Mason Gross Commencement Convocation 2022

Alexander Silvis

Alexander Silvis is a fourth-year BFA dance major with a second major in Mathematics hailing from Vernon, New York. In his four years here, he has performed works by Pam Tanowitz, John Evans, Katy Pyle, Sean Curran, Chien- Ying Wang, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, and Artichoke Dance. Additionally, he has performed in numerous student works, and has had his own works performed in numerous venues including the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Northeastern Adjudication Showcase.

Alexander has also spent his time here as a leader within the Dance Department, having seats on the department’s faculty search committee, National Department Chair Search Committee, and having just been inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, where he is graduating with honors. Along with this, he has held positions as both a Mason Gross Ambassador and a Department Class Representative.

You must complete a diploma application in order to officially graduate.

Any undergraduate who has six or fewer outstanding credits may be allowed to participate in the Mason Gross Convocation ceremony provided they have enrolled in the appropriate courses in an accredited summer program and have had the summer credits preapproved by their academic advisor. These students will officially graduate in August. If you need to update your class year, please contact your academic advisor.

If you are feeling ill the day of an event or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, we kindly ask that you do not attend.

• Patrons two years or older are strongly recommended to wear masks at all times inside the venue.
• Patrons under 12 are not required to show proof of vaccine or present test results, however temperatures will be checked and must be 100.3 or below to be allowed entry into the venue.
• Patrons 12 and older must show one of the following options to be allowed entry into the theater:
  • Proof of a fully COVID-19 vaccinated status, booster not required, as defined by the CDC via one of the methods below:
    • A vaccination card (you may present proof on paper or a smartphone)
    • NJ’s Docket App
  • A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance date via the method below:
    • Lab/Test result printout
  • A negative COVID-19 Antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance time via the method below:
    • Lab/Test result printout. (The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test. At-home rapid tests will not be accepted. )

Get through the line faster! Use this app to share your vaccination status or test results and get to your seat faster:

• NJ’s Docket App — available for download to your mobile device on Apple App Store or Google Play Store

All patrons 12 years or above must also present a photo ID (valid driver’s license, passport, or school ID) to match the name with the vaccination card or COVID-19 test. You may present proof of vaccination or a negative test on paper or a smartphone.

Guidelines are subject to change at any time, and some artists and shows may require more stringent measures. Please refer to The State Theatre’s website for the latest policies.

What time and where do I report to the ceremony?

If you are planning to take part in the convocation ceremony, you should report to the Civic Square Building between 12–12:30 p.m. for check-in. You will receive all instructions at that time.

Is there a rehearsal for the convocation?

There will not be a rehearsal for students. All necessary information will be relayed to you when you report to the Civic Square Building. Mason Gross staff will assist you step-by-step through the ceremony.

What if I have a guest with a disability attending the ceremony?

Accessible seating will be available in the rear of the orchestra section of the State Theatre and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate all requests and per ADA laws, those requiring accessible seating will have one (1) companion seat in addition to their accessible seat. Graduating students should contact advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu if your guests have any hearing, visual or mobility impairments. Accessible seating can only be guaranteed for those who inform the Dean’s Office prior to the ceremony. All held seats will be forfeit 10 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony start time. Guests can be dropped off at the main entrance if all accessible parking is full.

When contacting advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu with accessibility requests, please be sure to let us know if your guest requires a wheelchair accessible space or if they have a visual or hearing impairment.

What time should my guests arrive at the State Theatre?

The Theatre will open at 12:30 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; there is no reserved seating. Be sure to allow ample time for arrival due to traffic patterns and weather.

What is the State Theatre’s COVID-19 policy?

Please visit the State Theatre’s website for the most current information.

How do I get to the State Theatre? Where do I park?

Parking is available for a fee in a few locations in the downtown New Brunswick area. View directions and parking at the State Theatre’s website.

What time does the State Theatre open?

The Theatre will open at 12:30 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; there is no reserved seating. Be sure to allow ample time for arrival due to traffic patterns and weather.

Note: For your safety and security, The State Theatre has instituted bag checks and upon entry. While the process is quite efficient, please allow time to complete the bag check. Your patience and understanding during this process is appreciated.

What can I bring with me?

This is a very busy event, and space in the seating area is limited. The event staff cannot monitor or be responsible for personal items. Flowers and balloons are not permitted in the seating area.

Can I save seats for family who are running late?

In order to accommodate all those in attendance, please wait for your entire party prior to entering the seating area. All empty seats will be filled by event staff as necessary.

What is the late seating policy?

If you arrive late to the ceremony, you will be seated at the discretion of the event management in a predetermined late seating area. Late seating usually occurs after the student and faculty processionals, roughly 10 to 15 minutes into the ceremony. After that, seating will be determined by the event staff and seat availability.

What if there are no more seats when I arrive?

Due to fire codes, there is a limit to the number of people allowed in the State Theatre. Once this number is met, no more people will be admitted. It is suggested that you make sure you give yourself ample time to get to New Brunswick, park, and walk to the theater. The State Theatre has a video/audio feed into the lobby for the full event.

Can we sit near or with our graduate?

No. The family seating area will be determined by event staff.

Can we bring an infant or small child?

All infants and small children should be able to sit quietly, or you will be asked to leave the ceremony. Please make arrangements for childcare if your infant or small child cannot sit quietly for the duration of the ceremony. Strollers and car seats are not permitted in the seating area.

What if I have a guest with a disability attending the ceremony?

Accessible seating will be available in the rear of the orchestra section of the State Theatre and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate all requests and per ADA laws, those requiring accessible seating will have one (1) companion seat in addition to their accessible seat. Graduating students should contact advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu if you are guests have any hearing, visual or mobility impairments. Accessible seating can only be guaranteed for those who inform the Dean’s Office prior to the ceremony. All held seats will be forfeit 10 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony start-time. Guests can be dropped off at the main entrance if all accessible parking is full.

When contacting advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu with accessibility requests, please be sure to let us know if your guest requires a wheelchair accessible space or if they have a visual or hearing impairment.

How long will the ceremony last?

The ceremony lasts approximately two hours, depending on the number of students graduating.

Can I bring food, beverages, or bottled water into the ceremony?

No. Food or beverages are not allowed in the State Theatre.

Can I take pictures?

Yes, you can take pictures. However, we ask that you be aware of students and other guests and not obstruct the aisles or block the view for someone else.

Can I meet my graduate in the seating area after the ceremony?

It is respectfully requested that families and friends arrange to meet each other at the reception in the Civic Square Building following the ceremony. The seating area closes directly after the ceremony ends.