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Preparing for Graduation

Find out everything you need to do in the months, weeks, and days leading up to your
graduation ceremony—and tips for the day itself.

Regalia

Get all the information you need on your cap, gown, and tassel for graduation!

Eligibility Information

Class of 2025

Eligibility to attend the commencement ceremonies is based on conferral date, level, college, and degree. Click here to view the ceremony events to check if you are eligible to attend.

2023 Bay Area Commencement

Eligibility FAQ

When do I officially graduate?

Your graduation date is determined by the date you fulfill all your academic requirements. Please speak with your academic advisor if you would like to know your expected graduation date.

What if I complete my degree in December 2024/August 2025? Is there another ceremony?

There are no commencement ceremonies held directly following Fall or Summer terms.  If you graduate within the 2025 school year (Fall 2024 to Summer 2025) then you are eligible to attend the Spring ceremony held in May 2025.

Can I attend the in-person Commencement in Boston if I’m graduating from another campus in Northeastern’s global system?

Each campus in our global system will be hosting its own ceremony for graduates from that campus.

We strongly advise attending the graduation ceremony held at your primary campus. Please click here to view dates and locations.

A separate registration will be emailed from your specific campus.

Diploma Information

Receiving your diploma

All diplomas will be mailed to students four to six weeks after degrees are officially awarded by the Office of the Registrar to the address that is provided in your Graduation Application on Student Hub.
For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at [email protected].

2023 Roux Institute Commencement

Diplomas FAQ

How do I change the mailing address for my diploma?

To change your mailing address, follow these steps:

  1. Log onto the Student Hub
  2. Click “Resources”
  3. Click on the “Graduation” section
  4. View “Application to Graduate”
  5. Scroll to the diploma mailing address and enter your new address
  6. Click the “update address” button
  • Please use the address that is best for mailing your diploma. It does not have to be your own current living address.
  • Note: You must change your address no later than two weeks prior to graduating.
I cleared my financial hold. When can I expect my diploma?

If you clear your financial hold after the mailing dates have passed, your diploma will be withheld. We don’t receive automatic notifications when students complete holds, so it’s your responsibility to contact the Office of the Registrar regarding the release of your diploma. It can take up to seven business days to confirm that a hold has been cleared. Once we receive confirmation from the Student Financial Services Office, we can arrange for your diploma to be mailed to you.

Will my major be printed on my diploma?

The major will be printed on diplomas for nonspecified degrees only (Associate in Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Professional Studies, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, Doctor of Philosophy). Minors and concentrations do not appear on diplomas.

What are the dimensions of my diploma/certificate?

All degree diplomas measure 11″ × 14.” Certificates are 8.5″ × 11″.

What name will be printed on my diploma?

Your legal name will appear on your diploma. You will be able to add/edit your middle name in the Graduation Application. No prefix or suffix relating to a title or credential is allowed (e.g., Dr., DMD, Esq., Mrs., Mr.). If you need to change your legal name, please fill out this Name Change Form.

How do I change my name on my diploma?

If you would like to change your name on your graduation application and diploma, complete the Name Change Form and email it to the Office of the Registrar ([email protected]) with the applicable documentation. To ensure that your diploma will be printed correctly, your request must be processed by the Registrar’s Office no fewer than six weeks prior to the ceremony. If you are changing your name six weeks or more after you’ve received your diploma, you must fill out the Replacement Diploma Form instead.

How do I request a replacement diploma?

You place an order for a diploma replacement or copy  here. There’s a fee of $50, and the process will take six to eight weeks. We are unable to rush replacement diplomas at this time.

• Only students are authorized to order a replacement for themselves. Others are not permitted to order on their behalf.

• If you have not received your original diploma, do not place an order. Please email the Office of the Registrar for any inquiries about your diploma status.

• If you need a new diploma due to a name change, please have your name updated prior to placing an order.  If you need to change your legal name, please fill out this Name Change Form.

How can I obtain a Certified Electronic Diploma?

Northeastern University now provides a Certified Electronic Diploma (CeDiploma) to all graduates as of March 2020, in addition to the traditional paper diploma. Students will receive an email notification when their CeDiplomas are available for download. Please email [email protected] for more information.

How can I obtain a copy of my transcript or enrollment verification?

The Registrar’s Office can provide a transcript or degree verification at https://registrar.northeastern.edu/group/academic-records/.

Honors Designation Information

Graduating with honors

Graduation with honors is reserved for bachelor’s degree candidates who have completed 60 semester hours in residence and who meet the following GPA requirements to graduate with honors:

GPAHonor Conferred
3.500–3.699Graduate with honor (cum laude)
3.700–3.849Graduate with high honor (magna cum laude)
3.850–4.000Graduate with highest honor (summa cum laude)

Note: The university reserves the right to change these standards.

2022 Commencement

Honors recognition

Honors designations are recognized for undergraduate degrees only. 

The designation appears on eligible students’ diplomas. Honors designation will be listed in the digital Commencement programs and honor cords will be provided at cap and gown pick up based on information available as of April 1.

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