Commencement special events
Celebrate your academic journey with special events that recognize your accomplishments and contributions to the NAU community.
Spring 2026 celebrations
These celebrations are open to all graduating students. The Spring 2026 celebrations will take place in person on NAU’s Flagstaff campus. In order to receive a stole, you must RSVP and attend the in-person celebration(s).
Rainbow Celebration
Saturday, May 2, 2026
3–5 p.m.
Prochnow Auditorium
Asian and Pacific Islander Celebration
Thursday, May 7, 2026
9–10:30 a.m.
Ardrey Auditorium
Indigenous Celebration
Thursday, May 7, 2026
12:30–2 p.m.
Ardrey Auditorium
Black/African/African-American Celebration
Thursday, May 7, 2026
3:30–5 p.m.
Ardrey Auditorium
Veterans Celebration
Thursday, May 7, 2026
4–6 p.m.
Ashurst Auditorium
Questions? Contact vets@nau.edu
Hispanic/Latine Celebration
Thursday, May 7, 2026
6:30–8 p.m.
Ardrey Auditorium
FAQs
What are these events?
Special celebratory events are separate from university-wide Commencement ceremonies and honor graduating students for their academic and personal achievements. Stoles are given during these ceremonies and may be worn at Commencement. Degrees are officially conferred during Commencement, not at celebrations.
What happens at a celebration?
Celebrations include guest speakers, cultural performances, and the presentation of stoles for graduates to wear during Commencement.
Who can participate?
Any graduating student is eligible to participate, as room capacity permits. Graduating students will receive an email in their NAU inbox with details and an invitation to RSVP.
How many guests can I bring?
You may include up to four (4) guests in your RSVP. For more guests, email inclusion@nau.edu to request additional accommodations.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the celebration begins to check in and be seated.
Is there a livestream?
No, these events are not livestreamed.
What accessibility accommodations are available for these celebrations?
All venues offer ADA seating and companion options. For specific accommodation needs, contact inclusion@nau.edu at least one week prior to the ceremony.
Academic receptions
Our college-hosted academic receptions allow fellow students, faculty, and guests to honor students' accomplishments.
Plans are underway! Each college will host academic receptions to honor their students. Event details will be posted here once available. We encourage you to check back regularly for the latest information.
College of Arts and Letters
CAL Outstanding Senior Reception *invite only
Thursday, May 7, 2026
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Riles Building, 3rd Floor
College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
CEFNS Awards Celebration *invite only
Friday, May 8, 2026
2–3 p.m.
Science & Health Building, Room 105
College of Health and Human Services
Dental Hygiene Pinning Ceremony *invite only
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
2–4 p.m.
International Pavilion
Communication Sciences & Disorders *invite only
Thursday, May 7, 2026
1–3 p.m.
Health Professions Building, Room 101
Nutrition Celebration *invite only
Thursday, May 7, 2026
3–4 p.m.
Hotel and Restaurant Management Building, Courtyard
Communication Sciences & Disorders *invite only
Friday, May 8, 2026
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Health Professions Building, Room 101
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Communication
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
5–8 p.m.
Communication Building
Social Work
Thursday, May 7, 2026
9–11:30 a.m.
DuBois Ballroom
Politics and International Affairs
Thursday, May 7, 2026
4:30–6:30 p.m.
DuBois Ballroom
Institute for Human Development
Friday, May 8, 2026
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Institute for Human Development
Psychological Sciences
Friday, May 8, 2026
3:30–5 p.m.
International Pavilion
Institute for Human Development
Saturday, May 9, 2026
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Institute for Human Development
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Geography, Planning and Recreation
Sociology
Saturday, May 9, 2026
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Castro Building, Room 110
Anthropology
Saturday, May 9, 2026
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
International Pavilion
Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing
Pinning Ceremony
Flagstaff
Friday, May 8, 2026
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Ardrey Auditorium
Yuma
Monday, May 4, 2026
5:30–7 p.m.
AWC Schoening Center
Tucson
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
6–7 p.m.
Himaya Garden
North Valley
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
3–5 p.m.
Park Terrace Senior Living
Questions? Contact nursing@nau.edu.
The W. A. Franke College of Business
Senior Send Off
Thursday, May 7, 2026
12–1 p.m.
Hotel and Restaurant Management Building