Graduates

Order your regalia here.

Regalia:

• Doctoral:
  Gowns are black, have full, bell-shaped sleeves, each with three velvet bands matching the velvet facing of the gown opening.
  Tams are made from velvet, and are “poofed” at the top of the head instead of flat.
• Masters:
  Gowns are black, have long, closed sleeves with slits at the arms at the elbows.
  Caps are flat, black, have 4 sides and have a tassel with a single button at the top.
  Hoods are black and lined with University colors. The border of the hood color indicates the academic discipline in which the degree was earned.
• Bachelors: Gowns are black, have long, pointed sleeves and are worn closed.
  Caps are flat, black, have 4 sides and have a tassel with a single button at the top.
  Hoods are black and lined with University colors. The border of the hood color indicates the academic discipline in which the degree was earned.
• Associates: Gowns are black, have long, pointed sleeves and are worn closed.
  Caps are flat, black, have four sides and have a tassel with a single button at the top.
  Hood: The Associate’s hood displays the University colors on the lining and lays flat on the back.

Honors cords:
Undergraduate learners who are eligible for Ceremonial or Latin honors will receive honors cords shipped to them as part of the regalia package. If your academic record has been updated since receiving regalia, you can either receive honors cords at the ceremony, or contact commencement@snhu.edu for more information. A copy of the honors policy can be found here.

Military cords:
Current and former servicemembers are eligible for military honors cords. You will receive them when you check in with the Registrar at the Arena on the day of Commencement. If you cannot attend the ceremony, they will be shipped to you with your regalia.

Honor Society Regalia:
If you have received an honor society cord and/or stole mailed to you from a nationally recognized honor society, you will be allowed to wear them at your ceremony. If you are an inducted member of a SNHU-affiliated honor society, you can purchase the items individually from the National Office and have it mailed to you prior to Commencement weekend. No online program honor society items can be purchased at Commencement or through the SNHU Bookstore. SNHU-Affiliated Honor Society regalia questions should be sent to AcadHonorSociety@snhu.edu.

Study-Abroad/International Stoles:
If you have been issued an international stole from a SNHU study abroad program or from a previous institution, you may wear it over your regalia at the ceremony. International stoles must be purchased from a reputable regalia provider to be permitted to be worn at Commencement (i.e. Oak Hall, Vision Wear, etc.). No stoles will be available for purchase at the Arena. University Campus students only: Please contact studyabroad@snhu.edu with questions.

Keepsake Stoles:
SNHU has coordinated discount pricing for graduates interested in purchasing First Generation, LGBTQA+ or Kente stoles during the regalia ordering process. Graduates are encouraged to wear these stoles on Commencement day.

1. Submit your Petition for Conferral before March 1 to be considered eligible for the Spring ceremony and October 1 to be considered eligible for the Fall ceremony. Additional details are in the Policies and Etiquette tab below.
2. Please check your SNHU email for the invitation to your ceremony. Register to attend and reserve your guest tickets.
3. Order your regalia.
4. Plan your Commencement Weekend. Tell your guests to visit our Commencement page for important information.
5. Send announcements and order your class ring at the Balfour Online Store.
6. #SNHUCelebrate - Share your good news and follow Commencement Weekend happenings on social media: SNHU Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
7. Confirm your alumni profile. Update your information and get involved with the Office of Alumni Engagement.
8. Accessibility Services - If you need accessibility support, please see the Accessibility Support tab below for more information.

Graduates who would like accommodations for the ceremony are asked to complete this form by May 1st to receive assistance from our Accessibility Team.

Guests of graduates cannot pre-register for accommodations. Members of our Accessibility Team will meet guests at the entrances of the Arena to assist them with seating and other requests. Please read the Commencement Accessibility Information document for more information.

Participation Eligibility

To be considered for eligibility to participate in a Commencement ceremony, you must submit your Petition for Conferral before October 1 for the fall ceremony or before March 1 for the spring ceremony.

Students who have an anticipated conferral degree date between January 1 and May 31 can participate in a spring Commencement ceremony. Students who have an anticipated conferral degree date between June 1 and Dec. 31 can participate in a fall Commencement ceremony. The Spring/Fall policy for participation eligibility is in the catalog for reference.

Honors Policy

Southern New Hampshire university awards Latin Honors (cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude) to bachelor degree learners who have met GPA requirements and completed a minimum of half of their program of study at SNHU (60 credits).

To be recognized with Ceremonial Honors, the student must meet the following criteria:

To graduate with Latin Honors, the student's must meet the following criteria:

To view the full policy, visit our Knowledge Base page.

Graduates Etiquette for In-Person Ceremonies

• The Commencement ceremonies last approximately 2 - 2.5 hours each. Please plan to stay for the entire ceremony. Leaving the ceremony early is disrespectful to other graduates and their families.
• Graduates are required to wear the SNHU-issued cap, gown, hood and tassel. Graduates may not alter their gowns. Graduates should not add items to the prescribed academic costume. You are permitted to decorate your cap but please refrain from including anything that could be considered offensive or derogatory.
• Graduates should wear appropriate clothing underneath their academic regalia, this includes proper footwear. It is recommended you wear shoes that allow you to stand for periods of time and walk without tripping.
• Cell phones should be placed on “vibrate” or silent mode during the ceremony.
• Graduates will not be allowed to carry small children, pets or personal items across the stage.
• Please leave valuables with family members or guests during the ceremony. There will be no secure location for your belongings.
• Listen to the instructions from the marshals and the commencement team. This helps keeps the ceremony running on time.
• Graduates are not allowed in the guest seating area, and must remain on the floor level of the SNHU Arena. Once a graduate leaves the SNHU Arena they are unable to re-enter the Arena. Please plan to meet your guests in the front of the SNHU Arena.
• In accordance with SNHU Arena policy, beach balls, fog horns, balloons and other items that might disrupt the ceremony (or others’ ability to view or hear the ceremony) are not allowed in the building. SNHU Arena security reserves the right to confiscate these items.
• Large bags/backpacks, alcohol, and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited at the SNHU Arena.

Graduates not attending

You must still file a petition to receive your diploma. Make sure you still register as not attending so that you can order your commencement items, including your cap, gown and diploma cover.

Commencement Photos

Graduates will receive a digital proof of the photos taken within a few weeks following the ceremony. Questions may be emailed to service@gradimages.com. After the ceremony orders may be placed online at GradImages or by calling 800.261.2576.

Commencement Memorabilia and Gifts

For other items such as diploma frames and apparel, visit SNHU's Official Bookstore.