How do I get my cap and gown for Graduation?
Caps and Gowns will be distributed to students who have been approved to participate in the ceremony by the Office of the University Registrar for students who Petitioned to Graduate and Walk. Details about distribution can be found on mySNHU.
Do I really need a cap and gown to participate in Graduation?
Yes. To participate in the ceremony all ceremony participants are required to wear a cap and gown.
Can I decorate my cap?
Yes. Often students will decorate their caps. This practice is acceptable as long as it is done in a respectful manner.
Are children required to have a ticket to attend the ceremony?
Generally, children under 3 years old are not required to have a ticket, unless they are going to use a seat.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets will be available for pick-up online by navigating to the graduation page on mySNHU. Details and the link to the ticket site are listed there for our graduates.
Can SNHU write me a letter to help my family and friends from overseas to get the necessary visa?
Yes. Follow this link to access the form that needs to be filled out to make this request: http://www.snhu.edu/1625.asp. When completing the request form, if you are a domestic student (US citizen or permanent resident) please let us know this in the other letter/special instruction section. Also, if you wish to have your letter mailed to you, indicate that here as well otherwise all letters are available for pick up at the ISS office.
Is there special seating for those with disabilities?
Yes. Please contact the Office of Disability Services, at 603.645.9630 for assistance.
What accommodations are provided for my family with accessibility needs?
Where can my family stay while in town for the ceremony?
See accommodations.
Is there a graduation practice before the ceremony?
There is no practice prior to the ceremony. Once you arrive to line up you will be given details on what you will be asked to do as part of the ceremony.
Do I need to pre-register for graduation pictures?
We recommend that you pre-register your permanent email address with our photographer by vising visit http://www.gradimages.com/ and click on Pre-Event Registration. This way you will know who to contact after the ceremony. Our contracted photographer is Chappell Studio who uses the Grad Images service. You may add contact information for up to 6 additional relatives and/or friends.
The Day of Commencement:
Where can I park?
Information regarding parking and directions can be located at the Verizon Wireless Arena website at http://www.verizonwirelessarena.com/arena_info/directions.asp.
The City of Manchester has 3,500 metered parking spaces in the downtown area. Most of the meters are Pay & Display parking kiosks. In general, the center of downtown has a 2 hour parking limit and parking is $.75 per hour Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm. If you will be in town for longer than a couple of hours, consider parking off-street or at a 10 hour meter.
There is an event parking charge of $1.00 for events, 7 days per week, for Verizon Wireless Arena and MarchantsAuto.com Stadium in selected locations.
Where should graduating students go and when should they get there?
Students should enter by the side doors (Cedar/Auburn Street). If they happen to enter by the front doors, they should make their way to the backstage part of the arena to prepare for the ceremony. They should plan on arriving 60 minutes before (10:00 a.m.) the start of the commencement ceremony. The ceremony begins promptly at 11:00 a.m.
How are the students lined up?
There is no special order that graduating students will be lined up for the procession. They may choose to sit with their friends regardless of their last name.
How do I wear my graduation regalia (cap and gown)?
The following video includes a quick demonstration of dressing for graduation and outlines what graduates can expect on the morning of Commencement. To view the video you need to have Flash Player installed on your computer. Graduation Information Video.
What time do the doors open for general admission/guests?
Doors will open no later than 10 a.m. on the morning of commencement. It is open seating.
What can I bring into the Verizon Wireless Arena?
Balloons and outside food and beverages are not allowed to be brought into the arena. There will be refreshment stations available in the facility where food and beverage can be purchased.
Where do faculty and staff enter the arena if they are processing with the graduates?
Faculty and staff need to be at the Verizon Wireless Arena by 10 a.m., entering the facility through the side doors (Cedar/Auburn Street).
The Procession will start promptly at 11 a.m., and the faculty will be lined up and will process by schools and will be seated in the front rows by ushers.
Are there any elevators?
Yes. Elevators are located to the right of the front lobby.
How long is the ceremony?
Typically, the ceremony will last approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours. Concession stands are open with refreshments.
Can I leave the ceremony early?
All participants are expected to be at the ceremony for its duration.
Is there a professional photographer?
Yes. The photographer will take two photos of each student (as they approach and cross the stage). Each student will be given order information as they return to their seat. A photographer from GradImages will be at your ceremony to take a candid photograph of you at your special moment of recognition. Since photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony.
May I approach the stage to take a picture?
No. For traffic flow and safety purposes, the walkways need to stay clear. However, families may wish to sit towards the front of the arena for best picture taking opportunities.
What if I can't make it to the arena to see the graduation?
Southern New Hampshire University's graduation ceremonies are available to view via a live stream.
After Commencement:
Is there a reception after the ceremony?
Yes. The reception immediately following the ceremony will be held at Veteran's Park, a half a block from the Arena. In case of inclement weather, it will be held on campus in the Dining Center on campus at SNHU. SNHU welcomes everyone to stop by for light refreshments.
Can I stay in the arena to take pictures after the ceremony?
Yes. However, the Verizon Arena staff may need to clear the arena for another event, so please do so quickly. There will be ample opportunity to take pictures at the reception.
What should I do if I get separated from my graduation party?
Attendees may wish to decide, in advance, where their group will meet after commencement.
Can I purchase a DVD of today’s ceremony?
Yes. The SNHU Audio Visual studio is pleased to offer a professional quality DVD of today’s ceremony. Order forms are available at the Follett Bookstore table in the front lobby. The price is $20 plus $2.50 for shipping and handling.
How do I get my pictures that were taken during the ceremony?
You will receive a free passport-sized digital proof of this photo on an order card within 5-7 days following the ceremony. Questions may be emailed to service@gradimages.com. After the ceremony you may order online at http://www.gradimages.com/ or call 800.261.2576.
When will I get my diploma?
Diplomas are not distributed at the Commencement Ceremony. As long as you have completed all of your course work, are in good academic standing, do not have any outstanding financial obligations, and have completed your Financial Aid exit counseling, your diploma will be mailed to the address located on your petition to graduate form within 10 business days after the ceremony.