Get ready for NAU Commencement
We’re proud of your accomplishments as a Lumberjack and want to help you prepare for this exciting day. To verify your college, please go to your LOUIE account and click on the Academics tab. If your college is listed as Provost Office, you will participate in the NAU Yuma college ceremony. Online students will participate in the college ceremony that aligns with their major. The following information will provide details about regalia, announcements, and prepping for the ceremony.
928-523-5291
commencement@nau.edu
Eligibility for Commencement
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. Northern Arizona University commencement ceremonies recognize the conferring of degrees; students earning only a certificate are not invited to participate in the commencement exercises. Any concerns or questions about this policy can be directed to commencement@nau.edu.
- Baccalaureate degree students graduating in the spring or summer term are included in the spring ceremony, and their names are published in the May commencement program.
- Baccalaureate degree students graduating in the fall or winter term are included in the fall ceremony, and their names are published in the December commencement program.
- Graduate degree students graduating in the spring term are included in the spring ceremony, and their names are published in the May commencement program.
- Graduate degree students graduating in the summer, fall or winter term are included in the fall ceremony, and their names are published in the December commencement program.
Preparation for students ahead of commencement
Apply for graduation
Candidates with an approved graduation application on file with the Registrar are invited to participate in the Commencement exercises. Candidates must apply before the appropriate graduation deadline.
Apply now:
Purchase your cap and gown
The NAU bookstore and Herff Jones both offer convenient options to purchase all of your commencement items:
- Cap/tam, gown, tassel, honor cords, stoles of gratitude, and class rings
- Announcements and regalia
- Deadline for online cap and gown purchases is November 15, 2024
- Online purchases cannot be made after November 15, 2024
Undergraduates are eligible for Latin Honors if they have successfully completed 30 units at NAU and have an exemplary grade point average. Master students with a GPA of 3.9 may also purchase honor cords. To order, call the NAU Bookstore at 928-523-6691.
Ticketing information
October 28-November 15: Priority registration for graduates; up to 4 guest tickets guaranteed *guest tickets not guaranteed if form is submitted after November 15
November 18: Additional ticket requests will be assessed and fulfilled if possible
December 6: Deadline to register for commencement and receive any guest tickets *no guest tickets will be issued after this date
Students will initially be able to request up to (4) tickets for their guests. After every graduating student has the opportunity to receive their (4) guaranteed guest tickets, additional tickets will be assigned based on availability. Tickets are required for all guests 4 years or older. Graduates must display their GradPass (received upon completion of the RSVP form) for entry.
For any special requests or questions about requesting more guest tickets, please email Commencement@nau.edu.
Commencement t-shirts
Online orders will be available for pickup on the day of commencement. To receive your order, prior to the ceremony, please stop by our booth which is conveniently located in the east concourse of the Skydome.
Purchase your honors cord
The NAU Bookstore and Herff Jones both offer convenient options to purchase all of your commencement items:
- Cap/tam, gown, tassel, honor cords, stoles of gratitude
- Announcements and regalia
- More information coming soon
Undergraduates are eligible for Latin Honors if they have successfully completed 30 units at NAU and have an exemplary grade point average. Master students with a GPA of 3.9 may also purchase honor cords. To order, call the NAU Bookstore at 928-523-6691.
When and where to assemble
- Please arrive one hour prior to your ceremony start time. Proceed to the Skydome floor for student staging, accessed by the stairs at the north end of the Skydome.
- Only graduating students and faculty in cap and gown will be permitted to participate in commencement.
- Please do not bring anything with you to the student gathering area on the floor of the Skydome — leave coats, purses, etc. with family or friends.
- You will NOT be allowed to carry backpacks or bags/purses to the floor with you.
- Alcohol, air horns, balloons/beach balls are not permitted in the guest or student seating areas.
- More information is emailed the week of commencement.