The information below is for spring 2012 or summer 2012 planned graduates only.

Schedule of Events for Commencement:

*Each ceremony includes designated academic departments. All majors within designated departments will march with the exceptions noted below. 

Caps and Gowns

Planned graduates order caps and gowns online. Caps and gowns must be ordered by no later than March 18. They will be distributed in the Blue Room at Grad Expo on Tuesday, May 1. Caps and gowns must be returned to room G205 in the Billy Graham Community Life Commons following the commencement ceremony. Graduates may keep their tassels. 

Graduation Announcement Ordering

Planned graduates who desire to order graduation announcements may do so online. If ordering, please do so by March 29 to allow time for processing and shipping. 

Commencement Tickets

Tickets are required for guests of participating graduates. The number of tickets provided is based on the total number of graduates planning to participate in commencement. Tickets will be distributed to participating graduates at Grad Expo on Tuesday, May 1. Each participating graduate will receive six (6) tickets. Overflow seating will be available in the Totino Fine Arts Center, room F2211 (no tickets required for overflow seating).

Guests with Special Needs?

For guests who will be attending commencement who have special needs (e.g., in a wheelchair, special language needs [i.e., interpreter needed for hearing impaired], or translation needs for those who do not understand English), please contact Jenny at the Northwestern College Ticket Office at jrkoopman@nwc.edu by Thursday, April 26.

Professional Photographers

Each graduate will be photographed as diploma covers are presented and at a posed location at the side of the stage. After graduation, graduates will be given the opportunity to purchase pictures directly from Jolesch Photography for both the morning and afternoon ceremonies. 

Diplomas

Diplomas should be mailed beginning in June if the graduate has:

• fulfilled all degree requirements
• paid his/her student account in full including the graduation fee charged to the graduate's account the last term the graduate registers (undergraduate: $50; graduate: $75)

(Note: Diploma lists degree only. Transcript lists degree, major[s], and any minor[s].) 

Commencement Video

You may order a DVD copy of the commencement ceremony online. 

Grad Expo

Grad Expo will take place in the Nazareth Hall Blue Room on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 10:45 a.m.–6 p.m., for the spring and summer 2012 planned graduates. Grad Expo is an event that provides a "one-stop" opportunity for planned graduates to clear from campus. Students planning to graduate will receive an invitation prior to the event. 

Questions?

Graduate and Continuing Education: 888-362-8715 or 651-628-3331; jmharnack@nwc.edu
Traditional Undergraduates: 800-692-4020, ext. 5239/3428; or 651-631-5239 or 651-628-3428; registrar@nwc.edu