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H. Wayne Huizenga
College of Business and Entrepreneurship

Degree Conferral and Commencement Checklist

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Congratulations on nearing the end of your program! As you get ready to graduate, ensure that you’ve completed all necessary requirements before degree conferral and commencement.


Degree Completions

On your path to graduation, schedule regular appointments with your academic adviser to verify that you’re on the right track to graduate.

  • Review your Degree Works and ensure that all coursework is completed for your specific program.
  • Check that you’ve followed all guidelines listed in the course catalog.

Prepare for Commencement 

Commencement recognizes and celebrates graduate students' successful completion of their academic program. Although often used interchangeably, the words "commencement" and "graduation" are not the same thing. It is important to understand that participating in a commencement ceremony does not mean that you have completed your degree and officially graduated. Commencement is a formal ceremony for students who have been cleared to walk by their school or program; many students as well as families and friends look forward to the ceremony as a rite of passage bridging school and career.

  • Review the commencement website for information about ceremony dates, times, and locations.
  • Return the RSVP for commencement located in the commencement package sent to your email.
  • Enjoy commencement! Invite family and friends to recognize your accomplishment and celebrate gaining the NSU Edge.

Criteria for Participation in Commencement

Master’s and doctoral students who have been conferred by the last day of February of the current year and are in good academic standing will be automatically invited to attend the commencement ceremony. Students who are registered and expected to complete all degree requirements during the second eight-week term of the Winter semester (March–May), and who are in good academic standing, will also be automatically invited to attend.

Once an invitation has been extended to a student who meets the eligibility criteria for participation in the commencement ceremony, the invitation cannot be rescinded. Students will not be eligible to participate in any subsequent commencement ceremony for the degree for which the invitation was extended.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Academic Advising at 954-262-5067.