Commencement
Congratulations, Lumberjacks—and to the families, friends, and supporters who helped make this moment possible! Commencement is a celebration of all the hard work, determination, and pride that brought us here.
Explore ceremony times, ticket details, and graduate resources for NAU’s Spring and Fall 2025 Commencement events. Everything you need to prepare for your big day is right here.
Celebrate your achievement and get ready for the big day. This page is your starting point for Commencement details—including ceremony dates, ticket information, and helpful links for graduates and guests.
Spring 2025 Commencement schedule
Commencement ceremonies will take place on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on NAU’s Flagstaff campus.
Please check back regularly for schedule updates and additional announcements.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Online students should attend the ceremony that most closely aligns with their major.
11 a.m.
- College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
- Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
4 p.m.
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Online students should attend the ceremony that most closely aligns with their major.
10 a.m.
- College of Health and Human Services
- College of Nursing
- The W.A. Franke College of Business
3 p.m.
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Education
- NAU Yuma
Watch commencement live stream
Can’t make it in-person? Stream the NAU Commencement live on Youtube!
Know before you go
Visiting commencement as a guest
Find everything you need to know in preparation for your visit.
Commencement essentials
Entrance and participation requirements:
- For the enhanced safety and security of its guests and to speed entry, we enforce a clear bag policy at all commencement ceremonies.
- All ceremonies will be held at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff.
- For real-time event info, text “Hi” to 833-511-0151 to chat with Cappy, NAU’s Commencement chatbot.
- Download the NAUgo app to access schedules, maps, and updates on the go. Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
- In support of NAU’s carbon neutrality goal, Commencement programs are digital-only. The official program will be posted online the week of the event.
- Uber and Lyft services are available at the San Francisco Parking Garage (P96B). A continuous shuttle service will transport guests between the garage and the Skydome throughout the day.
- Located in the high country mountains of northern Arizona, Flagstaff has an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level. At this high elevation, the thinner air and lower oxygen levels can affect visitors who aren’t used to it. To stay comfortable and make the most of your visit:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body adjust.
- Take it slow: Give yourself time to acclimate and take all necessary breaks.
- Watch for symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath can be signs of altitude sickness.
Guest tickets and graduate RSVP
The Graduate RSVP and Ticket Request form will be open from March 3–March 28, 2025. Eligible graduates will receive instructions via their NAU email.
More things to note:
- Graduates may request up to 4 guaranteed guest tickets.
- Requests for up to 6 additional tickets can be submitted during this window.
- For larger requests, email commencement@nau.edu before March 28.
- ADA-accessible seating tickets will be available through the same form.
- From March 31–April 4, all additional ticket requests will be reviewed. The form will be closed during this time.
- On April 7, the form will reopen for late submissions. Graduates may claim up to 4 tickets, available first come, first served.
- The form will permanently close on April 25. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Directions and parking
We are excited to welcome you to Flagstaff! Discover everything you need to know about how to get here and where to park.
Special events
In addition to the commencement ceremony, convocations, and college-hosted academic receptions are special celebrations that recognize the accomplishments of graduating students at NAU.
From pinning ceremonies and student awards to cultural performances and inspiring speakers, these events honor students’ academic achievements, leadership, and the diverse identities that shape our university community. All graduating students are welcome to participate, and those attending convocation will receive a stole to wear at Commencement.
Please note that degrees are officially conferred at Commencement, not during these events. To ensure space for all, each student may bring up to four guests, with additional requests considered upon contact.
Looking ahead to Fall 2025 Commencement
Fall 2025 Commencement will take place on Friday, December 12, 2025. Online students should attend the ceremony that most closely aligns with their major.
Fall 2025 Commencement schedule
10 a.m.
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Education
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- NAU Yuma
- The W.A. Franke College of Business
3 p.m.
- College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
- College of Health and Human Services
- College of Nursing
- Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
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