Congratulations, Class of 2023!
Commencement 2023
2023 Commencement Program: A digital copy of the 2023 Commencement program is available for download here.
Following the June 9 ceremony, from 5-7 pm, we welcome participants, graduates, and guests from both ceremonies to join us on the concourse to honor your incredible achievements. Live music, mariachis, face painting, and a balloon artist will be there. Enjoy the laughter, camaraderie, and festive atmosphere as we applaud your perseverance and dedication. In addition, stop by and meet your dean and faculty. Our new mascot will also be available near the Lexus Premier Club for photo opportunities.
Entrance tickets for Saturday can also be used to enter the ballpark at the Home Plate Gate for the Friday evening celebration.
All concessions will be open to purchase food and drinks.
Please review the event timeline and student information below.
Commencement Schedule
Friday, June 9, 2023, 2:00 pm
Schools Included:
- College of Law & Public Service
- School of Business & Economics
- School of Health Professions
- School of Psychology & Social Sciences
- School of Technology & Engineering
Location: Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Saturday, June 10, 2023, 10:00 am
Schools Included:
- Sanford College of Education
- School of Arts, Letters, & Sciences
Location: Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Seats for participating graduates are limited and will be given to the first 1500 eligible students (per ceremony) that have completed a graduation application for degree conferral, have submitted a commencement ceremony registration, and are within three courses of degree completion 45 days before the day of the commencement ceremony. Questions can be directed to graduation@nu.edu.
Please check your NU student or primary email address on file for continuous updates and information regarding the commencement ceremony. We look forward to providing a memorable event that showcases your outstanding achievement.
| Deadline Date | |
|---|---|
| Graduation Application: A graduation application is required to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students must have completed all graduation requirements or be within three courses of degree completion 45 days before the day of the commencement ceremony. Students can submit a graduation application in their Student Portal: https://login.nu.edu/ Former NCU students are not required to submit a graduation application in order to participate in commencement. | 04/19/2023 |
| Commencement Ceremony Registration: A separate commencement ceremony registration must be completed on the Marching Order website to participate and walk in the ceremony. Students must register with Marching Order at least 45 days before the day of the commencement ceremony. A Marching Order link will be emailed to eligible students in their NU student email or primary email address. Due to space limitations, the event will only be available to the first 1500 eligible students (per ceremony). Failure to submit a graduation application AND a ceremony registration by the deadline will result in students being unable to participate in the commencement ceremony. Former NCU students are not required to submit a graduation application in order to participate in commencement. If you did not receive an invitation to register, please check eligibility requirements on the following website: Eligibility for commencement. If you are eligible, please email graduation@ncu.edu and a registration link will be sent to your student or primary email address. Doctoral students in the 1:1 teaching model must pass their dissertation defense 45 calendar days prior to the commencement ceremony event date and be in good financial standing with the University. View your student account or talk to your advisor if you have further questions about your eligibility. | 04/26/2023 |
| Legal Name Change: Students’ legal names are printed on the diploma and used on Commencement Day. Any legal name changes should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office through the Student Portal before submitting a Graduation Application and by the deadline date for any student participating in the Commencement Ceremony. Student Portal: https://login.nu.edu/ Former NCU students can submit a legal name change by emailing registrar@ncu.edu | 04/26/2023 |
| Regalia: Caps & Gowns are required for all students. Order Regalia Here Military students may elect to wear their dress uniform in lieu of regalia. | 04/26/2023 |
| Tickets: Tickets are required for all students and guests over two. – Students can reserve a maximum of 10 guest tickets. – Tickets may be ordered via Marching Order website after successfully registering for the commencement ceremony. | 04/26/2023 |
Day of Event Timeline/Student Information:
Friday, June 9, 2023
- Students must enter through the Park Blvd. Gate and check in no later than 12:45 pm.
- Look for the “Commencement Graduates Enter Here” sign.
- Tickets are required to enter the ballpark.
- You can provide a printed ticket or the QR Code from your phone.
- Students will receive a card that includes their legal name. Do not lose this card.
- Military and Honors Cords can be picked up at the Grad Check-In area.
- Honors Cords are based on the following eligibility:
- Undergraduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Graduate students with a GPA of 3.85 or higher
- Honors Cords are based on the following eligibility:
- Once check-in is complete, students will line up for the processional. Seating is assigned by college and degree level.
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
- Your official diploma will be mailed to you approximately six weeks from your conferral date. If you have not received your diploma within this timeframe, please contact graduation@nu.edu.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
- Students must enter through the Park Blvd. Gate and check in no later than 8:45 am.
Look for the “Commencement Graduates Enter Here” sign.
- Tickets are required to enter the ballpark.
- You can provide a printed ticket or the QR Code from your phone.
- Students will receive a card that includes their legal name. Do not lose this card.
- Military and Honors Cords can be picked up at the Grad Check-In area.
- Honors Cords are based on the following eligibility:
- Undergraduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Graduate students with a GPA of 3.85 or higher
- Honors Cords are based on the following eligibility:
- Once check-in is complete, students will line up for the processional. Seating is assigned by college and degree level.
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
- Your official diploma will be mailed to you approximately six weeks from your conferral date. If you have not received your diploma within this timeframe, please contact graduation@nu.edu.
- If you are a graduate attending commencement and require accommodations, please email Student Accessibility Services (sas@nu.edu) with your request. Please allow as much notice as possible (no later than April 26, 2023) – last-minute requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Gates will open two hours prior to the ceremony start time.
- Tickets are required for all guests over the age of two.
- Guests under the age of two, who do not sit on their own, do not require a ticket.
- Guests enter at the Home Plate Gate.
- You can provide a printed ticket or the QR code from your phone.
- Strollers can be checked at the Guest Entry Gate, but guests must retrieve the stroller from the gate it was checked in.
- There are no assigned seats for guests. However, special seating can be arranged for those who need assistance. Petco Park Accessibility Guide
Petco Park is a major league baseball stadium and a wonderful venue for our Commencement. It is also a large space that often requires walking, climbing stairs, and/or standing for long periods while graduates and guests find their seats and participate in the festivities. Please plan for those in your party who may have mobility concerns. Some recommendations include the following.
- Arrive early.
- Review information on parking and stadium maps. Note parking fees are subject to change without notice.
- Bring your mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.).
IMPORTANT: Petco Park offers limited access to mobility devices in the case of emergencies. If you believe you or another guest may require any mobility aid, please bring the device with you to the event. Local Options for Mobility Aid Rentals include:
- Eric’s Medical Supply, 5251 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92110 (619-298-9640)
- Ashley Medical, Inc., 1515 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 (619-297-1983)
To make our commencement accessible to as many persons as possible, real-time captioning and American Sign Language interpreting will be provided via video monitors for the duration of the event. If you require additional interpreting or other communication aids in navigating the stadium, please arrange individual services with your preferred provider. Also, consider reviewing the Petco Park Accessibility Guide before attendance. Local Options for Personal Interpreting/Captioning include:
- Preferred Interpreting Service, P.O. Box 9582, San Diego, CA 92169 (888-987-6309)
- Deaf Community Services, 1545 Hotel Circle South, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92108 (619-550-3436)
- Petco Park has strict guidelines on what can be brought into the park. This includes backpacks, purses, totes, and bags measuring more than 7″ x 10″. They will allow infant and medical bags. For full disclosure, please visit the following: Petco Park – Entry Policies | San Diego Padres (mlb.com)
- Balloons and noise makers are prohibited.
- No outside food & beverages.
- Petco Park information can be found here: Petco Park | San Diego Padres (mlb.com)
- Academic Regalia by Jostens (Cap & gown, diploma frames, and announcements) Order Regalia Here
- National University merchandise and flowers https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/national/
- Official photos https://www.gradimages.com/