Commencement special events
Celebrate your academic journey with convocation events that recognize your accomplishments, cultural identity, and contributions to the NAU community.
Convocations at NAU are inclusive celebrations that honor the achievements, identities, and cultures of graduating students. Open to all, these events recognize academic success, leadership, and the rich diversity of our Lumberjack community.
Spring 2025 Convocation ceremonies
Asian and Pacific Islander Convocation
Celebrate the cultural richness and accomplishments of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander graduates.
Friday, May 9, 2025
8–10 a.m.
du Bois Ballroom
Black Student Convocation
Recognize the heritage and achievements of Black graduates through a ceremony rooted in the traditions of the Asante and Ewe peoples and the symbolism of Kente cloth.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
7:30–9 p.m.
du Bois Ballroom
Hispanic/Latine Convocation
A celebration of diverse Hispanic and Latine nationalities. Graduates receive a sarape sash representing cultural pride and perseverance.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
6–7:30 p.m.
Ardrey Auditorium
Indigenous Convocation
Honor the achievements of Indigenous students, including Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian graduates. Special stoles and sashes reflect cultural heritage and regional symbols of resilience and wisdom.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
3–4:30 p.m.
Ardrey Auditorium
Rainbow Convocation
This celebration honors the accomplishments of graduates in the 2SLGBTQIA+ Lumberjack community, embracing identity and inclusion.
Saturday, May 3
3–5 p.m.
Prochnow Auditorium
Veterans Convocation
Celebrate the academic and personal achievements of NAU graduates who have served in the US military.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
4 p.m. | Presentation of the Colors: 4:30 p.m.
Ashurst Auditorium
Questions? Contact vets@nau.edu
Convocation FAQs
What are these events?
Convocations honor graduating students for their academic and personal achievements. Stoles are given during these ceremonies and may be worn at Commencement. Degrees are officially conferred during Commencement, not at convocation ceremonies.
What happens at a convocation?
Convocation ceremonies include guest speakers, cultural performances, and the presentation of stoles for graduates to wear during Commencement.
Who can participate?
Any student graduating or walking in Spring 2025 is welcome to participate.
How many guests can I bring?
You may include up to four (4) guests in your RSVP. For more guests, email inclusion@nau.edu to request additional accommodations.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins to check in and be seated.
Will it be livestreamed?
No, convocation ceremonies will not be streamed online.
What accessibility accommodations are available for the convocation ceremonies?
All venues offer ADA seating and companion options. For specific accommodation needs, contact inclusion@nau.edu inclusion@nau.edu at least one week prior to the ceremony.
Academic receptions
Our college-hosted academic receptions allow fellow peers, faculty, and guests to honor their students' accomplishments.
College of Nursing
Pinning Ceremony
Friday, May 9 | 2–4 p.m.
Location: Ardrey Memorial Auditorium
College of Health and Human Services
Athletic Training Banquet
Thursday, May 8 | 5–8 p.m.
Location: International Pavilion
CSD Full Time Track Ceremony
Thursday, May 8 | noon–1 p.m.
Location: Health Professions 101
CSD Summer Track Ceremony
Saturday, May 10 | 8–9 a.m.
Location: Health Professions 101
Dental Hygiene Student Awards
Thursday, May 8 | 1–3 p.m.
Location: International Pavilion
OT Pinning Ceremony
Thursday, May 8 | 8 a.m.–noon
Location: PBC Campus
PA White Coat Ceremony
Wednesday, May 2
Location: PBC Campus
The W. A. Franke College of Business
School of Hotel and Restaurant Management Grad Reception
Friday, May 9 | noon–2 p.m.
Location: HRM Building
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Anthropology
Thursday, May 8 | 5–7 p.m.
Location: Bushmaster Park
Criminology and Criminal Justice, GPR, and Sociology
Thursday, May 8 | 3–5 p.m.
Location: Castro Building Room 110
School of Communication
Wednesday, May 7 | 5–8 p.m.
Location: Communications Building
Politics and International Affairs
Thursday, May 8 | 4:30–6 p.m.
Location: DuBois Aspen A-C
Psychological Sciences
Friday, May 9 | noon–1:30 p.m.
Location: International Pavilion
Institute for Human Development
Friday, May 9 | 1–2 p.m.
Location: IHD Conference Room
Social Work
Friday, May 8 | 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Location: DuBois Ballroom
College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
Outstanding Seniors Reception
Thursday, May 8 | 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Location: Science and Health Building Room, 105
College of Education
Spring Graduates Reception
Saturday, May 10 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Eastburn Education Building
Steve Sanghi College of Engineering
SCE Reception
Friday, May 9 | 7:30 a.m.
Location: duBois Student Union, Aspen Rooms
College of Arts and Letters
Spring Graduates Reception
Saturday, May 10 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Riles Building, 3rd floor