Spring 2026 Commencement Schedule

Graduates should arrive one hour before ceremony - no practice session is scheduled prior to commencement

Ceremony Timeline

Tahlequah

• Arrive one hour prior to your ceremony start time. Plan for possible traffic and parking delays.
• Enter the NSU Event Center through the Community Building (NE corner of the building).
• Listen carefully to officials for instructions and follow ushers’ directions throughout the ceremony.
• You will be directed to stand during the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremony and the Alma Mater near the end of the ceremony. Listen for these cues.

Broken Arrow

• Arrive one hour prior to ceremony start time. Plan for possible traffic and parking delays. Mabee Center directions and parking information can be found can be found on the Mabee Center directions and parking page.
• Enter the Mabee Center through the south entrance.
• You will be directed to the practice gym where staff will group students by college and level (bachelors/masters).
• Listen carefully to officials for instructions and follow your ushers’ directions throughout the ceremony.
• You will be directed to stand during the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremony and the Alma Mater near the end of the ceremony. Listen for these cues.

There is NOT a secure place to leave personal belongings, and you may be directed to a different seat during the ceremony. Do not carry cameras, purses, etc., since you will need both hands free. 

Name Card Distribution

Name cards will be distributed upon arrival during check-in. Present the card to the announcer to have your name read. The photographer uses the information on the back for identification purposes. 

Recessional

• After the Alma Mater, the mace bearer and platform party will lead the recessional, followed by the faculty and then students. Wait until the usher releases your row to exit the arena.
• Plan to meet your guests outside, away from the doors, to make room for others exiting the building.

Accommodations

Graduates with Special Needs

• If you need special assistance, please contact Alexis Bowers at harri130@nsuok.edu no later than Monday, April 27, 2026, so that arrangements may be made.

Guests with Special Needs - Tahlequah

• An elevator is available to transport guests in wheelchairs to accessible seating on the mezzanine level. For those with limited mobility (i.e. walkers, canes, etc.) seating is available on the ground floor through the main glass doors in the center of the arena. Each limited mobility guest may be accompanied by 1 other guest.

Guests with Special Needs – Broken Arrow

• Guests with disabilities will enter the North Lobby. Mabee Center ushers will provide assistance and direct guests to a reserved seating area.

Live Streaming

NSU will live stream the commencement ceremonies. Information about live streaming will be available on the Commencement website prior to the ceremony.

Photography

A professional photographer will be taking pictures of graduates prior to entering the stage and as students shake hands with the President. Students are asked to pre-register by using the QR code below.

Caps and Gowns

• Delivery to your home is available through the Herff Jones website until 4/10/26. If you miss the deadline or prefer to purchase in person, you may do so at either NSU Campus Bookstore beginning 3/23/26. They will be selling caps, gowns, and honor cords.
• Keep the tassel on the right side and do not change the position of the tassel until directed to do so by the President after all have crossed the stage.
• Please wear appropriate footwear. You should anticipate walking distances, standing for a period of time, and navigating ramps.
• Refer to the NSU Commencement Dress & Conduct Guidelines for additional Information and Instructions

Graduation Announcements

Graduation announcements may be ordered through Herff Jones.

Diplomas

After final grades for the semester are recorded, your eligibility for graduation will be checked. If you meet all requirements and you are in good standing with the university, your diploma will be mailed to the address you listed on your application for graduation. If there is a concern with your graduation eligibility, you will be notified via your NSU email. If you do not meet degree requirements for the semester in which you applied for graduation, you will need to reapply for graduation for the semester in which you complete all degree requirements. Please make sure your contact information is correct and continue to monitor your NSU email account.

SPECIAL REMINDER: 

Please note that course substitutions, grade changes for incompletes, and transcripts of work completed at other schools must be in the Office of the Registrar by May 22, 2026, for your name to remain on the roster of graduating students for Spring 2026. The deadline for Summer 2026 is August 27, 2026.