Frequently Asked Questions

It means that while we will offer some speeches and students walking across the stage, the event will be slightly modified to ensure safety procedures are followed including but not limited to no hand shaking, no processional, masks will be required (other than when posing for individual professional socially distanced photos) and there is a strictly enforced limit on guests. 

Updated 3/10/21

All events are going to be held rain or shine. Events will be canceled in the event of lightening or extreme weather. The university does not anticipate scheduling a backup date.

Updated 3/10/21

Yes. While we remain hopeful that an increase in vaccinations will continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19, if there is a change in the pandemic and the state mandates that the event will put our graduates and guests at risk, we will plan to cancel/postpone events.

Updated 3/10/21

No. Regretfully, to plan for the number of individuals on campus and in the DeKalb community, we will not be flexible with switching between commencement events.

Updated 3/10/21

We determined that June dates would increase the odds of good weather and allow for more individuals to get vaccinated while also providing our graduates ample time to make arrangements.

Updated 3/10/21

No. We heard from our community that the majority of graduates prefer a safe in-person option and will not produce a virtual event.

Updated 3/10/21

Health Guidelines

• Guests must wear masks and maintain appropriate social distancing.

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.

 

Added 5/24/21

The university will allow up to 10 guests per graduate and the event will be ticketed. There will be no modifying of this ticket rule for any reason. All guests one (1) year or older require a ticket for admission. The event will be live streamed so that family and friends can watch from anywhere across the world. 

Updated 5/18/21

Each e-ticket is marked GA or general admission and notes the appropriate side of the stadium (EAST or WEST) and section we are requesting guests to sit in. This will allow us to social distance between guests, but no individual seats are assigned.

Added 5/18/21

Your 10 guest e-tickets are accessible in your MY HUSKIES Account with Ticketmaster via your student account (you must use your ZID@students.niu.edu to access).

• Click “Forgot Password” if this is your first time using your MY HUSKIES Account or you forgot your password.
• Click “Manage My Tickets.”

Transfer your tickets to your guests by clicking “Manage My Tickets” and entering each guests’ email address. Your guest/s will receive an email to claim their e-ticket and download the QR code to their phone.

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

Added 5/18/21

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

Added 5/18/21

Yes, you will need a field ticket, however, this does not count toward your 10 guest tickets. Your ticket will be added to your My Huskies account, the week of your event. You will receive one (1) non-transferrable e-ticket in your My Huskies Account to gain access to the field for your ceremony.

Added 5/18/21

No. While we understand the challenge in providing limited tickets, we hope that all graduates will understand and respect this decision. 

Updated 3/10/21

The university is aware that Oak Hall has had a delay in shipping. Caps and gowns began shipping the week of May 17 and graduates should begin to see the tracking information appear soon. The University and Oak Hall are committed to getting you your caps and gowns on time and we thank you for your patience during this unexpected delay.  

Added 5/18/21

Yes, you may come to campus to take photos. Please visit Protecting the Pack for all NIU safety guidelines.

Updated 9/9/20

Beginning in fall 2020, the university updated their contract for student regalia to become direct ship and charged directly to graduates. This is consistent with the practice of institutions across the state who charge a graduation fee to cover the cost of diploma covers, validating and printing degrees, etc. and either include a fee for regalia or have students pay separately. Regretfully, the current fee has not covered this amount and the university can no longer subsidize the regalia costs.

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.

Updated 3/10/21

If you have any type of FERPA hold on your name, the university is not allowed to print your name in this program. More information about this topic can be found on the Registration and Records website.

Updated 3/10/21

No. Diplomas will be mailed directly from the vendor. This is estimated to begin in mid-June  2021 for students who have met all their graduation requirements.  Further, please note that you must clear any monetary or other obligations to the university to receive your diploma. You can check diploma status after 6-8 weeks.

Updated 3/10/21