2026 COMMENCEMENT IMPORTANT DATES
- January 30, 2026: Commencement registration and speaker application both open.
- March 17-18, 2026: Attend Grad Fest to get your questions answered (see below for more info)
- March 20, 2026: Deadline to apply for commencement student speaker
- April 1, 2026: Deadline to submit graduation application and have your name printed in the program
- April 1, 2026: Deadline to register & RSVP for the commencement ceremony
- May 14, 2026: Commencement ceremony at North Hennepin Community College Gymnasium (HWC 123)
- 3:00 p.m. - Graduates from Nursing and Allied Health Professions, and the School of Business, Careers, Education, and Workforce Innovation
- 7:00 p.m. - Graduates from the School of Liberal Arts and Academic Foundations, and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math
Graduation? Commencement? Is there a difference?
What’s the Difference Between Graduation and Commencement?
Graduation is the completion of all degree, diploma, or certificate requirements as recorded on an official transcript. Students must complete the graduation application to have their record reviewed for program completion.
Commencement is the ceremony to celebrate the completion of a degree, diploma, or certificate. Students who apply for graduation are invited to participate in the Commencement Ceremony and Grad Fest. Complete the Commencement RSVP if you plan to attend the ceremony.
Deadline for both Graduation and Commencement is April 1, 2026.
WATCH COMMENCEMENT
Watch a recording of the May 19, 2025 Commencement on CCX Media.
Note there will be a live stream for overflow viewing (on campus) and the link will be made available on this webpage (if you want to view on your own device.)
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, 2026.
RSVP for Commencement Ceremony
If you are planning to participate in the commencement ceremony, you must sign up in advance by April 1, 2026. You must complete the graduation application in order to receive the commencement event invitation. You must compete your graduation application to receive the correct form to register for your commencement ceremony. Please note the deadline for your name to be printed in the commencement program is April 1, 2026.
Request Tickets
All guests including small children and babies require a ticket for entry as there is limited seating in the NHCC Gymnasium. Each graduate may request up to 5 tickets for guests to attend Commencement in person on the registration form and an opportunity to waitlist for more tickets. Printed tickets will need to be picked up prior to Commencement at Grad Fest (March 2026) or arranged with the Office of Student Life. Here's how to get graduation tickets.
There is no guarantee for additional tickets. Graduates and employees must register (RSVP) for Commencement (but do not require a ticket.)
Attend Grad Fest
Complete your steps and get your questions answered about graduation and commencement at Grad Fest located in the Bioscience Health and Career Center (BHCC) on these dates:
- Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 4:00-6:00 p.m. (Zoom Meeting ID: 992 5302 7398)
- Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Activities include:
- Complete the graduation application (before April 1)
- RSVP for Commencement (before April 1)
- Try on regalia and take fun photos
- Decorate a sticker for your cap/mortar board
- Ask questions about graduation or commencement
- Request ceremony accommodation needs for guests/yourself
- Learn more about financial aid and exit loans
Commencement Student Speaker
We are accepting applications for this year's student commencement speaker. The selected graduating student(s) will address the class during the commencement ceremony. To apply, interested graduates (summer 2025, fall 2025, or spring 2026) must complete this application by March 20, 2026, 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 March 26th and 27th on campus.
Commencement Announcements
Visit the Jostens store to order personalized commencement announcements to invite family and friends to the event. If you require a confirmation letter for family overseas and traveling internationally, 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. Graduates' cap, gown, and tassel packages are NOT available before May 14th. Also, graduates may keep and do not need to return the cap & gowns after the ceremony.
Disability and Accessibility 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 763-493-0556 or jessica.fraser@nhcc.edu by April 1, 2026.
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 Deane Newborg, deane.newborg@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.
Senate - Students that served on Student Senate will contact their advisor with instructions for stoles.
Questions?
Contact Student Life, 763-424-0800, for any additional questions.