Each candidate will receive an email to their NSU email account. Please attach a photo of yourself along with the (phonetic) pronunciation of your name, and a personal statement of no more than 90 characters. You will attach this information and reply to the initial email where the letter was sent from. Here is an example of how the slide will be displayed as the candidate’s name is read during the ceremony.

Does the candidate get to select the photo that will be used?

Yes. We are asking each candidate to provide a photo appropriate for a formal ceremony. We do not require a professional headshot but here are some recommendations for taking your photo at home:

• The photo needs to be sized a 5 x 7 vertical photo and 300 DPI
• File must be less than 2 MB in size
• Allowed file types are jpg, jpeg, and png
• Do not use your hands for symbols of any kind
• Do not put filters or special effect on the photo
• Head coverings for religious purposes are allowed
• Have someone else take your photo
• Only the graduate should be in the photo
• Find an area with a background you like and stand a few feet away so there is some space between you and the background
• Find an area with window light and face the light
• Shoot tight – just your head, shoulders, and elbows in the photo without much space around you
• Have the photographer shoot straight-on – no high, low, or side angles
• Stand so your toes are pointed 45 degrees away from the camera and turn your torso to look back at the camera
• Stand straight and smile!
• Take several photos until you have one you like and send it in

Ceremonies will be hosted on the NSU Commencement home page.

No. Do not confuse the degree conferral and diploma application with commencement/graduation and the recognition of your academic accomplishment. Once your academic requirements are completed and your dean has approved your degree application, your degree will then be conferred at the end of the month, and you will receive your diploma and degree credentials via FedEx to the address provided on your degree application form.

All requirements must be completed, verified by your dean that academic requirements have been met, and campus holds must be released in order to receive your diploma. Please note we may experience shipping delays with the current COVID-19 pandemic; however, your degree will be conferred on the appropriate date, will immediately show on your transcript, and your diploma will be printed and mailed to the address given on your degree application. If your diploma mailing address changes, it is important to contact diplomas@nova.edu with the correction as soon as possible.

A final degree transcript will be included with your diploma. However, as soon as your degree is reflected on your student account, you can go into SharkLink to request official transcripts to be mailed.

How will you know how to say my name?

When you are replying with your photo and personal message, also provide the phonetic spelling (spelling out how your name sounds), so our reader can pronounce it correctly.

Do I have to submit a photo?

No. You are not required to include a photo on your slide. However, we encourage you to submit a photo to share with your classmates.

What do I submit for a personal message?

We encourage students to share their favorite NSU moment or express appreciation towards family and friends. Messages are limited to 90 characters (Not 90 words). Please remember that this is a formal ceremony, so please do not use slang or derogatory terms. NSU reserves the right to review all comments and edit before they are added to the ceremony.

Do I still need a cap and gown for this ceremony?

Academic regalia is not necessary although candidates are welcome to purchase a cap, tassel, and gown for a bachelor's degree or a cap, gown, hood, and tassel for a master’s or specialist degree or rent the deluxe regalia for the doctoral degree from the NSU Bookstore if they desire. Since the NSU Bookstore is currently closed, a link to order regalia will be sent to candidates in the virtual commencement ceremony invitation.

Contact the commencement team at commencement@nova.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @nsucommencement for general announcements and commencement alerts as they become available.