NMC's 2026 Commencement ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 2.

Applying for a Degree or Certificate: Diplomas and certificates are not handed out on Commencement day. Once all degree or certificate requirements have been fulfilled, the degree or certificate will be mailed to the address on your graduation application approximately 6–8 weeks after final grades have been processed for the semester of graduation. Apply to graduate by April 15, 2026 to ensure your name is included in the commencement program.

Commencement RSVP: Students who graduated Fall 2025 or have applied to graduate Spring or Summer 2026 will receive the Commencement RSVP form to their NMC email. Students must RSVP by Monday, April 20, 2026 to participate in the Commencement ceremony. 

Commencement Regalia: Caps, gowns, and tassels are available for purchase in the Bookstore. 

Academic Achievement Honors Cord/Medallion/Stole Information

Academic Achievement	Cord, Medallion, or Stole	Where to receive it:
Honors or Cum Laude	Bronze Cord	Commencement check in table
High Honors or Magna Cum Laude	Silver Cord	Commencement check in table
Highest Honors or Summa Cum Laude	Gold Cord	Commencement check in table
Outstanding Performance (Certificates)	White Cord	Commencement check in table
Honors Program Graduate	Medallion with Green Ribbon	Commencement check in table
Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society	Gold Stole or Blue and Gold Cord	Student Life Office
Veteran, Reservist, or Active Duty	Red, White, and Blue Cord	Commencement check in table
Global Endorsement	Blue and Green Cord	From Jim Bensley
ELI nEXt Endorsement	Purple and Green Cord	Capstone event at Honor's Convocation
Nursing Graduates	Nursing Stole	From Amy Trouslot
BSMT (Marine) Graduates	Blue and White Cord	From John Lutchko

 

Guests: To maintain fairness and ensure that everyone has space, we must limit each graduate to five guests. There are no tickets for commencement; seating is available on the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us make this a memorable and inclusive event for everyone.

Livestream: For those not able to attend, NMC offered a livestream of the ceremonies at nmc.edu/video and on NMC's YouTube channel.

Additional Information: There is no rehearsal – you will receive an email to your NMC email the week of commencement with detailed information and staff will be assigned to guide and assist you during your commencement ceremony. 

Questions: Please reach out to records@nmc.edu if you have any questions about graduation or commencement.

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Graduation Fair: Mark your calendars and join us for the Graduation Fair on April 15 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Innovation Center. This is your one-stop shop for all things commencement - from finalizing your graduation application and learning about the ceremony to purchasing your gear and decorating your grad cap.

It's also a perfect time to connect with the Alumni Relations office as you begin your journey from student to a lifelong Hawk Owl. NMC University Partners, Financial Aid, Advising, Career Services, and the NMC Bookstore will also be on hand to help you prepare for your next steps forward.

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Learn more about the 2025 Commencement ceremonies and view a photo gallery here.