Faculty/Staff Appreciation
Would you like to recognize a special faculty or staff member at NIU who had a positive impact on your college experience?
This information is intended to help you understand the chain of events connected with your candidacy for an undergraduate degree at NIU. Graduate students must contact the Graduate School for information regarding graduation requirements and the commencement ceremony. Graduate deadlines and fees are different from undergraduate deadlines and fees. Calendars with deadlines applicable to graduate students can be found at the Graduate School website. Questions may be directed to the Graduate School at gradsch@niu.edu or (815) 753-0395.
The best way to ensure a smooth degree audit is to be certain that your file in Registration and Records is complete and accurate with all documents (transcripts, grade changes, substitutions, adviser approval letters) and information necessary for graduation. Please carefully review your DARS report for accuracy. It is your responsibility to contact your adviser with any questions regarding discrepancies that appear on these reports. You may view your DARS report through WebConnect.
The deadlines for applying for graduation and commencement are listed below. You must have at least 90 total semester hours to apply for graduation and your $29.00 graduation fee is due when you apply. The fee can be paid with a check, money order or credit card. The application and fee payment must arrive in Registration and Records by 3 p.m. the day of the deadline. Postmarks will not be accepted. You may also apply in person in Williston Hall 220.
Graduation Application and Fee Deadline
Once you apply for graduation for the current term, Registration and Records will review your record, including the courses for which you are registered, and send an e-mail to your Z-ID mailbox regarding your standing toward graduation. Please carefully review your DARS report and contact your adviser if you have any questions.
The final graduation check determines if you have met the requirements for your degree and if you are eligible for a degree with distinction. This process begins as soon as grades are processed and is generally completed within 14 days after the official graduation date. During those 14 days, your file must be completed with all documents required to complete your degree. If you are unable to resolve a deficiency within this 14-day period, please advise the Office of Registration and Records immediately of your new graduation date. It is the student's responsibility to notify the Office of Registration and Records in writing of their next intended graduation date. Upon such notification, the Office of Registration and Records will review the student's academic record again at that time. An additional fee is not required.
Your diploma will be sent to the permanent address Registration and Records has on file if you are currently enrolled at NIU. If you need to change your address, please go to WebConnect. If you are not currently enrolled at NIU, contact Registration and Records at (815) 753-0681 to change your address. Diplomas are sent to your permanent address four to six weeks after the end of the term. You may verify the date your diploma was mailed through the Michael Sutter website.
Commencement Information
For more information about the commencement ceremony, please visit the Convocation Center website at: www.convocenter.niu.edu/commencement/