SMLR Class of 2022 Convocation and University Commencement

Congratulations, SMLR graduates!  This is an exciting time, but please make sure to plan ahead so you can truly enjoy it. Here are some tips to make your SMLR Convocation day go smoothly!

• Check-in starts at noon. Please arrive no later than 1:00 p.m. Procession starts sharply at 1:30 p.m.
• Come dressed in your academic regalia (cap, gown, and hood), which is required for participation in the SMLR Convocation - no exceptions. 
• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking and standing for a long duration. You’ll want to be comfortable! 
• Be prepared to pass through security before entering Jersey Mike’s Arena. There is a bag check. Those with oversized bags or prohibited items may be directed to return such items to their vehicle. Backpacks and large bags/purses are not permitted. 
• Remember to bring your photo identification, proof of full vaccination or a COVID-19 negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the event. This is required for all individuals 5 years of age and older. 
• Parking is available in the Green Lot and Yellow Lot behind Jersey Mike's Arena. Handicap spaces are on a first-come, first-serve basis. A limited shuttle service to and from the parking lots (Green & Yellow Lots) to Jersey Mike’s Arena will be available.
• Our ceremony will be livestreamed on the school's YouTube channel at this direct link: https://youtu.be/rhK06cD4kIg

Download this PDF for student information about the SMLR Convocation on Saturday, May 14th and the Rutgers University Commencement on Sunday, May 15th.

As of March 10, 2022, masks are not required for on-campus events at Rutgers University, although face coverings are encouraged for our indoor convocation ceremony at Jersey Mike's Arena.

Vaccination requirements:

• All attendees (including students, faculty, staff, and guests) at our May 14, 2022 convocation ceremony at Jersey Mike's Arena will be required to show proof of full vaccination or a COVID-19 negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the event and must remain compliant with published COVID-19 protocols. This applies to all individuals 5 years of age and older.
• Attendees at our post-ceremony reception outside on the Livingston Campus lawn are exempt from the proof of vaccine/negative test requirement.

The health and safety of the Rutgers University community remains our top priority. 

We ensure that all in-person events on campus are carried out in a manner that complies with CDC, New Jersey Department of Health, and Rutgers University guidelines. 

• Rutgers University–New Brunswick Commencement attendees will not be required to wear masks or show proof of vaccination in SHI Stadium for the ceremony on Sunday, May 15th. 
• Attendees who will be riding on Commencement Shuttle Buses on Sunday, May 15th will be required to wear masks while on the bus. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in contact recently with anyone who has been infected with COVID-19, we kindly ask that you stay home.

All travelers, foreign or domestic, must adhere to the U.S. Department of State Travel Restrictions.

Please continue to check the University Commencement website for the most up-to-date information.

For the SMLR Convocation ceremony on Saturday, May 14 at Jersey Mike's Arena:

Jersey Mike's Arena is located at 83 Rockafeller Road in Piscataway, NJ, on the Rutgers-New Brunswick Livingston Campus. Click here for directions.

No special parking tags are needed. Follow directions to Jersey Mike’s Arena on the Rutgers Livingston Campus. As you get close, signs and attendants will direct you to park. You may park in the Green and Yellow Lots behind the arena.

For parking at University Commencement on Sunday, May 15 at SHI Stadium: 

You will need to register for parking and get a special hangtag. Visit the University Commencement website for details and directions.

The School of Management and Labor Relations Class of 2022 Convocation Ceremony will be livestreamed on the school's YouTube channel at this direct link:

https://youtu.be/rhK06cD4kIg

After the ceremony concludes, a video of the livestream will be available for ongoing viewing.

Click on the links below to access the SMLR Class of 2022 Invitation 

No guest tickets are required for the SMLR convocation on May 14, 2022. You may bring as many guests as you would like! All guests are subject to the current Rutgers University COVID-19 policies in effect as of the ceremony date. Please see information below.

Graduates who have guests coming from abroad and need a letter to accompany their visa application, please see information on the Rutgers Global website. 

The Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR) is proud to announce that Helen Crossen, ’99, ’00, ‘05, Managing Director, Onex, will serve as the school’s 2022 Convocation Speaker. 

> Click here to read more 

Graduation events consist of two parts: School Convocation and University Commencement.

Convocation honors and recognizes the individual graduates and the honors earned from the School of Management and Labor Relations. University Commencement celebrates all members of the Class of 2022 from Rutgers–New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical & Health Sciences at one event. It is at University Commencement where President Holloway confers the degrees. The details of University Commencement can be found here: commencement.rutgers.edu.

SMLR’s Convocation will recognize and honor all SMLR undergraduate and graduate students earning any of the following degrees in January, May or August 2022:  

• Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
• Master of Labor and Employment Relations (MLER)
• Bachelor of Science in Labor and Employment Relations (BS LER)
• Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies and Employment Relations (BA LSER) *
• Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management (BA HRM)*

* BA degrees are awarded by Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences and are recognized at SMLR’s Convocation.

Undergraduate students who need 12 credits or less to graduate and plan to enroll in the Summer 2022 session to complete these credits may be included in SMLR’s Convocation as expected August 2022 graduates. Inclusion in the Convocation and University Commencement ceremonies should not be construed as verification of graduation.

Congratulations, SMLR Class of 2022!

Take the SMLR Career Services Post-Grad Survey

How to Order 

• Rutgers–New Brunswick graduates can purchase regalia from Barnes and Noble Rutgers University Bookstore through the online store.  
• Want to have it shipped to you?  Order online now through April 22 with the ship to home option. Delivery charge will apply.
• Regalia can also be purchased in store at the Barnes and Noble Rutgers University Bookstore (New Brunswick - Somerset Street location) beginning April 6.
• Grad Fair will be held at Barnes and Noble Rutgers University Bookstore (New Brunswick - Somerset Street location) on April 6 and 7 from 10am-6pm. Visit with representatives and see the selection of class rings, personalized announcements, diploma frames, and much more!

Gown & Hood/Trim Colors:    

• MHRM graduates – black gown with DUSK/DRAB (light brown) hood 
• MLER graduates – black gown with PEACOCK (blue) hood
• BS LER graduates (School 37, SMLR) – red gown with GOLD trim 
• BA LSER and BA HRM graduates (School 01, SAS) – red gown with WHITE trim

The tassel of the cap is worn on the right and turned to the left upon graduation.  

If you are a graduating student, please complete the post-graduation survey offered by Rutgers Career Exploration and Success. By completing the survey about your plans after graduation, you have an opportunity to be entered into a raffle to win your choice of a pair of Apple Air Pods or a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

Please check your graduation date to be sure it accurately reflects your degree completion through Degree Navigator. When you log in, you can see the date at the top right of the page in the box where your name, RUID, and NetID are listed. 

If you need to change your graduation date and are a SMLR student (BS LER), complete this form. If you are a School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) student (BA HRM or BA LSER), please contact your advisor at SAS Advising and Academic Services.  

Don't forget to apply for your diploma as soon as possible for either May 2022 or August 2022. All students must complete this online process to graduate.  Click here to view University deadlines for submission.  

Please note: All 2022 Graduates wishing to have their name included in the SMLR Convocation program must apply for their diploma by April 1 regardless of their graduation month.

To learn more about financial holds and loan exit counseling, visit the Student Accounting, Billing, and Cashier Services website.

Departmental Honors 

Bachelor students of the Human Resource Management program, Labor Studies and Employment Relations program, and Labor and Employment Relations program who achieve a 3.70 GPA or higher for coursework within their major will receive an excellence pin and a certificate upon graduation.

Latin Honors

The baccalaureate degree is conferred summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude for students achieving honors in the overall program of study at Rutgers University. All degree honors are determined by final cumulative GPA as listed below and are noted on the diploma and final transcript:

Note: Averages are not rounded to the next higher number in the calculation of honors.

Bachelor of Science students of the Labor and Employment Relations program achieving overall program honors of summa or magna cum laude will receive white cords from the School of Management and Labor Relations. The School of Arts and Sciences awards the honor cords for Bachelor of Arts students of the Human Resource Management and/or Labor Studies and Employment Relations program(s).

Submit your Degree Candidacy Form as soon as possible for either May 2022 or August 2022. All graduate students must complete this form to graduate. 

• MLER program graduates: Complete and submit the MLER Degree Candidacy Form to laborstudies@smlr.rutgers.edu.  
• MHRM program graduates: Complete and submit the MHRM Degree Candidacy Form to Rebecca Tinkham at tinkham@smlr.rutgers.edu. 
• Online Professional MHRM program graduates: Contact Allison Kushner at allison.kushner@rutgers.edu for the degree candidacy form. 

Don't forget to apply for your diploma as soon as possible. All students must complete this online process to graduate.

• SMLR Graduate Student Application Deadline for May 2022 graduates is April 1.
• SMLR Graduate Student Application Deadline for August 2022 graduates is August 15.  

Please note: All 2022 Graduates wishing to have their name included in the SMLR Convocation program must apply for their diploma by April 1 regardless of their graduation month.

To learn more about financial holds and loan exit counseling, visit the Student Accounting, Billing, and Cashier Services website.

All SMLR master’s degree students achieving a 4.000 GPA throughout their program receive gold cords to adorn their regalia.