Fall Commencement
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!
Important Commencement Facts
The 115th Commencement Ceremony will be held in Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall Arena. The doors will open to the general public at 7:00 a.m. All guests must have a ticket to enter the venue.
Tickets are only distributed to qualified graduating students. All children ages 2 and older require a ticket. Children under the age of 2 are not required to have a ticket if they can sit in the lap of a parent or guardian.
Each graduate receives six (6) tickets for the ceremony. All guests ages 2 and older must have a ticket to enter Echols Hall. No extra tickets are available. Graduates do not need a ticket for the ceremony.
Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. No saving of seats is permitted. All guests will be required to sit in the upper seating area. Floor seating is reserved for graduates and faculty. Limited handicapped seating will be available on a first come, first served basis on the arena floor.
Face masks are not required for anyone attending the commencement ceremony. However, guests may choose to continue to wear masks at their own discretion. Please respect the masking decisions of all patrons.
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 Echols Hall.
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.
NSU strongly encourages guests to not bring any type of bags. However, guests can bring the following style and size bag, package, or container:
• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” No buckles, grommets/hardware or decor can conceal any part of the bag. The bag must be all clear.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the arena with one of the clear plastic bag options.
Please note that ALL bags are subject to search by NSU Police.
The following items are prohibited: noise makers, confetti, balloons, inflatables, backpacks, weapons to include fireworks, firearms, sticks, clubs, knives of any length, and other weapons.
Guests are discouraged from bringing strollers into Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall. If strollers are utilized, they must not block walkways, stairwells, or impede the flow of traffic in any way. Please be advised that Echols Hall is not equipped with an elevator (only a handicapped lift) nor does it have a storage or staging area for strollers. Please plan accordingly.
- Alternate Ceremony Viewing Options
• On campus viewing option: L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. No tickets are needed for the Wilder Center.
• Off campus viewing option: Guests may view the ceremony at www.nsu.edu.
- Parking and Shuttle Services
Norfolk State University makes every effort to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. We want our patrons to have a positive memorable on-campus experience. Parking attendants will be on hand to provide assistance and guidance.
• All parking lots will be open and available for guests except for Lot 8 at Echols Hall.
• Limited handicapped parking will be available to guests on a first come, first serve basis. Parking will not be available at Echols Hall.
• Lots 9, 11 & 12 have been designated as handicapped lots for the commencement ceremony. Once these lots reach capacity, guests will be directed to other lots for parking. To gain access to the designated handicapped parking lots, enter the NSU Campus via Gate 8 (located off Ballentine Ave and/or MiddleTowne Arch).
• 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. Shuttles services will begin at 7 a.m.
Note:
Please be advised that it 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.
Graduation Livestream
The commencement ceremony will also available via livestream on the NSU homepage, which can be found at https://www.nsu.edu.
COMMENCEMENT Details
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Commencement Length
The ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m. and should last approximately 2 hours.
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Academic Attire and Regalia
Contact the NSU Bookstore for all academic attire (caps, gowns, and accessories) and related updates.
Please click for Academic Regalia Pricing. Please note that prices and information are subject to change. Please contact the NSU Bookstore for most current pricing.
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.
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Graduation Fees
The mandatory graduate application fee is $30. This 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).
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Commencement Arrival Time
The ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m.
Guests should allow sufficient time for entry - as all guests must enter through security check points.
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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 7:00 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
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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.
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.
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. 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.
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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
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Commencement Ticket Information
Tickets are required to gain entry. All guests are required to have a ticket. Any child over the age of two years old is required to have a ticket.
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Ticket Pick Up
Ceremony tickets will be distributed to graduates at Commencement Rehearsal. Distribution of tickets to guests is solely the responsibility of the graduate.
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Extra Additional Tickets
Extra tickets will not be available.
PHOTOGRAPHS & VIDEOS
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Commencement Photos & Videos
Share your achievements with family and friends. Here are links to view or order graduation day photos.
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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.
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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.
Contact Us
Contact the Office of University Events at commencement@nsu.edu or (757) 823-2987.