Frequently Asked Questions

Masks are recommended for the Commencement ceremonies at the Convocation Center.

Guests are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor negative COVID-19 test results to attend NIU Commencement Ceremonies.

Updated 5/10/22

In the event that the State of Illinois imposes increased COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremonies might postponed or cancelled. Graduates will then be invited to a future ceremony date.

Food Policy

• No outside food or drink.
• Exception: An unopened bottle of water (20 oz. or less) will be allowed.

Bag Policy

No large bags are allowed in the stadium for graduates or guests.
Guide to permitted and prohibited bags (PDF).

Approved bags:

• One clear plastic bag
  • 12" x 12" x 6" clear plastic stadium bag
  • One (1) gallon clear plastic storage bag
    - OR - 
• One clutch purse
  4.5" x 6.5" or smaller

Prohibited bags:

• Backpack
• Purse
• Camera bag
• Binoculars case
• Fanny pack
• Printed pattern plastic bag

No strollers are allowed.

Updated 3/3/22

The university will allow up to 15 guests per graduate and the event will be ticketed. All guests two (2) years or older require a ticket for admission.

The event will also be live-streamed so that family and friends can watch from anywhere across the world. 

Updated 9/14/22

You must submit your RSVP by Nov. 28 to be eligible for student and guest tickets. Your fifteen (15) guest e-tickets will be made available the week of the ceremony. E-tickets are accessible in your MY HUSKIES Account via your student account.

• If this is your first time using your My Huskies account. You will need to activate your account by inputting your student I.D. number without the “Z”
• Once you have logged in on a mobile device, you will scroll down to "My Upcoming Events" to see your tickets.

Transfer your tickets to your guests by clicking “Transfer Tickets” in the menu above "My Upcoming Events" and enter each guest’s email or phone number. Your guest/s will receive an email or text message with their e-ticket and the option to download the QR code to their phone.

Have your guests save their ticket QR code to their phone prior to arriving.

Updated 10/14/22

Please send their ticket to another guest from your party who can show both tickets upon entry.

If your guests are all arriving with you, you can leave all the tickets on your phone and scan them all at once.

No. However, you must be wearing a black cap and gown to participate in the ceremony. They will not be available on site. 

Updated 9/14/22

For your name to appear in the commencement ceremony program, you will need to apply to graduate according to the deadline set by Registration and Records.

Please note, your name will not appear at all if you have a FERPA hold (which forbids the university from releasing your name in any public context) set up in your MyNIU privacy settings. You will need to request a FERPA change before graduate application deadlines.

No. Diplomas will be mailed directly from the vendor about six weeks after the ceremony. All graduation requirements need to have been met. Further, please note that you must clear any monetary or other obligations to the university to receive your diploma. You can check your diploma status after six to eight weeks.