Graduate Information

Spring 2023 Commencement

Commencement Booklet
The Commencement Booklet contains detailed information about the Spring 2023 Commencement. It is highly recommended that all graduating students review the booklet.

Commencement Checklist
Please review the Commencement Checklist for information regarding graduation deadlines and fees.

Upcoming Events
The Graduate Fair will be hosted by the University Bookstore on March 21 & March 22 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Student Center, Room 138C.

Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the frequently asked questions document to answer pertinent Commencement related questions. If you are a graduate, guest, or have questions regarding COVID Guidelines the answers can be found here.

For more information, contact commencement@nsu.edu or (757) 823-2987.

Spring 2023 Commencement

Commencement Length
Commencement should last approximately 2 hours. The ceremony may be longer due to the adherence of COVID Guidelines.
Academic Attire and Regalia
Academic attire (cap, gown, and accessories) will be available for purchase in the Bookstore starting March 21, 2023.

Please click for Academic Regalia Pricing. Please note that prices and information are subject to change.
- Graduation Announcements & Class Rings can be ordered online.
- Diploma Frames are available for purchase in the Bookstore or online, norfolkstate.bncollege.com.
For more information, contact (757) 823-2037.
Graduation Fees
The mandatory application fee is $30. The application fee is assessed each time an application is submitted.

The payments should be paid directly to Student Accounts.

Students must be financially cleared in order to receive their degree and/or transcripts. This includes payment of the graduation fee, tuition, and all other fees (Cashier’s Office, Student Services Center, 2nd floor, Room 209) as well as any outstanding parking (University Police Department) or library fines (Lyman B. Brooks Library Circulation/Reserve Department, 1st floor).
Commencement Arrival Time
The ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m.

All guests are required to have a ticket to gain entry. Any child over the age of two years old is required to have a ticket.

Guests should allow sufficient time for entry - as all guests must enter through security check points.
Parking
Parking will be available for the commencement ceremony throughout the campus except for Lot 8, which surrounds Echols Hall. Shuttle services will begin starting at 7 a.m. to transport guests.

*Please note that there could be an extensive amount of walking from the parking lots to the commencement location, depending on your parking location. Please plan accordingly.

It is strongly recommend that guests with special needs arrive on-campus early. To gain access to the designated handicapped parking lots, enter the NSU Campus via Gate 8 (located off the Ballentine Ave and/or MiddleTowne Arch).

The Parking Attendants will provide further instructions/guidance.

NOTE: Please be advised that there is a lot of walking; therefore, it is recommended that guests with mobility challenges use walking assistive devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, etc. to and from Echols Hall. Guests can be dropped off at the handicapped entrance and proceed to the designated parking area. However, you may not interrupt the traffic flow or leave your vehicle unattended.

Commencement Attendees

General Public
The 109th Commencement Ceremony is scheduled at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Echols Hall. Plan to arrive at least an hour prior to the posted ceremony start time, as all guests will be required to go through the same security checkpoint. Social distancing will be enforced.

Tickets are required to gain entry.

Each graduate will be given tickets for the ceremony at the commencement rehearsal. Distribution of tickets is solely the responsibility of the graduate. Extra tickets will not be available.

Norfolk State University makes every effort to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. We want our patrons to have positive memorable on-campus experience.

Limited handicapped parking and seating will be available to guests on a first-come, first-serve basis inside Echols Hall Arena. Parking will not be available at Echols Hall. However, shuttle services will be available to transport guests to/from parking lots to Echols Hall. Guests will have to walk to the nearest shuttle stop for pick-up.

It is strongly recommend that guests with special needs arrive on-campus early.
Lost or Stolen Items
NSU is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Graduates are encouraged to leave personal items, (i.e. purses and other valuable items with family or friends). NSU does not have a location to store these items.

Ticket Information

Additional tickets are not available. Ceremony tickets will be distributed at Commencement Rehearsal.

Commencement Ticket Information
Each graduate will receive tickets for the ceremony at the Commencement Rehearsal that will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 5 in Echols Hall. The number of tickets per graduate is TBD at this time.

They must be picked up in-person by the graduate at the commencement rehearsal. Distribution of commencement tickets in the sole responsibility of the graduate. Extra tickets are not available.
Ticket Pick Up
Each graduate will receive his/her tickets at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall at the commencement rehearsal. Distribution of tickets is solely the responsibility of the graduate. Extra tickets will not be available.

Commencement tickets will be distributed at the commencement rehearsal that will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023 in Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall.
Extra Additional Tickets
Unfortunately, no extra tickets are available for the commencement ceremony.