May 14, 2025: Important Information Regarding the Arching Ceremony

Ramapo College will host Class of 2025 graduates and guests for the time-honored tradition of Arching on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The Arching Ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. and is held at the Arch.

Arching ceremonies mark both the beginning and ending of the Ramapo College experience. On their first day as Ramapo students, the Class of 2025 students processed up Mansion Road and through the Arch where they were greeted by our College President. On May 14, 2025, graduates of the Class of 2025 will process through the Arch and down Mansion Road as it is lined with cheering families, friends, faculty, and staff. This signifies the completion of the Ramapo experience.

The Arching Ceremony is designed for graduates to bring TWO guests for the most optimal viewing experience for all guests. (see event photography section below) The ceremony will be livestreamed.

Arching is an outdoor event that involves a lot of walking and standing for guests. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Event Registration Required  (Opens April 1)

The Arching Ceremony is open to all graduates (undergraduate, masters, and doctoral).  Registration will open on April 1. There is no cost to attend but an RSVP by the graduate is required by May 2. Registration by May 2 includes event admittance and up to three food vouchers (one per graduate and one per guest– max 2 guests) for the Post-Arching Reception immediately after the formal Arching Ceremony.

Access to Campus & Parking Information

The North entrance to the College closes starting at 9:00 a.m. Graduates and guests are directed to the South entrance. Parking is available in the B-D Lots. Handicap parking is in Lot A.

Event Photography

During the Arching Ceremony, guests’ view near the Arch may become obstructed by faculty greeting graduates. Please plan your viewing location accordingly.

The Ceremony will be livestreamed at ramapo.edu/commencement.

Prior to Arching

Retail Outlets: Below please find the hours for the retail outlets that will be open on Arching Day.

• Dunkin’, TBA
• Common Grounds, TBA

Photos: Graduates and their guests are invited to come to campus starting at 3 p.m. to take their own photos and socialize in the Grove/Arch area.

Photo opportunities are as follows:
Congratulations Message on Lawn (across from the Bradley Center)
North Entrance Sign (at the North Entrance to campus)
RCNJ Letters (Learning Commons)
The Arch (Arch/Grove area)* Note: At 4 p.m., the line for photos at the Arch will close in preparation for the Arching Ceremony. It will reopen after the ceremony.

Galleries: Numerous senior projects will be on display in the Kresge and Pascal Galleries in the Berrie Center until 6:30 p.m.

Ceremonies by Invitation: Other special recognition programs take place on campus throughout the day:

• 10 a.m. Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Bradley Center Arena
• 12 p.m. Rites of Passage Ceremony, Friends Hall/SC219
• 2 p.m. Academic Achievement Ceremony, Sharp Theater

Post-Arching Reception

Immediately following the Arching ceremony, pre-registered graduates and guests are invited to attend the Farewell Post-Arching Reception at the Bradley Center and along Cherry Lane.  Enjoy the company of your peers, live music and food trucks until 7 p.m.!

The food trucks will have food and beverages available for purchase, and registered graduates and guests may use their food vouchers. All food trucks will accept cash. Credit cards, Venmo and Apple Pay are also accepted depending on the vendor.

Food vouchers for faculty and staff will be available starting at 5:30pm.

A limited number of tables and chairs will be available at this event, graduates and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities. Guests may wish to drop their chairs and blankets on the hill along Cherry Lane prior to enjoying the celebration in the Grove and watching Arching.

Arching Day Rain Plan