Northern Illinois University

Registration And Records

Frequently Asked Questions - Graduation

  1. How do I declare a graduation date?
  2. Is there a fee for graduation?
  3. What does the graduation fee cover?
  4. How do I change my graduation date?
  5. How do I change my catalog year for my major/minor or general education?
  6. How do I change my major/minor or drop my major/minor?
  7. What catalog should I use for my major/minor and/or general education requirements?
  8. Can I get a diploma cover if I don't attend the ceremony?
  9. How do I get a replacement or duplicate diploma?

1. How do I declare a graduation date?

For complete information and access to the graduation application follow this link:
http://www.reg.niu.edu/regrec/graduation/index.shtml

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2. Is there a fee for graduation?

Yes, the fee is $29.00. For more information follow this link:
http://www.reg.niu.edu/regrec/graduation/index.shtml

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3. What does the graduation fee cover?

The fee covers your cap and gown rental; the diploma and diploma cover; the cost associated with ordering and mailing your diploma; and the cost associated with the commencement ceremony.

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4. How do I change my graduation date?

You need to stop by the Office of Registration and Records in Williston Hall 220 and complete a Degree Information Change sheet. If you cannot come to the office, you can submit a written statement requesting a change to your graduation date, designating the new term along with your name, Z-ID and signature.

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5. How do I change my catalog year for my major/minor or general education?

You need to stop by the Office of Registration and Records in Williston Hall 220 and complete a Degree Information Change sheet. If you cannot come to the office, you can submit a written statement requesting a change to your catalog year, indicating major/minor and/or general education along with your name, Z-ID and signature. NOTE: The major and minor catalog must be the same year (unless your major college notifies us in writing that they will approve an exception to this rule on your behalf).

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6. How do I change my major/minor or drop my major/minor?

You must go to the departmental office of the major or minor and complete a major request form or a minor request form. Once the appropriate signatures are obtained, the form will be forwarded to the Office of Registration and Records.

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7. What catalog should I use for my major/minor and/or general education requirements?

To answer this question, you need to speak with an adviser in your major/minor department as requirements may change from one catalog to another. It would be to your benefit to speak with an adviser in your major college office regarding what catalog to use for general education requirements. Again, requirements may differ from one catalog to another.

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8. Can I get a diploma cover if I don't attend the ceremony?

If you have paid the graduation fee, you may obtain a diploma cover in the Office of Registration and Records, Williston Hall 220. Diploma covers are not mailed due to their fragility.

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9. How do I get a replacement or duplicate diploma?

Contact the Evaluations Office at (815) 753-0753 to request a replacement. The cost is $20.00

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If you have any questions that were not addressed here in this FAQ, please feel free to contact the NIU Office of Registration and Records by phone (815) 753-0681 or by e-mail at regrec@niu.edu.