Commencement at NHTI
Frequently Asked Questions
The Commencement Ceremony will take place in Parking Lot C. In the event of severe, inclement weather the ceremony will be moved indoors to the Dr. Goldie Crocker Wellness Center with simulcast in Sweeney Hall Auditorium and the Student Center. The decision to move indoors will be made the day before graduation. Please check the NHTI website at www.nhti.edu for information regarding the location.
Directions and a map may be accessed here
- What are the requirements to graduate?
NHTI holds one Commencement ceremony in May of each year. Except for those programs which are regularly scheduled to end during the summer, students must achieve a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in order to participate in the annual Commencement ceremony. A student whose program is regularly scheduled to be completed in the summer term following the May Commencement (Dental Assisting, Radiation Therapy, e.g.) may participate in the ceremony. However, at the end of the spring semester, the student must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.0 and complete all other course requirements to be eligible to participate. All other students who complete their program requirements during the summer semester at the end of the fall semester will be invited to participate in the subsequent May Commencement. Degrees are officially awarded on the following schedule: August following the summer term; December following the fall term; and May during Commencement. - What are the deadlines for filing an "Intent to Graduate" Form?
Deadlines for filing Intent to Graduate Forms with the Registrar's Office: October 24, 2008 for fall 2008 completion; November 14, 2008 for spring 2009 completion; and April 17, 2009 for summer 2009 completion. All forms must be signed by the Department Head of the academic program in which the degree will be conferred. The Intent to Graduate form and other requirements for graduation are found on this webpage: http://www.nhti.edu/registrar/formsfordownload.htm - Where and when do I get my cap and gown?
First, if you think you need a specialty size gown, please go to the NHTI Bookstore to be measured no later than April 17, 2009. Beginning May 4, 2009 you may pick up your cap and gown in the NHTI Bookstore after you go to the Bursar's Office to check on the status of your account. You must go to the Bursar's Office before going to the Bookstore. If you have earned Honors or High Honors, a gold tassel will be given to you on graduation morning prior to the start of the processional. Tassels will be worn on the RIGHT SIDE. Please wear only one tassel. - What time should those graduating arrive?
Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. Please report to the room where your academic program has been assigned in Sweeney Hall. The NHTI Receptionist will have this information on graduation day. It is expected that you will remain for the entire Commencement ceremony. - What time should guests arrive?
Parking and seating are first-come, first-served. We suggest that guests begin arriving by 8:30 a.m. - Is there a photographer available at the Ceremony?
Yes. Chappell Graduation Images is the official Photographer for the NHTI graduation. If you wish to have your Portrait Photo taken, a photographer from Chappell Graduation Images will be available from 8-9 a.m. on the second floor balcony of the Student Center. At the time you are presented with your diploma, the photographer will also take your picture. You do not need money on graduation day to pay for photos. About a week after the ceremony, Chappell Studios will email you about your proofs using your NHTI student email address, at which time you can decide about making a purchase. You may visit their website at www.chappell.com. Customer Service may be reached at 1-800-424-3686 or - What is the procedure if I am earning more than one degree?
Please choose which academic program you wish to sit with and report to that assigned room on graduation morning. Your name will be called for both degrees. When your name is called the second time, you are responsible for getting yourself into line in the correct alphabetical order. You will return to the seat where you were for the conferring of your first degree. - Is there reserved seating?
Chairs are available for all members of the graduating class. Additional chairs are available, first-come, first-served for families and guests. If you have someone attending graduation who is in need of disability accommodations, please contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at 271-7723 no later than May 11, 2009 to make these arrangements. Space is set aside for those requiring special accommodations. One person may accompany each person requiring special accommodation. - How long is the ceremony?
Graduation begins promptly at 10 a.m. It is anticipated that it will end between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. - Where is Commencement held?
Graduation is held under a tent in Parking Lot C. The decision will be made the day before graduation to move indoors to the Dr. Goldie Crocker Wellness Center, Sweeney Hall Auditorium, and Student Center in the event of severe, inclement weather. Please check the NHTI website at www.nhti.edu for information regarding the location of graduation. If the ceremony is held indoors, only two guests will be allowed to attend per degree candidate. Admission will be by ticket only in the event the ceremony is held indoors. - Where do I park?
Parking is first-come, first-served. There will be individuals directing traffic and you will be shown where to park. - Are special accommodations available for guests?
Handicap parking is available. When arriving on campus, those in need of handicap parking should tell people directing traffic so they can be directed accordingly. If you have someone attending graduation who is in need of disability accommodations, please contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at 271-7723 to make these arrangements no later than May 12, 2008. Space is set aside for those requiring special accommodations. One person may accompany each person requiring special accommodation. - What is the procedure during the ceremony?
After you march in, you will remain standing through the Invocation and the singing of “America the Beautiful”. Men should remove their caps for the Invocation, the singing of “America the Beautiful”, and the Benediction. Degree candidates should wait at the designated location at the bottom of the ramp in front of the stage until their name is called. Graduates should shake hands as they cross the stage. Please remain standing until your entire academic program has received their degrees/diplomas. The entire academic program will sit down as a group. The Recessional will begin with the people on the stage, followed by faculty and students. - If I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa, do I wear special regalia?
If you wish to order the Phi Theta Kappa stole, tassel and/or Honors cords, please visit the Phi Theta Kappa website at www.ptk.org. - Is there a Reception following graduation?
A reception for graduates, their guests, faculty, staff and administration will be held immediately following Commencement under the smaller tent behind the Commencement tent.