Commencement

Important Dates
  • 10/1 Graduation Application Deadline
  • 2/28 Student Speaker Applications Due
  • 2/28 National Anthem Singer Applications Due
  • 3/25-26 Grad Days
  • 4/1 Commencement Registration Deadline
  • 4/30 Accommodation Request Deadline
  • 5/9 Commencement Ceremony

 

Submit Graduation Application

Deadline: October 1, 2026

The Graduation Application Deadline for Spring and Summer 2027 graduates to attend the Spring 2027 Commencement Ceremony is October 1, 2026. Click the link below for details and to complete the application process.

This is your moment…

Nevada State University is delighted to celebrate our Class of 2027 graduates with an in-person ceremony on May 8, 2027 at 11 a.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. Tickets are not required for guest admission. The ceremony will be livestreamed for guests who are unable to attend in-person.

You can always get the most up-to-date commencement information here on this page, so check back regularly as you prepare to graduate!

Location

Commencement will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Parking

The Thomas & Mack Center has four parking lots around the building.

FAQs

Get answers to all of your commencement questions here.

Livestream

Can’t make it in person? View the ceremony from the comfort of your home.

Scorpions, get ready…

As a graduating student, you need to follow a few steps to prepare for and participate in Commencement. You can find all the dates, deadlines, and details you need to know below!

Student Speaker Competition

Do you have the words that will inspire and encourage Nevada State’s graduating class of 2027? If so, you are invited to join the Student Speaker Competition!

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 Nevada State University GPA and be completing all requirements in spring or summer 2027 or have completed their studies in fall 2026. Applications are due by February 28 at nevadastate.edu/studentspeaker.

National Anthem Singer Competition

Would you like to sing the National Anthem at the Nevada State University Commencement Ceremony? Contestants must be members of the Class of 2027. Applications are due by February 28 at nevadastate.edu/nationalanthem.

Attend Grad Days

Dates & Times: March 24 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) & March 25 (9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
Location: Rogers Student Center Ballroom

Grad Days is your one-stop shop as you get ready to graduate from Nevada State University! This drop-in event will be held on March 24 and 25 in the Rogers Student Center Ballroom. At Grad Days you will be able to:

  • Purchase your cap, gown, and tassels at the Nevada State University bookstore.
  • Pick up your honor cords (if graduating with honors) at the Nevada State Bookstore.
  • Consult with the Office of the Registrar regarding your graduation and honors.
  • Visit with Career Services Center (CSC) staff to get your resume reviewed, talk about job search resources and find out how you can utilize CSC after graduating.
  • Take pro photos in your cap & gown and with friends, provided by GradImages.
  • Write words of thanks to your supporters at the Grad table. #GradGratitude 
  • Visit the Alumni Network table to make your first senior Scorpion gift and receive a giving cord and learn more about how to stay involved!
  • Activate your alumni networking profile on Scorpions Connect at alumni.nevadastate.edu
  • Connect with the Alumni Network to update your contact information so you can stay engaged with your fellow graduates. Get even more involved by applying to be on the council or a committee!
  • Scorpion Vets can also pick up military honor cords.

If you aren’t able to make it to Grad Days, please feel free to stop by the Nevada State University bookstore during their normal business hours after March 8, 2027 to purchase your cap and gown, shop for your graduation announcements, diploma frame, and much more! 

Before the ceremony…

Caps & Gowns

The NS Bookstore will begin selling caps and gowns in-person on March 8. In the meantime, contact the bookstore at (702) 992-2340 or visit their location in the Rogers Student Center for more information.

Caps and gowns are also available for purchase at the Nevada State University Herff Jones Online Store. In order to receive the items before the commencement ceremony, please complete your purchase no later than March 31.

Honor Cords

Students who are graduating with honors will be able to pick up their Latin honor cords at the Office of the Registrar during their normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Latin honor cords will be issued in advance of the ceremony based on your academic status when you applied for graduation.*

Honor
Cord Color
Summa Cum Laude
Gold
Magna Cum Laude
Silver
Cum Laude
Bronze

*If your Latin honors status changes after spring semester grades are released, you can request to trade your cords by contacting the Office of the Registrar.

Contact the Office of the Registrar with additional questions regarding honor cords at graduation@nevadastate.edu or 702-992-2110.

Special Accommodations

Deadline: April 30, 2027

Please reach out to the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at (702) 992-2180 or drc@nevadastate.edu to request accommodations for yourself or any attendees who need them, including special seating for individuals requiring sign language interpreters. All requests must be made by noon on April 30. Failure to contact the DRC by this deadline may result in insufficient time to secure the necessary accommodations.

Northern Nevada Students

Students participating in an established partnership program between NS and Northern Nevada Community Colleges (WNC and TMCC) may participate in commencement at WNC or TMCC. 

Students must indicate their preferred commencement attendance when applying for graduation with the Office of the Registrar. The Office of the Registrar will coordinate with the institution regarding your attendance and ensure your name is included on the commencement program. 

Additionally, NS students should buy their NS Cap and Gowns from Nevada State University Herff Jones Online Store.  

Commencement Date: 

TMCC: Dates to be announced

WNC: Dates to be announced

Address and Contact Information

Students must login to their Student Center through the NS Portal or through myNevadaState. From your Student Center, scroll down to “Personal Information” to update your address and contact information.

Updating your Diploma Name and/or Expected last term

Complete the Graduation Update Notification E-Form to update your information. Please contact the Office of the Registrar with additional questions at graduation@nevadastate.edu or 702-992-2110.

Complete the First Destination Survey

Leave your legacy by completing the survey to tell us your FIRST DESTINATION after graduation and be entered to win exclusive alumni swag! 

Whether you have a job secured, are applying to graduate school, or are still searching for your next steps, we want to hear from you. The First Destination Survey will be sent directly to your Nevada State email address (@students.nevadastate.edu) 1 – 2 months before your anticipated graduation date. 

If you believe you should have received the survey and did not… 

    1. First make sure you have completed your Graduation Application – the survey is sent out only to students who have completed their Graduation Application 
    2. Then you can email Career Services at career@nevadastate.edu to request access to the survey   

The information you provide helps inform future Scorpions of their opportunities with a degree from Nevada State. The survey also helps Career Services and other support units learn about your time as a Scorpion to continue improving the Nevada State student experience. 

Commencement day…

Graduate Arrival

Graduates must arrive at the venue one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Once inside, you will be directed by event staff to line up with your associated school.

Guest Tickets

Tickets are not required for the event. Doors will open at 10 a.m. on the day of the event and seating will be first come, first served.

Parking

Parking will be available at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Decorum

Dress and behavior should reflect the honor of the occasion. Graduates, remember that you will have to walk up and down the stage steps so please wear appropriate shoes.

Tassels

At the beginning of commencement, tassels are worn on the right. Graduates will receive direction from the podium when it is time to move the tassel to the left.

After graduation…

Congratulations! We are so proud of your transformation from student to graduate! Your fellow members of the Nevada State University Alumni Network understand the sacrifice, dedication, and determination that it takes to reach this point in your personal journey. We are also extremely proud to welcome you to our family.

As a graduate, you are now a lifelong member of the Nevada State University Alumni Network. There are no dues or fees for your membership, and you are welcome to take advantage of all of our available resources, including career services, networking events, and volunteer leadership opportunities. For more information and to stay up to date, please visit our website nevadastate.edu/alumni and activate your Scorpions Connect profile at alumni.nevadastate.edu