Congratulations Graduates!
May marks graduation time at Ocean County College. Find Ceremony Times & Dates, Order your Cap & Gown, Where to pick up your Special Regalia Items, Venue information for guests & More!
Cap and Gown Orders
- For verification purposes, please enter your OCC student email address and your full name (as shown on your student ID) on the shipping address at checkout.
- Before check out, please enter the graduation promo code (see below). After entering the promo code, you will NOT need to pay for this order.
- Each student must place their own order under the student’s name. Please do not include more than one set of caps and gowns in your order.
- Students ordering caps and gowns use the code OCC2025 to apply the 100% off shipping discount code.
- All cap and gown orders must be submitted by May 9th, 2025
Special Regalia Items
Special Regalia item to pick up:
- Honor Societies
- Veterans
Special Regalia items include:
- Students with a final grade point average of 3.5 or higher are eligible for gold tassels.
- Honors by Contract students who complete the program are eligible for a tassel and stole.
- NJStars students are eligible to receive a pin.
- Veterans are eligible to receive a cord.
- Psi Beta, Psychology Honor Society members are eligible to receive a cord.
- Sigma Kappa Delta, English Honor Society members, are eligible to receive a pin.
Pick up information:
Week of Commencement
Monday and Tuesday
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Student Center – Information Desk (first floor)
Please contact Student Life at 732-255-0348 with any questions about special regalia items.
Commencement Week Ceremonies Dates and Time
Find the official schedule for all Commencement Week ceremonies, including times, locations, and broadcast details for those viewing remotely.
58th Annual Commencement Ceremony
- There is no rehearsal, please arrive on time so you know what to do for the ceremony.
- Graduates must arrive at OCC by 3 p.m. Recommended Parking lot is Lot #3
- Graduates will assemble outside the Hovnanian Health Sciences Building (#102). Graduates who arrive late will enter the procession at the end of the line.
Inclement Weather
In the event of severe weather conditions, Commencement will be moved to Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m.
The decision to move the ceremony will be made by 12 noon on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, and will be announced on the College website, Ocean TV20, or by calling 732-255-0400 for a recorded message.
Nurses Pinning Ceremony
Inclement Weather
Students and guests will report to the HPE Gymnasium on Tuesday, May 20, for the 5:00 p.m. ceremony. A link to the Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony live stream will be posted on the College website (ocean.edu)
The decision to move the Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony due to inclement weather will be made by noon on Monday, May 19, and will be announced on the College website (ocean.edu) and Ocean TV20.
Awards Ceremony
TV Schedule
2025 Commencement Broadcast Schedule
Ocean County College’s ceremonies will be broadcast live on Ocean.edu and Ocean TV 20 via Comcast Channel 20 and Verizon FiOS of Northern Ocean County Channel 24.
Nurses Pinning Ceremony
- Tuesday, May 20 – 5:00 p.m. – LIVE
- Wednesday, May 21 – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 22 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 23 – 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 24 – 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 25 – 7:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony
- Tuesday, May 20 – 7:00 p.m. – LIVE
- Wednesday, May 21 – 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 22 – 9:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 23 – 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 24 – 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 25 – 8:30 p.m.
Commencement Ceremony
- Wednesday, May 21 – 4:00 p.m. – LIVE
- Thursday, May 22 – 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, May 22 – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 23 – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 24 – 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 25 – 9:30 p.m.
Guest Information
This section provides important details to help guests prepare for Commencement. Learn about on-site photography services, safety and security guidelines, seating policies, and accessibility accommodations. We encourage all attendees to review this information in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Photography
Family and friends may take pictures at the ceremony from their seats.
Island Photography is our official Commencement Photographer for 2025.
- They will provide professional photo coverage for every graduate as they are recognized during the ceremony.
- Proofs will be delivered via email within 48-72 hours after the ceremony.
Please contact their customer service team at custserv@islandphoto.com or 800-869-0908 if you have any concerns or questions.
Guests
Guests are not permitted to save seats.
To ensure the safety of all of our attendants strict security regulations will be followed. ALL backpacks, and large bags are prohibited from campus during the Commencement Ceremony. All other bags will be subject to search.
Handicapped Access
Students participating in the Commencement Ceremony who require special accommodations should contact Student Life at studentlife@ocean.edu at least three days before the ceremony.
A section of Parking Lot 4 is designated for Handicapped Parking on a first-come, first-served basis. A state-issued Handicapped Parking Pass is required.
Please use our up-to-date Campus Map for directions for parking and accessible walkways on campus.