Graduation & Commencement

Congratulations on your progress toward graduation!  We want to ensure that your graduation and commencement experience are as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.  The following information has been compiled to assist you in completing the necessary steps toward graduation and commencement.  However, if you have any questions please contact the Assistant Registrar at (208) 769-3330 for assistance.

The Difference Between Graduation & Commencement

Graduation refers to actually receiving a degree or certificate of completion once North Idaho College has verified you as having met all degree or certificate requirements. Upon verification, the degree or certificate is awarded and noted in the NIC student information system so that it displays on NIC transcripts. Diplomas are printed and mailed after the degree or certificate verification process is complete, approximately 6-8 weeks after the end of the semester.

Commencement is a ceremony. It is an opportunity for students, families, friends, and the NIC community to celebrate their academic accomplishments. Participation in commencement does not mean that you have graduated and you will not receive your diploma on that day.

Applying for Graduation

In order to be considered as a candidate for graduation, you must complete an Application for Graduation and submit it to the Registrar's Office for review.  Students must complete the Application for Graduation whether or not they plan to participate in commencement. 

Suggested application dates for graduation are:

  • November 1 - to graduate at the end of Spring Semester
  • April 1 - to graduate at the end of Summer Session
  • May 1 - to graduate at the end of Fall Semester.

Applications filed after the suggested dates will be accepted. However, early filing enables the Registrar’s Office to evaluate a student’s transcript and determine any course deficiencies in the program of study prior to the student’s final enrollment. A diploma will not be issued if a student has not fulfilled all financial obligations to the college. Only one Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree will be granted to each student.

Commencement Ceremony

The commencement ceremony is held once each year in May. Students eligible to participate in commencement are matriculating (degree-seeking) candidates for graduation from the previous fall, the current spring, and the following summer.

Students who plan on participating in commencement must complete the cap and gown information on the application for graduation. In order to guarantee your place in the commencement ceremony the information must be submitted by the beginning of February.


► 2010 Commencement

The ceremony was held May 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. (see photos).  If you participated in the ceremony and would like a copy of the picture Leo's Photography took of you after you crossed the stage and did not already complete an order form, please contact them at (509) 924-3600.


► 2009 Commencement

The ceremony was held May 15, 2009 and commemorated the 75th Commencement Ceremony for North Idaho College (see photos).  If you participated in the ceremony and would like a copy of the picture Leo's Photography took of you after you crossed the stage and did not already complete an order form, please contact them at (509) 924-3600.


Academic Policies - Graduation

For information regarding the academic policies governing graduation please refer to the Academic & Registration Information in the NIC Catalog.