The 114th Commencement Ceremony is scheduled at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Please check back frequently for updates. All information provided below is subject to change.
We strive to provide the best commencement experience possible to all NSU graduates and their guests. Congratulations to the Class of 2025, and best wishes for a bright future!
Safety and Security
For the safety and security of all participants and attendees, guests will be required to enter through security check points. Guests will be subject to metal detectors and/or wanding upon entry into Price Stadium.
For your safety and smooth entry into the graduation area, it is recommended to use clear see-through bags and small clutch bags that are approximately the size of your hand. No weapons of any kind are permitted on campus. Please do not bring any prohibited items.
Commencement Details
Commencement Length
The ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m. and should last approximately 2 hours.
Academic Attire and Regalia
Contact the NSU Bookstore for all academic attire (caps, gowns, and accessories) and related updates. They will be available for purchase in the Bookstore starting early Spring, 2025.
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.
No ticket is needed for Price Stadium, all seating is first come, first served.
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 recommended 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).
Please note: Seating in the handicapped section will only be available for those with limited mobility and one additional accompanying family member or guest. Other guests must sit in the general seating areas in order to reserve space for others with accessibility needs.
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 site. 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
Plan to arrive at least one hour prior to the posted ceremony start time, as all guests will be required to go through the same security checkpoint.
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 Price Stadium. Shuttle services will be available to transport guests to/from parking lots to the commencement venue. 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
Commencement Ticket Information
Tickets are not needed for Price Stadium. Tickets are only required if the ceremony is moved to Echols due to weather. Graduates will receive 6 rain tickets. Tickets will be distributed at the commencement rehearsal at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9 in Echols Hall. No additional tickets available.
Ticket Pick Up
Rain tickets will be distributed to graduates at the Commencement Rehearsal. Distribution of rain tickets to guests is solely the responsibility of the graduate.
Additional Rain Tickets
Extra rain tickets will not be available.
Graduate Information
Identification
Graduates are required to bring their photo ID to retrieve their rain tickets.
Photographs & Videos
Commencement Photos & Videos
Share your achievements with family and friends. Here are links to view or order graduation day photos or videos.
Photographs
Guests may take photos from the bleacher sections only. Please do not block the aisles or passageways by attempting to greet or take photos with graduates. Please remain in your seats for the duration of the ceremony.
No one other than those who have been issued proper credentials will be allowed to be on the field or track area.
Professional Photography
GradImages is the official Commencement photographer. Students will receive an email with their photos, which can be purchased at www.gradimages.com. The photographer will capture a photo of the graduate as he/she crosses the stage and receives his/her diploma. Proofs and purchase information will be mailed or emailed directly to each graduate.
Lodging
The following is a listing of hotels in the vicinity of Norfolk State University. We suggest that you make reservations as early as possible to ensure that lodging will be available. This listing does not imply a recommendation. Many establishments provide a discounted rate for visitors attending the NSU Commencement, be sure to inquire with your reservation agent. Information on rates and directions should be secured by calling the numbers listed below.
Contact Us
Contact the Office of University Events at commencement@nsu.edu or (757) 823-8323.
Hotels in Vicinity of NSU
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Aloft Chesapeake: 1454 Crossways Blvd, Chesapeake, VA.
Phone: (757) 410-9562
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Norfolk Waterside Marriott: 235 E Main Street, Norfolk, VA.
Phone: (757) 627-4200
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Hilton Norfolk The Main: 100 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA.
Phone: (757) 763-6200
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Courtyard Norfolk Downtown: 520 Plume Street, Norfolk, VA.
Phone: (757) 963-6000
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Sheraton Norfolk Waterside: 777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA.
Phone: (757) 622-6664
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Hilton Airport Norfolk: 1500 North Military Highway, Norfolk, VA.
Phone: (757) 466-8000
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Norfolk Marriott Chesapeake: 725 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA.
Phone: (757) 523-1500
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Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center: 4453 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, VA.
Phone: (877) 270-139
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Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel and Conference Center: 5655 Greenwich Road, Virginia
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CandleWood Suites Norfolk Airport: 5600 Lowery Road Norfolk, VA.
Phone: (757) 605-4001 or (888) 226-3539
This listing does not imply a recommendation. Discounts (if any) are only offered by hotels and not NSU.