Commencement Day Instructions
Special Assistance and/or Reasonable Accommodations
- Any graduate participating in the commencement ceremony needing special assistance and/or reasonable accommodations (wheelchair, physical disability, etc.) should contact Rhonda Kitch at (701) 231-7987 or rhonda.k.kitch
ndsu.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the ceremony to make arrangements. - Sign language interpreters are on-stage and interpret throughout the ceremony.
- Hearing assisted devices may be checked out at the Guest Services desk on the concourse of the FargoDome.
- If you have guests needing special assistance and/or reasonable accommodations, contact Rhonda Kitch at (701) 231-7987 or rhonda.k.kitchndsu.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the ceremony to make arrangements. Wheelchair seating is available in the northeast and northwest corners of the FargoDome.
Arrival
- Parking is free at the FargoDome.
- You should arrive no later than 4:15 p.m. You should plan to remain for the entire ceremony.
- Graduates enter the FargoDome through the plain, green doors on the SOUTHEAST side of the building. Descend the stairs to the field level and follow the signs.
- Tables will be provided to check your personal items.
- Check in at the designated tables and pick up your “reader card”. TAKE CARE OF THIS CARD. This card will be used to announce your name during the ceremony. Bring it with you as you process to the stage.
Line-Up
- Locate your college or Graduate School line-up row. Each college is organized alphabetically by degree. The beginning of the alphabet starts at the T-stand and progresses along the floor tape to the curtain. A college marshal will assist you in the line-up process.
Processional
- Remain in single-file and alphabetical order at all times.
- Your college marshal will lead you in the processional.
- Walk briskly as you proceed toward the northeast and northwest corner of the arena.
- Move quickly down the row of chairs as far as possible and seat yourself.
- Thereafter, stand and sit as directed either from the podium or by your college marshal.
- If you play in the musical ensemble, at the appointed time, leave your chair and return to it to maintain alphabetical order.
Photography
- Professional photographers from Jolesch Photography will take two photos of each candidate. You will receive information from them after the ceremony regarding the option to purchase prints.
- Ordering information is also posted on Jolesch's web site after the ceremony.
- Guests may take photographs at anytime, however, guests are not allowed on the field level. Also, after the ceremony, special photo areas will be set up in the northeast and northwest corners of the concourse level and in the main lobby on the east side of the FargoDome.
- See Participant Seating map to assist guests in taking photos. (coming early May)
Academic Apparel
- Gown and mortarboard cap are required academic apparel.
- Apparel is available for purchase from the NDSU Bookstore. Bookstore phone: (701) 231-7761 or 800-428-8309 or visit the NDSU Bookstore web site for more information.
- The cap is worn with the top parallel to the floor. You will receive instructions at the ceremony regarding tassel placement.
- The gown is worn closed. Women may wear the white collar that comes with the gown. Men should wear a white shirt, tie, and dark pants. All should wear dark dress shoes.
- No decorations should appear on the cap and gown (including corsages).
- The “With Honor” medallion is worn around the neck. (Available for purchase from the NDSU Bookstore. Criteria for this honor are given in Frequently Asked Questions.
- The Phi Kappa Phi ribbon is worn on the left side of the gown. (Obtain from the Office of Registration & Records, 110 Ceres Hall.)
- The following are worn around the neck: Blue Key, Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, Pi Sigma Alpha, Psi Chi, University Honors program, and Upsilon Pi Epsilon medallions; Beta Gamma Sigma, Gamma Sigma Delta, Lambda Pi Eta, National Residence Hall Honorary, Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Eta Sigma, Pi Sigma, Rho Chi, Sigma Theta Tau, and Phi Upsilon Omicron honor cords; Tau Beta Pi white satin collar; Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Sigma Delta stoles. All are available from the respective student organization.
- Elementary Education graduates: Contact VCSU for honor awards. You may wear VCSU honors for the NDSU ceremony; however, they are not announced at the ceremony.
Academic Demeanor
- Anyone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be asked to leave.
- Participants will be asked to remove all unauthorized decorations/items on caps and gowns.
- Men are to remove their caps for the National Anthem.
- Participants are to remain for the entire ceremony.
Receiving Your Diploma Cover/Returning to Your Seat
- You will proceed to the stage via the outside aisles. A college marshal will direct you. Remember to bring your reader card with you!
- Your photo will be taken prior to processing across the stage.
- When proceeding toward the stage to receive your diploma cover, give the reader card to the reader assistant who will be collecting the cards.
- The Dean of your college will give you your diploma cover.
- You will shake hands with the Dean of your college and President Chapman.
- You will approximately be at the center of the stage; proceed down the center steps.
- Proceed down the center aisle. A college marshal will direct you to the appropriate row.
- Please be seated after you return to your seat.
Recessional
- Remain seated until after the stage party has exited the arena. Follow the lead of your college marshal.
- Pick up your personal items from the check-it table before leaving the field level. Congratulations on your achievements!
College Receptions After the Ceremony
- A reception will follow commencement, light refreshments will be served.
Questions or comments regarding Commencement? …contact Rhonda Kitch in the Office of Registration and Records at 701-231-7987, 1-800-608-NDSU, or rhonda.k.kitch@ndsu.edu