Commencement

Celebrate your achievement and get ready for the big day. This page has everything you need, from ceremony times to ticket details, to help you prepare for your celebration.

Fall 2025 Commencement schedule

NAU’s Fall Commencement will take place December 12, 2025, at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff. Stay tuned for updates and announcements.

Please check back regularly for schedule updates and additional announcements.

Friday, December 12, 2025

If you have any questions about your assigned ceremony, please reach out to Commencement@nau.edu.

10:00 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

3:00 p.m.

• College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
• College of Health and Human Services
• College of Nursing
• Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
• All Personalized Learning students

Spring 2026 Commencement

Save the date! Spring Commencement is scheduled for May 8-9, 2026.

Friday, May 8, 2026

10 a.m.

• College of Education
• The W.A. Franke College of Business

3 p.m.

• College of Arts and Letters
• College of Health and Human Services
• College of Nursing

Saturday, May 9, 2026

10 a.m.

• College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
• Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
• All Personalized Learning students

3 p.m.

• College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• NAU Yuma

Watch the ceremony live

Can’t attend in person? Watch the livestream of NAU Commencement on YouTube!

Plan your visit

Graduating student information

Find everything you need to check off before walking across the stage at commencement.

Guest information

Find everything you need to know to enjoy Commencement as a guest.

Please note: Degrees are officially conferred during Commencement. Each student may bring up to four guests unless additional space is approved.

What to expect

• A clear bag policy will be in effect 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.
• Altitude advisory: Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet. Be sure to hydrate, take breaks, and monitor for signs of altitude sickness.

Tickets and RSVP timeline

Fall 2025 commencement ceremonies

The Graduate RSVP form will be open from September 29-November 14. All eligible graduates will be sent an email to their NAU email with the information in September 2025.

• Graduates must RSVP to participate in their commencement ceremony.
• Guests will not need tickets to attend the December commencement ceremony.

The graduate RSVP form will close on November 14 for the December 2025 ceremonies. Any graduates who miss the 11/14 deadline and still wish to participate in the December 2025 commencement ceremonies should contact commencement@nau.edu as soon as possible.

Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies

The Graduate RSVP and guest ticket requests form deadlines are yet to be determined. All eligible graduates will be sent an email to their NAU email with the information in January 2026.

Directions and parking

We’re excited to welcome you to campus! Be sure to learn how to get here and instructions for parking on campus as a guest ahead of time.

University convocations/celebrations

In addition to the main ceremonies, convocations and college receptions recognize academic accomplishments, leadership, and student identity.