Graduation and Commencement

Checklists and Guides

• Graduation Guide

  1. Apply for graduation.

  • Apply Application deadline for fall graduation is August 1.
  • The application deadline for spring graduation is December 1.

  Log into the Student Portal.

  • Click on Students, Forms and Information, and Application for Graduation

  Ensure the name on the application matches the name you wish to appear on your diploma.

  • If name changes are needed, email acovington@ngu.edu with the correct spelling or to add/delete middle name.
  • Only legal names may be used.
  • To update your legal name, a copy of a Driver’s License or Social Security Card showing the new name must be submitted with email.

   

  2. Review graduation audit.

  • Undergraduates, you will receive a graduation audit in your NGU email which contains final requirements needed for graduation. Review this with your academic advisor.
    • Any discrepancies should be sent to acovington@ngu.edu within two weeks of receipt.
    • Submit any course substitutions to acovington@ngu.edu within two weeks of receiving audit, unless otherwise advised in audit.
    • If transfer work will fullfill a graduation requirement, promptly notify acovington@ngu.edu.
    • Transcripts must be received no later than the week prior to commencement.

   

  3. Review final semester schedule.

  • With your academic advisor, ensure your final semester schedule includes the courses and hours needed per your graduation audit.
  • Spring Graduates
  • Undergraduate students lacking six hours or less may participate in spring commencement when approval is granted to complete the hours in summer. This includes internships.
  • Students completing their requirements in summer will be eligible to participate in fall commencement. Exception: Undergraduates who are pre-approved for previous spring commencement explained above.
  • Students completing all requirements in spring are limited to participation in Spring Commencement.
  • Fall Graduates
  • All requirements for undergraduate and graduate students must be met to participate in fall commencement.
  • Students completing requirements in fall are limited to participation in fall commencement.
  • Students completing requirements in Summer will be eligible to participate in fall commencement. Exception: Undergraduates who are pre-approved for previous spring commencement explained above.

   

  4. Check your NGU email for important communications.

  • Important Graduation Information will be sent to your NGU email throughout the semester.

   

  5. Get graduation supplies.

  • The Academic Records Office orders caps, gowns, tassels, and any applicable hoods and/or honor cords for all students based on the height and weight submitted on your graduation application.
    • An email will be sent with pickup times and locations as commencement approaches.
  • Announcements and rings may be purchased through Jostens.com or in person during their on-campus visit. 
    
    • For those commencing in fall, Jostens visits in September, For those commencing in spring, Jostens visits in February. Watch your NGU email for specific date, time, and location.

   

  6. Pay graduation fee & university balance.

  • The graduation fee covers diploma cover, regalia, printing costs, and ceremony expenses.
  • The graduation fee must be paid by all graduating students regardless of ceremony participation.
  • The fee amount is listed on your graduation audit and is added to your statement the graduating semester.
  • All balances due to the university must be paid in full before regalia and diploma will be issued.

   

  7. Get final grades.

  • After completing final exams, keep watch for grades. If you fail a graduation requirement notify acovington@ngu.edu immediately.
    • If you are an anticipated fall graduate, your name will be moved to our spring graduation list. Fall participation is not permitted unless all requirements are met.
    • If you are a spring graduate, please include in the email if you will be completing the failed requirement during the summer or postponing until the following fall.

   

  8. Stay tuned for updates on the week of graduation.

  • It is imperative that you check your NGU email the week of graduation for commencement day instructions.
  • If you have any last minute regalia needs, notify the office immediately.
  • Be sure to arrive on time to the specified location on commencement day dressed in cap and zipped gown.
    • Decoration of caps is not permitted.
  • Do not bring personal items to the commencement ceremony. Purses, umbrellas, etc. should be left with guests of the graduate.
    • Exceptions will be made for medical necessities.
  • Diplomas are mailed the week following commencement for those who do not attend the ceremony.
• Commencement Ceremony Guide

  Commencement ceremonies are held in Fall and Spring each year. To be eligible to walk, all degree requirements must be met.

  Ceremony Eligibility:

  Students with less than six hours to complete during summer may participate in the spring ceremony. Commencement may not be delayed to a later semester. Students are only eligible to participate during his or her graduating semester.

  Ceremony Details:

  Spring commencement will take place at Younts Stadium on May 9, 2025 at 7pm. Gates will open at 6pm. Ceremony begins at 7pm. Tickets are not required.

  Regalia:

  Regalia for graduates is ordered by Academic Records based on measurements submitted on the graduation application. Decorating hats is not permitted.

  Photography:

  Individual photographs will be taken of students as they cross the stage. After the ceremonies proofs will be emailed to students from GradImages™.

  Questions regarding photography can be directed to GradImages™ Customer Service.

• Diploma Guide

  The official North Greenville University diploma details the graduate’s name, degree, and applicable honors along with the graduation date. Imprinted with the official seal of the university, your diploma will be signed by the university president, dean of university faculty, and the chairman of the Board of Trustees.

  Verify Your Mailing Address.

  Your diploma will be mailed to the address identified on your graduation application should you choose not to attend commencement. Diplomas are mailed within two weeks following the ceremony.

  Check Your Balance and Account Holds.

  Accounts must be clear for diploma distribution. Check https://my.ngu.edu/ICS to ensure your account is paid and clear at least two weeks before graduation.

  Need to Order a Replacement Diploma?

  Replacement diplomas may be ordered by completing this form. Replacement diplomas are $50 per copy. Typical turnaround is two weeks.

  Information Regarding Returned Diplomas:

  Returned diplomas are held in the office for one year after graduation date. We will mail diploma to updated address during that time. After the one-year period, replacement terms apply. See Order Replacement Diploma above.