Rites of Passage
Rites of Passage Ceremony
The Rites of Passage Ceremony is a pre-commencement celebration to honor Black and Hispanic/Latino identified students who through resolute persistence have successfully completed an Undergraduate or Graduate degree at Rutgers University–Camden. This annual pre-commencement event is a cultural celebration that recognizes the accomplishments, hard work, and dedication of our students while simultaneously acknowledging the accomplishments of our student’s families and networks of support. Distinguished speakers, student awards, performances, and the incorporation of African culture and Latin traditions—specifically the culminating medallion bestowing—all add to the vibrancy of this celebratory cultural day.
Participation in the Rites of Passage Graduation Ceremony is open to all students to honor our Black and Latino Rutgers University—Camden Undergraduate and Graduate students who have earned their degree between August 2023 and August 2024.
Tuesday, May 14
10 a.m. – Noon
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
About Rites of Passage
Rites of Passage is about honor, joy and celebration. The Rites of Passage Ceremony was established in 1992 by Juanita Jones-Daly to fill the need to provide a sense of community and belonging for Black and Latinx identified students. The ceremony traditionally features distinguished speakers, live performances, and the incorporation of African culture and traditions—specifically the culminating Rites of Passage medallion bestowing. The ceremony, led by the Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement and aims to provide our community with a cultural pre-commencement experience that draws on fellowship, community, and celebrates the accomplishments of Black and Latino students. At the Rites of Passage Ceremony, diversity at Rutgers is given an enhanced meaning as it extends notions of a beloved community, and allows our students and families to see themselves reflected in the university’s efforts to reward, acknowledge, and celebrate academic achievement.
The Medallion Bestowing
During the ceremony, each graduate will be presented with a Rites of Passage signature medallion. The Rites of Passage ritual in many cultures marks the transition from one phase of life into another. In African culture and tradition, the Rites of Passage ceremony indicates a specific accomplishment in one’s life and is executed to formally celebrate an honored life-cycle transition. During these ceremonies participants are often presented with a gift that signifies the passing of the torch. This “passing of the torch” recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of our ancestors on whose shoulders we continue to stand in pursuit of our goals. Only students who have registered and participate in the entire in-person Rites of Passage Ceremony will be eligible to receive a Rites of Passage medallion.
Tuesday, May 14
10 a.m. – Noon
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Scholarship Opportunity
Rutgers African American Alumni Alliance (RAAA) is excited to partner with the Rutgers Foundation to promote a scholarship opportunity for a Rutgers University-Camden graduating senior who has applied to and been accepted into an accredited post-graduate program for Fall 2024 with a preference for Rutgers University affiliated graduate programs. Application will be open from Friday, February 3, 2024
- Application Closes: Application must be completed and submitted by no later than Friday, March 31, 2024 at 11:59pm (EDT)
- Award: One eligible student will be awarded $2,000
- Eligibility: To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must have been enrolled at Rutgers University-Camden as undergraduate students and graduated within the past academic year (August 2023, October 2023, January 2024 or will be graduating in May 2024). Students must have applied to and been accepted into an accredited post-graduate program for Fall 2024 with a preference for Rutgers University affiliated graduate program at the time of completing the scholarship application. Students must also have financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid.
- Participation: Scholarship recipients will be required to attend the Rites of Passage award ceremony on the day of the event. The scholarship recipient will also serve as the honored student speaker on behalf of the graduating class.
- Registration Link: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NWeZ03Io0PLEoe
Graduate Registration
The ceremony centers Black and/or Latino identified Rutgers University–Camden Undergraduate and Graduate students who are expected to earn their degree during the current academic year. All Rutgers University—Camden students who are expected to earn their degree during this current academic year are welcome to participate and support this celebratory event.
Graduates must register: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1TSoVjECvhRXuQK
Students must register to participate in the ceremony by April 30th. Students who register will receive an additional email with information on what to expect the day of the ceremony. In order to be eligible to receive a Rites of Passage Medallion, students must complete the registration process and participate in the entire in-person Rites of Passage Ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Participation is open to all Rutgers University-Camden students that have petitioned for graduation in the Spring or the Summer of the current year. Students must register to participate.
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The Rites of Passage ceremony is an annual pre-commencement ceremony that is recognized among several institutions of higher education within the United States. It is a cultural celebration that is considered a secular right of passage into adulthood. It signifies an achievement in which through resolute persistence Black and Latino students have successfully navigated historical systemic post-secondary education access and retention barriers.
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The ceremony centers Black and/or Latino identified Rutgers University–Camden Undergraduate and Graduate students who are expected to earn their degree during the current academic year. All Rutgers University—Camden students who are expected to earn their degree during this current academic year are welcome to participate and support the event.
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Students are asked to arrive in the standard graduation cap and gown (regalia) that you have ordered from the Rutgers University-Camden Bookstore. You should arrive at the ceremony already dressed in your regalia.
Volunteer Opportunities
Event Volunteers (Open to faculty/staff/students/ alumni)
All Rutgers University—Camden faculty, staff, students and alumni are welcome to volunteer to assist with the planning/execution process.
Rutgers University Faculty/Staff Processional
We invite Rutgers Faculty/Staff to join us in our faculty/staff opening procession and closing recession at the Annual Rites of Passage Ceremony. Faculty/staff who are interested in participating in the ceremony will be seated on stage and are required to wear their academic regalia.