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. If you have any questions please contact Cardinal Central at (208) 769-3311 for assistance.
The Difference Between Graduation and 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. Please note that summer graduation is processed just prior to the beginning of the next fall term to accommodate all summer instruction blocks.
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
Q. When should I apply for graduation?A. Students should apply for graduation as soon as registered for their final semester.
| If you plan to graduate in: | Graduation Application Opens: | Recommended Graduation Application: | Deadline for Graduation Application: |
| Spring (May) | October 15 | November 1 | Last Day of Spring Semester |
| Summer (August) | March 15 | April 1 | Last Day of Summer Session |
| Fall (December) | March 15 | June 1 | Last Day of Fall Semester |
Q. How do I apply for graduation?
Online (preferred method)- Application is found in MyNIC > Self Service > Graduation Overview
Paper – Form is on the Registrar’s Forms page.
Q. I forgot to apply for graduation on time, what should I do?A. You can apply until the last day of classroom instruction in the term in which you are graduating. If spring or summer, you may have missed the opportunity to participate in commencement. If you apply after the deadline, your application will be reviewed for the next semester/session.
Q. What semesters can I graduate in?A. North Idaho College has three graduation terms: fall, spring, and summer. There is one Commencement Ceremony each year held in May to celebrate graduates from the previous fall, current spring, and upcoming summer.
Q. I applied but need to graduate in a different semester, what do I do?A. To move your graduation term, send an email from your CardinalMail to Graduation@nic.edu with your request.
Evaluation of Application
Q. When will I know if I can graduate or not?A. It can take up to 7-10 business days to have your application reviewed by a graduation evaluator. You will receive an email in your CardinalMail when the evaluation is complete to confirm if you are meeting program requirements or if you need additional classes.
Q. The email says I can graduate, what’s next?A. You will receive emails about commencement later in the semester. No other action is needed unless you drop or change your class schedule.
Q. The email says I can’t graduate this semester, what do I do?- View My Progress in Self Service to see what requirements are missing.
- Register for missing requirements and send an email to Graduation@nic.edu to have your application re-evaluated – OR- contact your Academic Advisor to explore options.
A. If you dropped or changed classes after being evaluated for graduation, please email Graduation@nic.edu. Use your CardinalMail and include your Student ID number. We can check if you are eligible to graduate.
Receiving Your Diploma
Q. Do I receive my diploma at the commencement ceremony?
A. Diplomas are not given at the commencement ceremony. Your diploma will be mailed to you about 6 weeks after the term you complete your program requirements.
A. Your diploma will be mailed to the address you listed in your graduation application. To change the address where your diploma is sent, send an email to Graduation@nic.edu before the last day of the term you are graduating.
Q. How will my name be displayed on my diploma?A. Your diploma will be printed with the name you enter on your graduation application. If you need to make a change, you can send an email to Graduation@nic.edu.
Q. Where do I get a diploma cover?A. You receive a diploma cover at commencement. It will be empty, as your program completion is not yet conferred since grades are not final before commencement. Diploma covers are only distributed during the commencement ceremony.
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.
► 2023 Commencement
North Idaho College Commencement 2023 is scheduled for May 12, 2023. Additional details to come.
- Commencement will be held in person, on the NIC campus.
- Students will be allowed 3 guests each, tickets can be picked up at Cardinal Central.
- Please see the 2023 Commencement webpage for more information.
NIC photos from Friday, May 12 are available for free download at flickr.com/northidahocollege
Academic Policies
For information regarding the academic policies governing graduation please refer to the Academic & Registration Information in the NIC Catalog.