FAQ

NO! Commencement is a ceremony recognizing a student’s accomplishments in front of family, friends, and the college community. Participation in commencement does not guarantee graduation, and official diplomas are not awarded at the ceremony.

Graduation is the actual awarding of degrees. Once all degree requirements are met and financial obligations cleared, degrees are officially recorded and diplomas are mailed to students. Participation in commencement does not indicate that a student has officially graduated.

*Please visit https://inside.nku.edu/registrar/graduation.html for all other GRADUATION questions.

NKU’s Registrar keeps the list of students who have applied for graduation. Questions? Contact the Office of the Registrar at (859) 572-5556 or registrar@nku.edu.

All commencement emails will be sent to your NKU and personal email addresses on file. Copies are available at nku.edu/commencement.

A brochure will be mailed to your diploma address and a downloadable copy will be on the commencement homepage. Please check your mailing and email addresses in your myNKU account.

Graduates DO NOT have to submit a special RSVP to participate (or not participate) in the commencement ceremonies.

 

Completing your graduation application with the Registrar is the most important step for graduation. If you aren’t sure whether you have submitted the application, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@nku.edu.

If you need to purchase your cap, gown, tassel, or hood, please visit Herff Jones or contact the NKU Bookstore at (859) 572-5142.

Follow the deadlines listed [here] to ensure your regalia arrives in time for the December 13, 2025 commencement ceremonies.

You indicate how you want your name to be printed in the commencement program and on your diploma when you apply for graduation through mynku.edu. The name that appears is the full legal name that appears on the student's record. If you need to change this please go to your my.nku.edu.

Graduates earning more than one degree may simply choose which ceremony they’d like to attend.  Your diploma and transcript will reflect all the degrees that you have earned at NKU.

Dress for the weekend is typically “business casual.” 

 

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC HONOR CORDS FOR UNDERGRADUATES 
Undergraduate students who qualify for University Honors can pick up honor cords at Grad Fair, your dean's office, or upon arrival at the commencement ceremony. If you don’t attend your ceremony, university honor cords must be  picked up at your dean's office.

Please note that master and doctoral candidates do not receive University Honors cords. 

• CUMULATIVE GPA REQUIREMENTS FOR HONORS
  Summa cum laude = 3.90-4.00
  Magna cum laude = 3.75-3.8999
  Cum laude = 3.50-3.7499

*If your honor changes after the final semester grades have been turned in, your diploma will reflect that.  However, the commencement program will list what we have at the time of print.

ORGANIZATIONAL HONOR CORDS AND STOLES
Please contact the head of your organization, department, or club to inquire if stoles or cords will be offered.  Special Events only handles academic honor cords.

There is NO REHEARSHAL for graduates. There will be a large team of NKU volunteers at Truist Arena during Commencement to assist graduates in properly wearing their regalia as well as directing where to go.  Read Arrival and Lineup for graduate arrival instructions.