graduate Entrance
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Prudential Center Directions
Directions
From NJ Turnpike Southbound
Take Exit 15W onto I-280 westbound. Turn right on Exit 15 A
towards Route 21 southbound. Turn right onto Rector Street.
Turn left onto Broad Street southbound. Continue on Broad
Street to Lafayette Street and make a left. Prudential Center will
be on your left hand side.
From NJ Turnpike Northbound
Take Exit 14 toward I-78. Take the center ramp after the toll
booth toward US-1-9 / RT-21. Keep right to stay on the ramp
toward US-1 / US-9. Continue on US-1-9 approx. 3 miles and
exit on the right onto RT-21 McCarter Hwy. Bear left onto Broad
Street northbound. Continue on Broad Street to Lafayette Street
and make a right. Prudential Center will be on your left hand side.
From Garden State Parkway South
Follow Garden State Parkway South to Exit 145. Follow signs to
Route 280 East. Follow Route 280 East to Exit 15 (Route 21 -
Downtown/Arts). At bottom of ramp (traffic light), make a right
onto Route 21 South, (McCarter Highway). Bear left onto Broad
Street northbound. Continue on Broad Street to Lafayette Street
and make a right. Prudential Center will be on your left hand side.
From Garden State Parkway North
Follow Garden State Parkway North to Exit 145 (Route 280).
Follow Route 280 East to Exit 15 (Route 21 - Downtown/Arts).
At bottom of ramp (traffic light), make a right onto Route 21
South, (McCarter Highway). Bear left onto Broad Street northbound.
Continue on Broad Street to Lafayette Street and make a
right. Prudential Center will be on your left hand side.
From Newark Liberty International Airport
Follow signs for Route 1 and 9 North and follow directions above
for Garden State Parkway North.
From New York City
From George Washington Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel follow signs
to New Jersey Turnpike South and Follow directions above for
New Jersey Turnpike.
NJ Transit/Newark Penn Station
Prudential Center is just two blocks from Newark Penn Station
and connected to Newark Broad Street Station by frequent, convenient
bus service.
For trip planning tools, station parking information, schedules,
fares and more, visit the NJ TRANSIT Website.
PATH
Prudential Center can be easily accessed from PATH’s Newark
Station. Visit PATH website to plan your trip.
Need more Commencement information?
Visit the Commencement Web site at
www.kean.edu/commencement
or send an e-mail to graduate@kean.edu.
For additional information about the Prudential Center, visit
the Web site at www.PruCenter.com.
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www.kean.edu/commencement

Prudential Center Parking
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Program Listing by College
When you arrive at the line-up area at Prudential Center, the marshals in the light blue robes will help you get in line alphabetically by program and
college. Below is a listing of all the programs. Please determine which college your program is in so that when you arrive on Commencement day, you
will know where to line up.
College of Business and Public Management
Accounting
Criminal Justice
Finance
Management
Management Science
Marketing
Public Administration
College of Education
Athletic Training
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Middle and Secondary Education
Physical Education
Recreation Administration
Spanish
Speech and Hearing
Special Education
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Art History
Fine Arts
Graphic Communications
Graphic Design
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Music
Studio Art
Theatre
Visual Communications
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Asian Studies
Communication
Economics
English
History
Media and Film
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Psychology/Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Social Work
Sociology
College of Natural, Applied and Health Sciences
Biology B.A.
Biology B.S.
Chemistry B.A.
Chemistry B.S.
Computer Science
Earth Science B.A.
Earth Science B.S.
Electronics Technology
Health Information Management
Information Technology
Mathematical Sciences
Medical Technology
Nursing
Sustainability Science
Telecommunications and Information Technology
New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and
Mathematics
Science and Technology B.S.
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