2026 Commencement Important Dates
- April 1, 2026: Deadline to order regalia and to RSVP for the commencement ceremony
- May 14, 2026: Commencement ceremony at the NHCC Gymnasium – Employees should arrive 45 minutes prior to Ceremony start time.
Pre-Commencement Information
RSVP for Commencement & Regalia
- If you’ll be attending commencement, please RSVP by April 1, 2026.
- If you participate in the ceremony and need to rent regalia (cap, gown, hood and/or full package), please RSVP no later than April 1, 2026. Regalia is pre-paid by NHCC for employees to rent. You will pick up and return the regalia items at the Jostens table at the night after the last commencement ceremony. There will be boxes designated for dropping off regalia.
- Failure to return the regalia will result in an invoice requesting payment or payment for shipping.
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 Jessica Fraser, Director of Access Services, at (phone) or Jessica.Fraser@nhcc.edu by April 1, 2026.
Volunteer
We need volunteers! If you’re interested and available to volunteering at North Hennepin Community College (greeting and directing students and families, helping with check-in, cleaning between ceremonies, etc.) please indicate interest on the RSVP link.
Commencement Day Information
Safety Guidelines
NHCC will follow guidance set forth by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Visit the MDH website to view up-to-date requirements. Communication will follow from NHCC Public Safety and the College Leadership for any other guidance.
Arrival
Employees should arrive no later than 2:15 PM and 6:15 PM. Check-in and regalia distribution will be located in Center of Business Technology. We will direct you on where to check in, pick up your cap and gown, and line up for the processional. Ceremonies begin at 3 PM and 7 PM.
Location & Parking
The Commencement Ceremony will take place in the NHCC Gymnasium. Parking is free. For directions and parking, visit this link. All volunteers, employees, etc. Please park your vehicle in the East Parking Lot from the 85th Ave entrance. Carpooling, public transit, etc. are highly encouraged.
What Not to Bring
North Hennepin Community College does NOT allow confetti, noisemakers, etc. so please let students and their families know. There will be stroller and balloon storage area in one of the classrooms in HWC. No outside food or beverages are allowed. You will be responsible for your own belongings.