Affinity Celebrations FAQs

Affinity celebrations are student-led, staff-supported events that serve as a space to celebrate the accomplishments of graduates while centering their shared cultural traditions and community values. ​​​​These celebrations are open to ALL Rutgers-Newark graduates; pre-registration is required.

Rainbow Graduation 

• Celebrates LGBTQIA+ identified graduates 

Undocu-Graduation 

• Celebrates undocu/DACAmented identified graduates and those with mixed family status

Rites of Passage 

• Celebrates Black/African, Latinx, and identified and connected graduates   

Potential graduates will need to sign up to participate in the affinity celebrations. The organizing committee of the corresponding celebration will provide check-in instructions. 

We celebrate all our Rutgers University students on their special day; however, the three commencement celebrations will only be for Rutgers University-Newark graduates. 

YES! You will need to pre-register first to participate. 

Graduating student sign up: Affinity Celebration Signup 

Guest RSVP: IRC Affinity Graduations (google.com)

YES! Graduate Students are welcome! You must pre-register through the page to participate as any graduating student. 

Graduating student sign up: Affinity Celebration Signup 

Guest RSVP: IRC Affinity Graduations (google.com)

Students will receive a stole at the end of the celebration as a gift to wear for commencement. Please order your gown from the bookstore for Rainbow Graduation and Rites of Passage.

Parking in specified RU-N campus lots will be free for all guests who pre-register their vehicles (see links below). Street Parking around campus is free after 6:00 pm

• Rites of Passage: Nwk Rites of Passage Parking
• Undocu Graduation: Nwk Undocu Graduation Parking
• Rainbow Graduation: Nwk Rainbow Graduation Parking

We welcome as many people as possible for our celebrations; please provide numbers on the signup form.  

We invite families of graduates/chosen family members to attend the ceremonies. However, as space frees up, Community Members are invited to celebrations. 

Food will be provided at all three events. 

There will be a list of folks we will collect to cross-reference the name; no ticket but a check-in will be present. 

The affinity celebrations are free to attend. 

Please note the dietary requirements on the signup sheet. If you need accessibility, please mention it on the form as well. 

We ask that our graduating students dress up in their preferred "graduation celebration” attire. For Rainbow Graduation and Rites of Passage participants please wear your cap and gown😊