Commencement Spring 2013—May 18, 2013

The information below is for spring 2013 or summer 2013 planned graduates only.

Schedule of Events for Commencement:

Friday, May 17, 2013
6:30–8:30 p.m.Commencement rehearsal in Maranatha Hall for all participating graduates
Saturday, May 18, 2013
9:15 a.m.Participating graduates for morning ceremony assemble in regalia in Nazareth Hall, 2nd floor
10:00–11:30 a.m.*Commencement ceremony in Maranatha Hall
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Commencement reception, outdoors in front of the Billy Graham Community Life Commons
1:15 p.m.Participating graduates for afternoon ceremony assemble in regalia in Nazareth Hall, 2nd floor
2:00–3:30 p.m.*Commencement ceremony in Maranatha Hall
3:30–4:30 p.m.Commencement reception, outdoors in front of the Billy Graham Community life Commons

*Each ceremony includes designated academic departments. All majors within designated departments will march with their respective department with the exceptions noted below. 

10 a.m. Ceremony

Degree / Department

  • Master of Arts in Theological Studies
  • Master of Divinity
  • Biblical & Theological Studies: Also includes:
    • Associate of Arts & Bible
  • Biology & Biochemistry
  • Christian Ministries
  • Communication: Also includes:
    • Associate in Applied Science & Bible
  • History & Related Fields
  • Mathematics & Engineering: Also includes:
    • Mathematics Education
  • Music: Also includes:
    • Music Education
  • Physical Education, Health & Kinesiology
  • World Languages: Also includes:
    • English as a Second Language Education

2 p.m. Ceremony

Degree / Department

  • Master of Arts in Human Services
  • Master of Organizational Leadership
  • Art & Design: Also includes:
    • Visual Arts Education
  • Business
  • Education: Only includes:
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Elementary Education
    • Social Studies Education
  • English & Literature: Also includes:
    • Communication Arts/Literature Education
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Psychology

Caps and Gowns

Planned graduates order caps and gowns online. Caps and gowns must be ordered by no later than March 24. They will be distributed in the Blue Room at Grad Expo on Tuesday, May 7. Caps and gowns must be returned to room G205 in the Billy Graham Community Life Commons following the commencement ceremony. Graduates may keep their tassels. 

Graduation Announcement Ordering

Planned graduates who desire to order graduation announcements may do so online. If ordering, please allow 3 weeks for processing and shipping. 

Commencement Tickets

Tickets are required for guests of participating graduates. The number of tickets provided is based on the total number of graduates planning to participate in commencement. Tickets will be distributed to participating graduates at Grad Expo on Tuesday, May 7. Each participating graduate will receive seven (7) tickets. Overflow seating will be available in the Totino Fine Arts Center, room F2211 (no tickets required for overflow seating).

Guests with Special Needs?

For guests who will be attending commencement who have special needs (e.g., in a wheelchair, special language needs [i.e., interpreter needed for hearing impaired], or translation needs for those who do not understand English), please contact Alexi at the Northwestern College Ticket Office at acabel@nwc.edu by Thursday, May 2.

Professional Photographers

Each graduate will be photographed as diploma covers are presented and at a posed location at the side of the stage. After graduation, graduates will be given the opportunity to purchase pictures directly from Jolesch Photography for both the morning and afternoon ceremonies. 

Diplomas

Diplomas should be mailed beginning in late June if the graduate has:

  • fulfilled all degree requirements
  • paid his/her student account in full including the graduation fee charged to the graduate's account the last term the graduate registers (undergraduate: $50; graduate: $75)

(Note: Diploma lists degree only. Transcript lists degree, major[s], and any minor[s].) 

Commencement Video

You may order a DVD copy of the commencement ceremony online. 

Grad Expo

Grad Expo will take place in the Nazareth Hall Blue Room on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 10:45 a.m.–6 p.m., for the spring and summer 2013 planned graduates. Grad Expo is an event that provides a "one-stop" opportunity for planned graduates to clear from campus. Students planning to graduate will receive an invitation prior to the event. 

Questions?

Graduate and Continuing Education: 888-362-8715 or 651-628-3331; jmharnack@nwc.edu
Traditional Undergraduates: 800-692-4020, ext. 5239/3428; or 651-631-5239 or 651-628-3428; registrar@nwc.edu