Parents and Guests
Congratulations to the families and friends of our candidates!
Commencement is a recognition and celebration of academic achievement and the lasting contributions that students have made to the university.
Although often used interchangeably, the words Commencement and Graduation are not the same thing. It is important to understand that participating in a commencement ceremony does not mean that your student has completed his or her degree and has actually graduated. Commencement is a formal ceremony for candidates who have been cleared to participate by their school or program.
Tickets
Families, friends, and the general public are cordially invited to attend commencement. Tickets are not required but seating is limited and large groups of guests wishing to sit together should arrive early.
Seating
The Arena at the Don Taft University Center (UC) doors open one hour prior to the published start time of the ceremony for both candidates and their guests. Because seating is limited, please plan accordingly.
Due to the size of the arena and as a courtesy to all candidates and their guests, the saving of seats is strictly prohibited.
At the UC, all wheelchair-accessible seating is located on the second floor of the arena. Only one guest may accompany those who require wheelchair-accessible seating so as to secure enough seats for all of our guests with special needs.
Be aware that the arena doors will temporarily close to guests during the opening processional and the playing of The Star Spangled Banner, and reopen afterwards on a space-available basis.
Simulcast Locations
Commencement guests will also have the opportunity to view a live telecast of the ceremony via closed circuit television at three on-campus locations: the Flight Deck Pub and the Performance Theater in the Don Taft University Center and the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, which is part of the Alvin Sherman Library. Seating is available on a first-come basis. The sign language interpreter is visible on the live telecast screen. The simulcast viewing is not closed captioned.
Please Note: The Flight Deck Pub offers a family-friendly environment conducive to elderly guests and those with small children who may become restless due to the length of the ceremony.
All NSU Commencement ceremonies will also be video streamed in real time. Visit the NSU Commencement home page and click on the "Commencement Ceremony Live" icon for access. All NSU Commencement video streams are archived approximately one week after the ceremony.