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, 2024.

  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 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

  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.

  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

  Official ticket information is still TBD. All information provided is subject to change.

   

• Ticket Pick Up

  Ceremony tickets, or rain location tickets, will be distributed to graduates at Commencement Rehearsal. Distribution of tickets to guests is solely the responsibility of the graduate.

   

• Extra Additional Tickets

   Extra tickets will not be available. 

   

GRADUATE INFORMATION

• Identification

  Graduates are required bring their photo ID to retrieve their 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.

  • Commencement photos on Flickr
  • Purchase graduation photos
  • Commencement video order form
     

• 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 a “Press Pass” will be allowed to take pictures from the arena level.

   

• 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.

• Hotels in Vicinity of NSU

  Aloft Chesapeake: 145 Crossways Blvd, Chesapeake, VA.
  Phone: (757) 410-9562
  
  Norfolk Waterside Marriott: 235 E Main Street, Norfolk, VA.
  Phone: (757) 627-4200
  
  Wyndham Garden Downtown: 700 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA.
  Phone: (757) 627-5555

  Hilton Norfolk The Main: 100 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA.
  Phone: (757) 763-6200

  Courtyard Norfolk Downtown: 520 Plume Street, Norfolk, VA.
  Phone: (757) 963-6000
  
  Sheraton Norfolk Waterside: 777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA.
  Phone: (757) 622-6664
  
  Hilton Airport Norfolk: 1500 North Military Highway, Norfolk, VA.
  Phone: (757) 466-8000
  
  Norfolk Marriott Chesapeake: 725 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA.
  Phone: (757) 523-1500
  
  Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center: 4453 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, VA.
  Phone: (877) 270-1393
  
  Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel and Conference Center: 5655 Greenwich Road, Virginia
  
  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.