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Frequently Asked Questions
Does attending commencement guarantee that I graduate?
No. All of your academic requirements must be complete and all necessary paperwork must be on file by the deadline date before you actually graduate. Consult the Registration and Records page with graduation application and fee deadline information.
Will my name be read at the commencement ceremony?
Yes. Your name will be read when you walk up to the stage to pick up your diploma cover.
Will my name appear in the program?
Your name will only appear in the program, if you have SUBMITTED YOUR GRADUATION APPLICATION WITH REG/REC BY THE PUBLISHED DATES. ALSO - if you have filed a "no release of directory information" with Reg/Rec, YOUR NAME WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. An official Commencement Bulletin, including a complete listing of graduates with degrees and honors earned, will be published after Commencement. It will be mailed by the NIU Office of Registration and Records to all persons receiving degrees in December 2007 and May 2008.
Will I get my diploma at commencement?
No. You will receive your diploma cover at the ceremony. Diplomas for May graduates will be mailed to your permanent address in mid-July.
How long will the ceremony last?
About 2-2 1/2 hours.
Will the president and provost of the university be at my ceremony?
Yes. The president and provost will attend your commencement ceremony.
Caps, Gowns, and Tassels
How long will it take me to pick up my cap, gown, and hood?
It usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes.
Do I have to order my cap, gown, and hood in advance to get the right size?
No. You will be asked your height when you pick up your cap and gown. Caps are one-size-fits-all up to size 7 1/2. Larger size caps will be available.
Do I have to pay for my cap and gown?
No. This service is taken care of through graduation fees.
Can a friend pick up my cap, gown, and hood if I'm unable to do so?
Yes. Please make sure your friend knows your height and has a photo copy of your photo I.D.
Do I get to keep my tassel?
Yes, but you will be required to turn in your cap, gown, and master or doctoral hood after the ceremony.
Guests & Guest Tickets
Am I required to have tickets for my guests?
YES, there is a limit of 10 tickets per graduation candidate. Children over the age of 1 (one) do have to have a ticket.
How do I have to get tickets for my guests?
Students can pick up guest tickets at the Convocation Center Ticket Office (Entrance 2) on Monday, May 5th through Friday, May 9th, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
What if I am unable to pick up my guest tickets on those dates?
Students can e-mail commencement@niu.edu BY 6 p.m. on May 9th to request tickets be held at the Convocation Center Ticket Office for pickup during regular business hours: M-F, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. In the email, they MUST INCLUDE their name, college, and requested number of guest tickets (up to 10). If you send someone to pick up your tickets, they need to have a copy of your ID with a note written and signed by you allowing them to take your tickets.
What if I have more guests than allowed?
We do not anticipate that there will be any extra tickets. However, you can e-mail commencement@niu.edu, putting "extra tickets" in the subject line, and we will respond after May 13th if there are extra tickets available. In your e-mail, you MUST include your name, college and how many extra tickets you may need.
The ceremonies will be professionally videotaped and streamed live on the Internet. Copies of the ceremonies will be available for purchase on both VHS and DVD formats. Details are available at www.media.niu.edu/media/video/commencement.shtml.
Have arrangements been made for persons with disabilities?
Yes, the Convocation Center is committed to making events accessible to all of our guests. We offer a number of services to aid our guest with special needs, including ushering, easy-access seating and first aid. If your guest is in a wheelchair, you will need to bring it with you.
For assistance call 815.752.6800
Are there accommodations for children?
Child care is not provided and guests are asked to keep a close watch on children. Children may not accompany graduates in either the assembly area or during the ceremony. Children over the age of one will need a guest ticket.
Due to theatre seating in the arena, strollers are discouraged. There is no place to park a stroller next to any of the guest seats. |
