Graduation Checklist

Work closely with your advisor to confirm you're enrolled in all remaining degree requirements and that you meet graduation criteria, including the minimum credit total and GPA.

If you've registered for graduation, your final degree evaluation will be conducted the week before your final semester begins. This audit will review both completed courses and current enrollments.

Students who meet all requirements will receive a confirmation email during the first week of the semester. If you're missing any requirements, you'll be notified before the semester begins. Be sure to register for any outstanding courses and consult your advisor to discuss possible adjustments or substitutions, if needed. 

 

To register for graduation, add the graduation course when adding your final semester classes no later than the fourth calendar day of the semester.  There are unique registration codes for undergraduate and graduate students and those who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony and for those who do not.  On your MyNMU record, search for Graduation, course code CA 000.

On-line registration for graduation closes on the first Thursday of the semester.  If you decide later in the semester that you want to graduate that semester, you must complete a Request to Add Graduation form and email the form to Degree Evaluation at degaudit@nmu.edu.  

You must register for graduation whether you want to participate in the commencement ceremony or not.

NMU students may request to complete their final credits at another accredited college or university.

To be considered, you must:

  1. Refer to the Transfer Equivalency site to ensure that courses will transfer
  2. Complete a Guest Student Application     
  3. Complete a Request to Complete a Degree Away
  4. Return all completed forms along with a copy of your course schedule verifying enrollment to degaudit@nmu.edu

If you intend to complete your degree away, please review additional information here. 

Please confirm that your full legal name and/or preferred name are accurately reflected in university records.

If your legal name is incorrect:

  • Complete the attached form and submit it to the NMU Registrar’s Office (2202 Hedgecock) or email it to records@nmu.edu. You’ll need to provide two official forms of identification, such as a driver’s license and Social Security card.

  • Your legal name is used in university systems, official documents, and business processes, including your official transcript.

If you would like a preferred name to be reflected:

  • Email degaudit@nmu.edu to have your preferred name recorded.

  • Preferred names are used where possible, such as in the commencement program and on your diploma, but not on your official transcript.

Diplomas will be mailed to the permanent address for successful graduation candidates who do not have holds (financial, Perkins Loan exit, or laptop) . View any holds you may have on MyNMU.
 

If necessary, make any address changes by emailing records@nmu.edu with this form from your NMU email. (Address changes made after Graduation will not change the address for the mailing of your diploma. You must email degaudit@nmu.edu with the new address.) 

If you do not receive your diploma because you have moved and have not updated your permanent address information before diplomas are mailed, you will need to order a duplicate diploma at the cost of $15.00. Expect to receive your diploma approximately eight weeks after graduation.

Students must confirm they don't have a hold which prevents the mailing of their diploma 6-8 weeks after graduation.

You can identify your hold on MyNMU. You may contact areas directly if you are aware of the type of hold you have:

  • Financial (906) 227-1221
  • Perkins Loan (906) 227-2062
  • Laptop (906) 227-2468
  • Dean of Students (906) 227-1700

Contact the Student Service Center at (906) 227-1221 if you have any questions.

If you are not participating in the Commencement Ceremony but would like a diploma cover, we’ll be happy to provide one.

For students in Marquette:
You’re welcome to pick up your diploma cover Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at 2202 Hedgcock. Please bring a photo ID, and we’ll have it ready for you at the front desk.

For Global Campus students:
Email degaudit@nmu.edu with your preferred mailing address, and we will ship the diploma cover directly to you.

If you are participating in the Commencement Ceremony, you will receive your diploma cover as you walk across the stage.

Commencement Ceremony Checklist

Cap, Gowns and Tassels

Caps and Gowns can be purchased at the NMU Bookstore within the Northern Center. Please visit the following site to determine what Regalia is needed for your accomplishment: nmu.edu/commencement/caps-gowns-tassels. They carry a wide selection of caps, tassels, and gowns available in all sizes. 

Cap and Gowns can also be rented out through the ASNMU Grad Closet.

Please note: If you are not in the Marquette area and/or you cannot come into the bookstore for your regalia - you may order your commencement regalia at   https://oakhallcg.com/pages/NMichU   (additional shipping charges and handling fees apply).

Graduate Degree Students

Information regarding which Hood corresponds with your degree can be found here. 

Active-Duty Service Member or Military Veterans

If you plan to attend the Superior Dome Commencement Ceremony and you are an active-duty service member or military veteran, you are welcome to wear your dress uniform or service dress in place of traditional commencement regalia. Please ensure your uniform complies with your branch's regulations for formal events.

Additional Regalia

Additional cords, stoles, and other regalia may be available through extracurricular programs or organizations you participated in during your time at NMU. Please check with the relevant departments or program coordinators to confirm availability and eligibility.

Examples of additional regalia include:

  • First-Generation Students: Light Blue Cord – provided by the Dean of Students

  • LGBTQ+ Graduates: Lavender Cords – provided by the Center for Community and Connection

  • Superior Edge Program Graduates: Blue Cord – awarded to students who complete all four edges, provided by the Center for Student Enrichment

  • Student-Athletes: Athletic Stole – provided by the NMU Department of Athletics (Compliance Office)

Undergraduates with academic honors can purchase honor cords from the NMU Bookstore. Summa Cum Laude honor students will also receive a Summa Cum Laude medallion and a congratulatory letter from the Academic Senate. 

Bachelor Degree Honors

  • Summa Cum Laude - GPA 3.90-4.00
  • Magna Cum Laude - GPA 3.75-3.89
  • Cum Laude - GPA 3.50-3.74

Associate Degree Honors

  • High Honor - GPA 3.80-4.00
  • Honor - GPA 3.50-3.79

Academic honors for the commencement ceremony are based on all completed, graded courses as of your last semester.  Academic honors for graduation, that will be printed on transcripts and diplomas, are recalculated after all semester grades have been submitted.

Graduate Degree Students

Information regarding which Hood corresponds with your degree can be found here. 

While we are so excited for what you have achieved, there is no scholastic recognition beyond the baccalaureate degree. Academic Honors are reserved for Associate and Bachelor degrees. 

Students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.90 or higher, based on all completed and graded coursework through their final semester, will be awarded a Summa Cum Laude Medallion to wear during the Commencement Ceremony.

Medallions will be available for pickup at the NMU Registrar’s Office, located at 2202 C.B. Hedgcock.

If you are unable to pick up your medallion during the week, you may collect it on the day of the ceremony in the Vandament Area during the student lineup for the processional.

If your cumulative GPA increases to 3.90 or higher after your final semester grades are posted, you will be mailed a Summa Cum Laude Medallion to recognize your achievement.

In addition to the NMU Commencement Ceremony held in the Superior Dome, your academic department or student organizations you’re involved with may also host events to recognize graduating students.

Please watch for communications from your department regarding any special events, ceremonies, or receptions planned to celebrate your accomplishments.

Information about some of Northern’s departmental ceremonies can be found here. 

Seat assignments for the commencement ceremony are email to students on the Monday of finals week.  Please bring your email with your seat assignment to the rehearsal on Friday afternoon.

Commencement rehearsal will take place on Friday, the day before the ceremony, at 2:15 p.m. in the Superior Dome.

Please arrive no later than 2:15 p.m., as the rehearsal is essential for learning your seat assignment and receiving important information about the ceremony order and expectations.

 

If you have a preferred name you would like announced during the Commencement Ceremony, or if your name requires phonetic clarification to ensure correct pronunciation, you will have two opportunities to provide that information.

First, following Commencement Rehearsal on Friday, you may give the announcer guidance on the correct pronunciation of your name.

Second, on the day of the ceremony, you will receive a name card after lining up in the PEIF. You may write your preferred name or a phonetic spelling on this card.

Please note: The name card you complete on the day of Commencement is what will be handed to the announcer and read aloud as you are awarded your degree. It’s important that it accurately reflects how you wish to be recognized.

Students must arrive at Vandament Arena in the Physical Education Instructional Facility (PEIF) by 9:30 a.m. on the morning of Commencement.

Arriving on time is critical to ensure proper line-up before the processional to the Superior Dome. Late arrivals may not be able to participate in the ceremony. 

At the PEIF, you will line up, receive your NMU pin, receive your name card, and get ready to march to the Dome! 

We’ll also have a few final-touch essentials available—such as hairspray, static guard, bobby pins, and safety pins—to help you feel confident and prepared before walking in.

A reception will be held immediately following Commencement in the Grand Ballrooms of the Northern Center.  All family and friends are invited.

Post-Graduation Checklist

While you will receive your diploma cover at the commencement ceremony, you will not receive your official diploma in the mail until 6-8 weeks following graduation. Official Diplomas will be mailed to your permanent address. 

If necessary, make any address changes by emailing records@nmu.edu with this form from your NMU email. (Address changes made after Graduation will not change the address for the mailing of your diploma. You must email degaudit@nmu.edu with the new address.) 

 

Not sure what comes next?
Northern Michigan University's College of Graduate Studies and Research could be the next step toward achieving your career goals. With over 25 master’s degree programs—many available online—as well as graduate certificates, NMU offers the flexibility and depth you need to advance.

Ready to launch your career?
NMU Career Services is here to support you every step of the way. Alumni have access to a range of free services, including an online résumé system, on-campus interviews, résumé critiques, job fairs, and a wealth of web-based resources.

Professional photographers will photograph graduates with their Diploma Cover once they've walked across the stage. Proofs of photographs will be e-mailed directly to each graduate's email address with an opportunity to select from a variety of packages. Portrait photography is offered by GradImages (800-424-3686).  

Welcome to the NMU alumni family! 

All NMU graduates receive a complimentary one-year membership, from the date of graduation, into the NMU Alumni Association as well as an alumni ‘e-mail for life’ full-service e-mail account.

View Alumni's information for new grads.