2023 COMMENCEMENT IMPORTANT DATES
- March 24, 2023: Deadline to apply for commencement student speaker
- April 1, 2023: Deadline to submit graduation application and have your name printed in the program
- May 1, 2023: Deadline to RSVP for the commencement ceremony
- May 11, 2023: Commencement ceremony - Graduates arrive between 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., and are lined up by 7:00 p.m. Processional begins at 7:15 p.m., followed by ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
WATCH COMMENCEMENT
Watch Commencement live or via replay on CCX Media, Channel 799/20 in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis.
- Link will be posted closer to ceremony date
PRE-COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION
Apply to Graduate
Complete the online graduation application and follow-up survey, which is included with the graduation application by April 1, 2023.
RSVP for Commencement Ceremony
If you are planning to participate in the commencement ceremony, you must sign up in advance by May 1, 2023. You can send your RSVP that you will attend the commencement ceremony here. (Deadline for your name to be printed in the program is April 1, 2023.)
Commencement Student Speaker
We are accepting applications for this year's student commencement speaker. The selected graduating student will deliver a five-minute address at the commencement ceremony. To apply, interested graduates (summer 2022, fall 2022, or spring 2023) must complete this application by March 24, 2023, which includes a brief statement about why they are interested in representing their graduating class. As part of the selection process, applicants will be asked to provide a written copy of their proposed address and do a read-through audition with the selection committee, which will be held from March 27 through March 31, 2023.
Commencement Announcements
View, print and/or download the commencement announcement to invite family and friends to the event. International students, if you require a confirmation letter for family overseas, please contact Records and Registration at registration@nhcc.edu.
Cap & Gown Distribution
Graduates are expected to wear a cap, gown, and tassel during the commencement ceremony. Please provide height and weight in your online RSVP to the ceremony. These items will be provided free of charge and will be made available the night of the ceremony at the graduate check-in location.
Disability Accommodations
If you require disability accommodations related to participation in the commencement ceremony (including special seating for yourself or guests, sign language interpretation, personal audio amplification, etc.), please contact Tom Lynch, Director of Access Services, at 763-493-0556 or Tom.Lynch@nhcc.edu by May 1, 2023.
Additional Designations
Honors Program – All Honor Program graduates must confirm they have met the requirements for the Honors Program by contacting David Mantini, Honors Coordinator, at David.Mantini@nhcc.edu. Once the requirements have been evaluated, student will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to pick up their Honors cord. These cords are a symbol of completion of the NHCC Honors Program, so wear them proudly!
Phi Theta Kappa – PTK students will be contacted by the PTK advisor with instructions on how to purchase stoles through the local chapter and save on shipping. Questions? Please contact David Mantini, David.Mantini@nhcc.edu.
TRIO Programs – TRIO students will be contacted by the TRIO Program with instructions for stoles.
Veterans – Veteran students will be contacted by their advisor with instructions for cords.
COMMENCEMENT DAY INFORMATION
Review COVID-19 Guidelines
The Minneapolis Convention Center follows guidance set forth by the City of Minneapolis. Visit the Minneapolis Convention Center website to view up-to-date requirements.
Arrival
Graduates should arrive at the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) between 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Check-in and regalia distribution will be located in MCC 100 on the lower level (look for directional signage on site). We will direct you on where to check in, pick up your cap and gown, and line up for the processional. You must be in line by 7:00 p.m., and the processional will begin at 7:15 p.m. Your guests should take their seats no later than 7:15 p.m.
Ceremony & Official Photos
The commencement ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is expected to last 90 minutes. As you cross the stage, Grad Images will take a photo of you. To order photos from the event, please visit GradImages.
Diploma
Diplomas (the printed, ceremonial document presented with a cover) will not be handed out at the commencement ceremony as final grades and graduation requirements will not have been verified in time. You will receive an e-mail with more information about receiving your diploma.
Location & Parking
The Minneapolis Convention Center is located at 1301 Second Avenue S, Minneapolis. For directions and parking, visit the Convention Center website.
What Not to Bring
The Minneapolis Convention Center does not allow balloons, so please let family and friends know. Also, be aware there is no room to store personal belongings (purse, keys, phone, etc.). You will be responsible for your own belongings.