Commencement

Congratulations to our Lumberjacks and the families and friends who support them! Commencement marks the achievement of your hard work and celebrates this memorable milestone.

Find ceremony schedules, guest information, and important resources for NAU’s Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 Commencement events.

Celebrate your achievement and get ready for the big day. This page has everything you need, from ceremony times to ticket details, to help you prepare for your celebration.

Fall 2026 Commencement

Save the date! Fall commencement is scheduled for December 11, 2026. All colleges will participate in one ceremony at 10 a.m.

Spring 2026 Commencement

NAU's Spring Commencement will take place May 7-8, 2027 at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff. Explore the Commencement Program to celebrate our graduates and their outstanding achievements. The current semester’s commencement program will be posted online the week of the commencement ceremonies.

Friday, May 7, 2027

10 a.m.

  • College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

3 p.m.

  • College of Health and Human Services
  • Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing
  • Steve Sanghi College of Engineering

Saturday, May 8, 2027

10 a.m.

  • The W. A. Franke College of Business
  • NAU–Yuma

3 p.m.

  • College of Education
  • College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Watch the ceremony live

Can’t attend in person? Watch the livestream of NAU Commencement on YouTube.

Plan your visit

Graduating student information

NAU’s commencement ceremonies are open to all degree-earning students. Certificate-only students are not eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony.

Check your NAU email regularly for instructions on ordering regalia, RSVP's, and guest ticket requests.

Ordering regalia

Graduates may order their regalia through the NAU Bookstore or Herff Jones. More information regarding purchase deadlines is sent to graduates’ NAU email addresses.

Guest information

Find everything you need to know to enjoy Commencement as a guest.

Sign up for our commencement guest email list to receive important updates and event information.

Commencement guest guide

What to expect

  • A clear bag policy will be in effect at all Commencement ceremonies. Prohibited items include:
    • Large signs, balloons, and noisemakers of any kind
    • Diaper Bags
  • All ceremonies will be held at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff.
  • For real-time event info, text “Hi” to 833-511-0151 to chat with Cappy, NAU’s Commencement chatbot.
  • Download the NAUgo app to access schedules, maps, and updates on the go. Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
  • In support of NAU’s carbon neutrality goal, Commencement programs are digital-only. The official program will be posted online the week of the event, and commemorative single-page programs are handed out at the event. 
  • Uber and Lyft services are available at the San Francisco Parking Garage (P96B). A continuous shuttle service will transport guests between the garage or P62 and the Skydome throughout the day.
  • Altitude advisory: Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet. Be sure to hydrate, take breaks, and monitor for signs of altitude sickness.

Graduate RSVP & Guest Ticket Requests

Fall 2026

The graduate RSVP and guest tickets request form will be open from September 28-November 15. All eligible graduates will be sent more information to their NAU email beginning in September 2026.

  • Graduates must RSVP to participate in their commencement ceremony.
  • All guests ages 4 years or older need tickets to attend a commencement ceremony.
  • Late guest ticket requests will be accepted via email or phone call after the form closes through November 30, or until sold out.

Please note: Only graduates are able to request guest tickets, and all guest tickets will be issued to the graduate in their tassel account.

Spring 2027

The graduate RSVP and guest tickets request form will be open from March 1-April 11. All eligible graduates will be sent more information to their NAU email beginning in January 2027.

  • Late guest ticket requests will be accepted via email or phone call after the form closes through April 26, or until sold out.
Commencement guest guide

Directions and parking

We’re excited to welcome you to campus! Be sure to learn how to get here and instructions for parking on campus as a guest ahead of time.

Get directions and parking details

University special events/celebrations

In addition to the main ceremonies, convocations and college receptions recognize academic accomplishments, leadership, and student identity.

View special events