This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Northwest Missouri State University

  • myNorthwest

Frequently Asked Questions

Graduation

Are tickets required for graduation?
There are no tickets required for the spring ceremonies. The decision to distribute tickets for the summer and winter ceremonies will be based on the number of students who actually participate. Graduates participating in summer and winter are guaranteed at least six tickets.  

Where can guests park for graduation?
Free parking is available at most areas on campus the day of commencement. A lot designated for handicapped parking is located across the street from the Lamkin Activities Center, just to the west of the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building. (See parking map, lot 2) 

Free shuttle parking buses will be running to and from lot 62, (see parking map) located to the west of the Mary Linn Performing Arts Center. Shuttles will begin 90 minutes prior to each ceremony. 

View campus maps

Where do the graduates sit inside the arena?
Honor marshals will escort graduates to a designated seating area for each college.  You do not need to be in alphabetical order. 

What should I do if I have an unusual name to pronounce?
Before you cross the stage, you will hand the reader a card (included with your cap and gown order) that will have your name printed on it. If you think the reader will have a difficult time pronouncing your name, please call the commencement coordinator, Gina Bradley, at 562-1143. You may also e-mail a phoenetic spelling to gbradle@nwmissouri.edu. Example: Michaela (mih-kaý-luh)

What time should I be there?
Graduates should arrive no less than 30 minutes before the ceremony. 

Where do I go? 
Graduates line up in the Student Recreation Center located at the end of the long hallway adjacent to Bearcat Arena.

Will I have honor cords?
The Registrar's Office has the listing of those graduates who have earned honors.    

Is there a dress code?
Men should wear slacks and a shirt and tie. Women should wear a dress or slacks and a blouse that does not have a high collar. Women will have a white collar included with their cap and gown order. This collar should be attached with either safety pins or double sided tape. 

Can my guests take photos during the ceremony?
To allow graduates to safely proceed to and exit the stage area, we ask that no photographs be taken in the aisles or the area closest to the stage. 
 
How long will the ceremony last?
Commencement usually lasts between 90 min to two hours. 

I haven't received any information about graduation.
Who do I need to talk to?
Information letters for the Spring 2008 ceremony will be mailed mid February. If you do not receive a letter, please contact the Registrar's Office at (660) 562-1151 to check your status. 

Contact Us
If you have questions, please contact the Office of University Relations at (660) 562-1143 or e-mail gbradle@nwmissouri.edu.