Commencement: Frequently Ask Questions
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL-LOUIS UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT REGISTRATION PROCESS?
1. You are currently able to submit a diploma and degree finalization to graduate in December 2008, March 2009, June 2009 or August 2009. You must complete the diploma and degree finalization request online to register for Commencement
· The diploma and degree finalization request is available here. This request will begin your diploma finalization process AND allow you to register for the commencement ceremony at your campus.
· If you did not receive a confirmation email, are not sure whether your form has been received or you have missed the deadline, call the Office of Admissions and Records at 800.366.3623 extension, 5718.
2. Order your cap and gown. Order via the web at www.traditionsusa.com or call 800.297.GRAD.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE COMMENCEMENT OFFICE ON MY CAMPUS
· Illinois: Call 312.261.3568 Email commencement@nl.edu
· Virginia/DC: Call 312.261.3568, Email commencement@nl.edu
· Florida: Call 813.491.6124 Email tbondar@nl.edu
· Wisconsin: Call 414.577.2658 ext. 6202 Email jpetersen@nl.edu
IS THERE A COST FOR MY CAP AND GOWN? HOW DO I ORDER? WHAT COLOR IS MY HOOD?
- You must purchase your cap and gown from Traditions USA.
- Undergraduate cap, gown and tassel are $30 plus tax (IL only) and shipping. Undergraduates wear black gowns and caps with the NLU Tassels.
- Master's cap, gown, tassel and hood are $47 plus tax (IL only) and shipping. Again, each student will receive a black gown and NLU Tassel.
- Educational Specialist cap, gown, tassel and hood are $48 plus tax (IL only) and shipping.
- Doctoral candidate cap, gown, tassel and hood are $52 plus tax (IL only) and shipping. You need to provide your degree type when ordering, e.g. Doctorate of Education.
- Call 800-297-GRAD or check their web site at www.traditionsusa.com. Traditions USA has invitations, rings, diploma frames, and other gifts of interest.
- Check our Commencement links to find out more about our vendors! Select Commencement Links icon to the left.
AFTER I COMPLETED DIPLOMA FINALIZATION & COMMENCEMENT REGISTRATION, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION?
- A $50 Diploma and Degree Finalization fee will be charged to your student account by the Office of Admissions and Records.
- If you have moved, contact the Office of Admissions and Records with your current address to ensure that your Commencement information and diploma will arrive.
- A final commencement letter will be mailed to your home address two weeks before the ceremony containing directions, maps, tickets (if needed for your ceremony), and other information.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE DIPLOMA FINALIZATION REQUEST?
- The request notifies the OAR that you are finishing your degree requirements. The submission of the request starts a degree audit process.
DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT THE DIPLOMA FINALIZATION REQUEST TO BE IN THE CEREMONY?
- Yes, it is a prerequisite. A students interested in participating in the Commencement Ceremony must submit a diploma finalization request to the Office of Admissions and Records.
- If you have not submitted a diploma finalization request, submit it immediately here. As the Commencement Office is not the Office of Admissions and Records, we cannot "officially" help you with issues regarding your diploma.
I NEED MORE INFORMATION ON THE DIPLOMA FINALIZATION REQUEST.
IS THERE A COST FOR COMMENCEMENT REGISTRATION?
- There is no cost to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. National-Louis provides the ceremony to its students for free. Most universities charge a commencement fee; however, NLU hosts the ceremony as a gift, in celebration of your accomplishment and hard work!
- A $50 fee for Diploma Finalization will be charged by the Office of Admissions and Records. Diplomas will not be mailed to graduates if there is a financial encumbrance.
- You must purchase your cap and gown from Traditions USA to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. For more information see www.traditionsusa.com
WHY WOULD MY NAME NOT APPEAR IN THE PROGRAM?
- The prerequisite for commencement is the Diploma Finalization request. If you failed to submit the diploma finalization request, your name will not be in the program.
I HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY LINE/ROW CARD OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY. SHOULD I WORRY? AM I REGISTERED FOR THE CEREMONY?
- Each campus will mail out information approximately 2 weeks before their ceremony. If you are concerned about your registration or you haven't received any information about the Commencement Ceremony, please call your campus Commencement office.
WHERE IS THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY BEING HELD? HOW DO I GET THERE?
WILL I RECEIVE MY DIPLOMA AT THE CEREMONY?
- NO. You will receive a diploma cover containing alumni information. Remember that your participation or attendance at an NLU commencement does not mean that you have completed your degree. Your diploma will be sent to you only if you have submitted your diploma finalization form, all of your degree requirements have been fulfilled, and you have no financial encumbrance to National-Louis University.
- Diplomas are sent out approximately eight weeks after the degree is conferred (March 31, June 30, August 31, December 31). Please go to www.nl.edu/oar/degrees.cfm for approximate mail dates. Questions about diplomas must be directed to the Office of Admissions and Records.
HOW MANY GUESTS MAY I BRING TO THE CEREMONY? DO I RECEIVE TICKETS OR PARKING PASS?
- The Illinois Commencement will limit the number of guest tickets to five (5) for each registered student participant. All guests must have a ticket to enter the Pavilion before the start of the ceremony. Students will be mailed 5 tickets and other pertinent information approximately 2 weeks prior to the ceremony.If you bring more than five guests, and/or, a guest loses their ticket, these individuals must wait outside of the Pavilion until the ceremony starts. Ten (10) minutes after the start of the Ceremony all remaining seats will be open for general admission. Children five years of age or younger, will not require a guest ticket, if they can sit on an adult lap. The Commencement participants do not need a ticket. Parking will cost $10/per car or $15 / per bus.
- The Florida Commencement does not distribute tickets, and there is no cost to park.
- Virginia/DC issues guests tickets; however, there is no limit to the number requested. Street parking is available at no cost.
- Tickets will not be issued for Wisconsin, nor is there a charge to park.
ARE THERE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DAY OF THE CEREMONY?
- Please arrive at least 1 hour before the ceremony at your line-up location. Give additional time to park.
- We recommend cool clothing under your graduation robe.
- Do not use cell phone or beepers during the ceremony as it will disrupt those around you. Any student or guest disrupting the ceremony or who refuse to comply with the requests of the ushers/security will be asked to leave the ceremony.
- Do not leave the ceremony early.
- Be sure to arrange a location for you to meet your guests outside of the ceremony site.
ARE YOUR EVENT LOCATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO THE HANDICAPPED?
- Yes! Each ceremony location is handicapped accessible.
- If you or one of your guests have special needs, please include that information on your Commencement Registration form. The facilities used for ceremonies have handicapped parking and entrances.
HOW LONG IS THE CEREMONY?
- The Illinois Ceremony is approximately two and one-half hour (2 ½) hours. Please give yourself additional time to park when arriving and departing the ceremony location.
- The Virginia/DC ceremony is approximately 1 ½ hours. Please add additional time to park.
- The Florida Region Ceremony last 1 ¾ hours. Parking cost is $5.00.
- Wisconsin's ceremony will last 1 ½ hours. Parking is free.
I HAVE LOST MY LINE/ROW CARD FOR THE CEREMONY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
- Illinois Graduates: Arrive at least 1 hour prior to the start time of the ceremony and report to the parking garage adjacent to the UIC Pavilion. NLU will have staff and faculty available to issue new seating assignments and to reissue seating cards to those individuals who have misplaced them.
- Non-Illinois Graduates: Contact your campus Commencement Office for more information.
I AM A CHICAGO-AREA FIELD/ON-CAMPUS STUDENT. MAY I PARTICIPATE IN THE WISCONSIN CEREMONY INSTEAD OF THE CHICAGO CEREMONY?
- No. The Wisconsin Region's ceremony is for Beloit and Milwaukee Campuses only.
- However, all Non-Illinois graduates are invited to the Illinois Commencement Ceremony on June 7, 2009.
