Frequently Asked Questions

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
• Large purse
• Camera bag
• Binoculars case
• Fanny pack

Strollers are not allowed in the arena where the ceremonies are held due to the tiered seating

Updated 1/27/23

Tickets will not be required for the December 2025 commencement ceremonies. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating, as seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open an hour prior to the event, and guests should plan to allow time to park, get to the entrance and get through security.

Note: No capacity issues are expected, and arriving early means ample time prior to ceremony start time (we do not anticipate any guests will need to arrive to wait in a line prior to doors open, but you are welcome to do so if you choose).

Updated 9/23/2025

As tickets are not required for the December 2025 commencement, there is no limit to the number of guests graduates can invite. Please note, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Updated 9/23/2025

Is guest seating assigned at commencement? No, guest seating, including ADA, is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Updated 9/23/2025

Visit the cap and gown webpage before November 19, 2025. If you miss that deadline you will need to obtain regalia from a vendor of your choice.

Updated 9/23/2025

For your name to appear in the commencement ceremony online 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 9/23/25

No. Diplomas will be mailed directly from the vendor about six weeks after the ceremony. All graduation requirements need to have been met. You can check your diploma status after six to eight weeks.