Required Forms
All degree candidates must submit an Application for Graduation and $25.00 payment check or cash by the last Friday in June. If you are graduating with multiple degrees in a single term, you must complete a separate Application for Graduation form and pay a $25.00 non-refundable fee for each degree. For more information about application visit Graduation Application.
You must legibly complete and return the purple Commencement Attendance form and the white Graduate Statistical Information form you will receive in the mail. You must return the two forms to the Graduation Services Office, 109 Canfield Administration Building South, no later than Friday, July 26, 2013 (refers to August Graduation), to advise us of your plans. Return the forms whether or not you are participating in commencement. If you are graduating with two degrees, please list on your purple Commencement Attendance form which degree candidates you wish to be seated with for the ceremony.
Commencement Ceremony
Commencement is Friday, August 16, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. event location TBA.
This is the only Commencement ceremony for graduate and professional degree recipients, and your family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Tickets are not required for the ceremony.
If you taught this term, submit all changes to early degree grades for any courses directly to Graduation Services at (402) 472-3636 before you report to the ceremony.
Graduation ceremonies for Graduate College students include Doctoral Hooding Ceremony. This means all graduate degree candidates will receive both their academic hood and University of Nebraska diploma in a Graduate College Commencement ceremony.
The processional begins promptly at 2:45 p.m., and you must be in your regalia and in line before that time. Late arrivals will be placed in line by the Marshals. The ceremony begins at 3:00 p.m. and will conclude by 5:00 p.m.
Commencement Participation
Commencement participation is not required in order to graduate but is highly encouraged, and it is the only way for you to obtain your diploma on Friday. Participation means attending the Commencement ceremony in academic regalia, marching in the processional and recessional, and going forward to the stage to receive your diploma from your Dean.
All participating graduates' names will be announced at the ceremony.
Students who participate in the Commencement ceremony are expected to be present throughout the entire ceremony. You will not be allowed to receive your diploma and depart before the recessional.
Graduation Services will mail information regarding instructions for the commencement ceremony to all degree candidates approximately four (4) weeks prior to graduation. You must advise us of your plans concerning participation so that seating and diploma arrangements can be made. For more information, please contact Graduation Services, 109 Canfield Administration Building South, (402) 472-3636.
Change in Plans
Please call the Graduation Services Office at (402) 472-3636 as soon as you determine you are unable to complete your requirements for graduation for this semester, or if you change your mind about participating in the Commencement ceremony.
Graduates with Disabilities
Graduates with disabilities are welcome to participate and should notify us several days before Commencement to allow time to establish reasonable accommodations, note your need for accommodations on your purple Commencement Attendance form. Please report any special needs to Dr. Patrice Berger, Head Marshal, at (402) 472-5425. Dr. Berger will advise you regarding procedures to be followed.
Admission to Commencement/Seating for Guests with Disabilities
Your family and friends are cordially invited to attend the ceremony and may sit anyplace other than the area on the main floor reserved for the graduates, faculty, and dignitaries. Tickets are not required.
Any guest with disabilities or who uses a wheelchair, accompanied by one person, may sit in a designated area. Please direct your guests with disabilities to see an usher for seating assistance.
Academic Regalia
All participants are required to wear academic caps, gowns and hoods appropriate to the degree they are receiving at Commencement.
To participate in the Graduate and Professional Commencement, you must be at the ceremony location no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 16 with your academic attire, including an Othmer, Presidential or Fling Fellowship Medallion if you have received one.
Your tassel should remain on the right side of your mortar board cap until all degrees have been conferred, at which time the Chancellor will direct all graduates to shift the tassel from the right side to the left side of their caps.
You may order caps, gowns, hoods and graduation announcements in person or by mail from the University Bookstore, General Merchandising Area, Lower Level, Nebraska Union on City Campus. Direct your questions about ordering and picking up regalia to the Bookstore (402) 472-7300.
Specific Instructions
There will be security personnel in the staging room to allow for personal items to be left there. The 2:00 p.m. check-in time will allow for you to put on your regalia and receive instructions.
The processional begins promptly at 2:45 p.m. and you must be in your gown and in line before that time. Specific instructions will be given by red-gowned Faculty Marshals before the processional begins. Please pay attention to these instructions so the Commencement will proceed smoothly. Follow the Marshals' instructions throughout the processional, ceremony, and recessional.
Diplomas
Each candidate whom participates in the Commencement will receive their diploma on the stage. Doctoral graduates will also be hooded onstage. All candidates will proceed to the stage alphabetically by degree from their seats, as directed by the Faculty Marshals.
A professional photographer will take your picture as you are hooded and then handed your diploma.
All financial obligations to the University must be satisfied before your diploma will be released. If you are uncertain about this matter, check with the Office of student Accounts, 124 Canfield Administration Building North, (402) 472-2887.
Candidates whom choose not to participate in Commencement may receive their diploma as follows:
1. Pick it up at Commencement, you must present a photo ID to claim your diploma.
2. By mail as requested on the enclosed purple form. Submit the Graduate Statistical Form with your request. Diplomas will be mailed the Monday following Commencement.
3. Pick it up at the Graduation Services Office, 109 Canfield Administration Building South, beginning the Monday following Commencement.
Change in Plans
Please call the Graduation Services Office at (402) 472-3636 as soon as you determine you are unable to complete your requirements for graduation for this semester, or if you change your mind about participating in the Commencement ceremony.
