For students
We want to extend our congratulations to you, once again! To prepare you for the ceremony, we've prepared this list below to be your one-stop destination for all the commencement ceremony information you need. There are no restrictions of the number of guests. Guest seating is open (no reserved seats). No tickets are required.
Northern Arizona University holds commencement exercises in December and May of each year, and degrees are awarded at the end of Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms.
If you graduate in the Summer term, we include you in the Spring ceremony and publish your name in the May commencement program. If you graduate in the Winter term, we include you in the Fall ceremony and publish your name in the December commencement program.
Spring 2013 ceremony
All candidates completing degree requirements at the close of the Spring 2013 semester and baccalaureate candidates completing degree requirements at the close of the summer 2013 semester, who have an approved graduation application on file with the Registrar, are invited to participate in the Spring Commencement exercises on Friday or Saturday, May 10 and 11, 2013.
The Commencement Program will include the names of candidates earning degrees for the spring 2013 semester and baccalaureate candidates earning degrees for the summer 2013 semester.
Attendance at commencement is not mandatory for a candidate; however, we do encourage your attendance. Enjoy the excitement of your milestone moment! Diplomas will not be available at commencement and will be mailed later to all those who qualify.
Ceremony logistics
When to arrive
All candidates will assemble in the designated staging areas one hour prior to the ceremony start time; 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. (see Commencement Schedules) so that the procession can be organized and be ready to march promptly at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Students will begin moving to the floor at 20 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.
How to assemble
Candidates will assemble in the staging areas designated in the Skydome. Only graduating students and faculty in cap and gown will be permitted to participate in commencement.
What to wear
Bachelors
Candidates for the bachelor degree will wear a cap and gown.
Masters
Candidates for the master degree will wear a cap, gown, and carry the hood over their left arm. Master students will be hooded before they cross the stage.
Doctoral
Candidates for the doctoral degree will wear a cap, gown, and carry their hood over their left arm. Doctoral students will be hooded before they cross the stage.
Caps and gowns
Caps, gowns, and/or hoods are available at the Northern Arizona University Bookstore. Announcements and other graduation items are also available at the bookstore. You should contact the bookstore to purchase your cap, gown, and hood (928-523-4041 or 1-800-426-7674) or you can order all items on-line at: nau.edu/bookstore.
During the Ceremony
After you have reached your seat, remain standing until the university administrators, deans, and commencement guests are in place on the platform. If you leave your seat during the ceremony, upon your return you will be asked to remain at the floor entrance until the next break in the proceedings, at which time you will be allowed to return to your seat. Please set your cell phones to "vibrate" or "off" to avoid disturbing others.
The Provost will ask candidates to rise and proceed to the stage to be recognized. Do not leave personal items in the stands or on the field-level chairs. When all students have been individually recognized and presented to the President, the President will confer upon the entire group of candidates their respective degree, as listed in the commencement program.
Closing of ceremony
A recessional for the platform party, faculty, and students will be conducted at the close of the ceremony.
Following commencement we will have designated areas outside for families to meet their graduate. Signs will be posted to indicate these areas. There is no access to the stage area following the ceremonies.