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
In order to be considered as a candidate for graduation, you must complete an Application for Graduation and submit it to Cardinal Central for review. Students must complete the Application for Graduation whether or not they plan to participate in commencement.
Priority processing deadlines for applications are as follows. Applications are accepted after these deadlines.
- November 1 - to graduate at the end of Spring Semester
- April 1 - to graduate at the end of Summer Session (apply by February 1 to participate in Commencement)
- 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.
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.
► 2021 Commencement
Visit the 2021 Commencement website for details on how to celebrate the achievements of our 2021 graduates.
► 2020 Commencement
The faculty and staff of North Idaho College held a virtual commencement Friday, May 22, 2020 at 10 a.m. to celebrate the achievements of our 2020 graduates. The streamed ceremony features formal remarks and digital slides honoring each graduate. You can view the ceremony on YouTube.
Academic Policies
For information regarding the academic policies governing graduation please refer to the Academic & Registration Information in the NIC Catalog.