Commencement Parking Available on First-Come, First-Served Basis for Rutgers Graduates and Guests, but Online Registration is Required

Officials urge early arrival and mass-travel options for trips among campuses

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Members of Rutgers’ Class of 2015 are eligible to receive up to two free commencement parking passes for themselves and guests, but only if they register here through April 19.

Registrants will be mailed maps, driving instructions and special vehicle hangtags color-coded to specific parking zones. Preferences will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until each parking zone is filled to capacity. Graduates and guests should plan to park in the zone located on the campus where their last event of the day will take place.

Rutgers-New Brunswick’s 249th anniversary commencement will be held Sunday, May 17, at High Point Solutions Stadium on the Busch Campus in Piscataway, starting at 12:30 p.m. Gates at the 52,000-seat stadium will open at 10:30 a.m. Free shuttle bus service from downtown New Brunswick at the train station and from the College Avenue and Livingston campuses will begin at 8 a.m. and run every three to five minutes into the evening to assist with traffic flow.

Visitors are urged to arrive early to allow ample time to park and walk to the stadium, or to take one of the complimentary buses to the stadium from the passenger pick-up points on the campuses. More than 40,000 are expected to attend and maximizing the number of attendees per car will be key to minimizing the amount of traffic for the day.

There will be a security check when entering the stadium. Bags or purses larger than 4½ inches by 6½ inches will not be permitted in the stadium. Cameras and binoculars (without a bag), umbrellas and seat cushions may be carried in on their own or in a clear plastic bag. Strollers and walkers are permitted.

Once the student registration period has ended, any remaining parking hangtags will be offered for purchase at $5 each on the website on a first-come, first-served basis starting April 20. All hangtags will be mailed at the end of April to the address specified.

Parking permits issued by the Rutgers Department of Transportation for use during the year will not be valid May 17. Commencement hangtags are not needed for collegiate convocations and receptions held on other days.

For information on special needs parking, for which a dedicated Rutgers hangtag is required in addition to government-issued handicapped parking placards, call 848-932-2469. A registration form is available here. For information on commencement, visit here.