Ceremony Instructions

Special Assistance and/or Reasonable Accommodations

Any student candidate, faculty/staff participant, or stage party member needing special assistance and/or reasonable accommodations (wheelchair, physical disability, etc.) should contact Registration and Records at ndsu.registrar@ndsu.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the ceremony to make arrangements
Sign language interpreters are on-stage and interpret throughout the ceremony

Plan to arrive at the Fargodome no later than one hour before the start of the ceremony
Parking at the Fargodome is FREE for NDSU's Commencement ceremony
Enter the Fargodome through the main east lobby and use the escalator or elevator to proceed to the lower level
Signs and staff will direct you to the designated assembly area
Make sure you have your participation card with you. Bring it with you as you process to the stage.

Professional photographers from The Grad Team will take photos of each candidate during the ceremony
Candidates will receive information after the ceremony with instructions on how to view and order photos from The Grad Team's website

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.
No decorations should appear on the gown (including corsages).

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 gowns.
Men are to remove their caps for the National Anthem.
Participants are to remain for the entire ceremony.

Proceed to the stage via the outside aisles. A college marshal will direct you. Remember to bring your participation card with you!
When proceeding toward the stage to receive your diploma cover, give the participation card to the reader assistant collecting the cards.
The President will give you your diploma cover.
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.

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 floor level. Congratulations on your achievements!