Graduation Details

Graduation photography is provided by the NFC Office of Communications. Photos taken during the ceremonies will be posted on social media platforms. Graduates will be sent a link to access any stage photos captured during the ceremony.

Academic Honors are based on GPA and are described in the college catalog under the Academic Regulations section. Honor cords are given to eligible students during the commencement ceremony. Special honor cords are given to our military veterans.

The Commencement Ceremony is a most dignified event. Decorum and courtesy are very important for graduates and their guests.

All graduates and members of the general audience should stand and remove hats following the lead of the stage guests.

Please do not bring in baby carriers or strollers. The aisles must remain clear. No flowers, air horns, balloons, bubbles, beach balls or similar items are allowed in the auditorium. 

Caps and Gowns are worn by Bachelor and Associate level students. All caps and gowns are ordered from the NFC Graduation Specialist by the graduation application deadline posted in the Academic calendar.

Career and Workforce programs will wear class uniforms or order an NFC polo to wear for the ceremony. Please see webpage here for regalia information per program: https://www.nfc.edu/academics/graduation/process.php

Tassels should be worn on the RIGHT side. During the ceremony when you have officially been conferred your degree, you will be directed to move your tassel from the right to the left.

Because of limited seating, NFC will provide each graduate who walks in the Ceremony with Admission Guest Tickets. Each graduation participant will receive the same number of guest tickets. Tickets are required for admission and are to be presented at the door to the ticket attendants.

These ceremonies are separate from Graduation. Contact the PTK sponsor or the nursing program coordinator for details. PTK regalia may be worn at graduation; however, students order PTK items on their own.

• Graduates must be attired in full academic regalia to participate in the ceremony.
• Female graduates – Dark clothing and shoes; no beach-type thongs/sandals or shorts
• Male graduates – Dress shirt, dark slacks; no beach-type thongs/sandals or shorts
• Guest – Business casual
• On Duty Public Safety graduates may wear agency uniforms

Graduation rehearsal is held on an afternoon the week before Commencement. Participating graduates will be notified of the time and date of the practice as soon as that information is available. 

The ushers will direct you to handicapped seating. One guest may sit with the handicapped guest and in some instances, more may be seated near. Seating with the handicapped guest is subject to availability and demand on a first-come-first-serve basis.

If you choose to participate in the ceremony you must have met the following requirements by the Graduation Application deadline:

• Contacted NFC Graduation Specialist Katie Terry
• Ordered and paid for your cap and gown or other regalia

You cannot just attend the ceremony and walk.