Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do before I graduate?

For undergraduate students, see Graduation Checklist for Juniors and Seniors to stay on track to graduate on time.

For graduate students, see Graduate Student Information.

When will I receive information about Commencement?

For Undergraduate Students:

• Submit an Application for Undergraduate Degree form to the Office of Registration and Records by the third week of the planned semester of graduation.
  
  
• A "Commencement Participation Letter" is sent about mid-semester to all students who have declared their intent to graduate. If students plan to participate in the NDSU Commencement exercises in the FargoDome at the end of their final semester, they must complete and submit to the Office of Registration and Records the "Commencement Reservation Card" found in this mailing.

For Graduate Students:

• To participate in Commencement, submit a Graduate Student Commencement Application by March 15 for Spring Commencement and October 31 for Winter Commencement.

Do I need tickets or guest passes for the commencement ceremony?

• Tickets or guest passes are not used; all and any number of guests are welcome.
• All seating is general, but restricted to the concourse level.
• Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Guests may enter through any general entrance of the FargoDome.
• FargoDome east and west doors open at 3:30 p.m.
• Wheelchair seating is available in the northeast and northwest corners of the FargoDome.
• See Participant Seating map to assist guests in seat selection (available early May).

How do I obtain a cap and gown for the ceremony?

• Gown and mortarboard cap are required academic apparel.
• 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.

What if I need special assistance during the ceremony?

• 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.kitchndsu.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.

How do I find out about lodging information for my guests?

• There are a variety of hotel accommodations in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The Convention and Visitor's Bureau website can assist you in selecting accommodations.

How long will the ceremony last?

• The December ceremony typically is 1 - 1½ hours long.
• The May ceremony typically is 2½ - 3 hours long.

My name is spelled incorrectly in the student record system. What should I do?

• Complete the official Name Change Form and provide proper documentation as described at the top of the form. Return it to Ceres 110 as soon as possible.

When will I get my diploma?

• Diplomas are mailed 4-6 weeks following the close of the academic session in which graduation requirements have been completed. Your diploma will be mailed to your home address (the 'Home' address listed in Campus Connection). You can review or update this address through the Campus Connection Portal (Maintain Personal Data > Addresses).

What if I need to change my graduation date to a later semester?

Undergraduate students:

• Contact your College Liaison in the Office of Registration and Records (Ceres Hall 110 or 701-231-7981).

Graduate students:

• Contact The Graduate School (Old Main 201, 701-231-7033).

What are the requirements for "Graduating with Honor"?

• Graduation with honor applies only to the baccalaureate degree. Graduate courses are not be included in the computation.
  
  
• Candidates who enter NDSU as freshmen and who have earned an institutional grade-point average greater than or equal to 3.50 and less than 3.70 will be graduated Cum Laude.
  
  
• Candidates who enter NDSU as freshmen and who have earned an institutional grade-point average greater than or equal to 3.70 and less than 3.90 will be graduated Magna Cum Laude.
  
  
• Candidates who enter NDSU as freshmen and who have earned an institutional grade-point average greater than or equal to 3.90 and up to 4.00 will be graduated Summa Cum Laude.
  
  
• Candidates with transfer credit must meet the institutional grade-point average qualifications for all credits earned at NDSU, as well as cumulative grade-point average with the above criteria for all credits earned including those from transfer work.
  
  
• All grades and all attempts of repeated courses will be included in grade-point average calculations for graduating with honor.

What are the approved honor cords, medallions and stoles that can be worn by candidates?

• The “With Honor” medallion is worn around the neck. (Available for purchase from the NDSU Bookstore. Criteria for this honor are listed above.)
  
  
• 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.