Commencement FAQ's

Yes, when guests of the graduates enter the main doors for the SNHU Arena, there will be a table with Accessibility Center Staff who will assist with accommodations. Please read the Commencement Accessibility Information document.

Yes. Elevators are located to the right in the front lobby of the SNHU Arena.

Yes. Often students will decorate their caps. This practice is acceptable as long as it is done in a respectful manner.

Unfortunately, no. There will be ample opportunity to take pictures at the reception, which will be held at the Dining Center on the main campus immediately after the ceremony. Also, pictures can be taken outside the main entrance of the arena with no restrictions.

All graduates are expected to be at the ceremony for its duration.

Yes, 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. If you are a member of NSCS or an inducted member of NSLS, you could purchase the items individually from the National Office and have it mailed to you prior to Commencement Weekend. NSCS Shop and NSLS Shop. No online program honor society items can be purchased at commencement or through the Bookstore.

Videos of the Commencement Ceremony will be posted on our website, snhu.edu following the ceremony.

Yes, all participants are required to wear a cap and gown to their Commencement ceremony.

There is no practice prior to the ceremony. Once graduates arrive to line up they will be given instructions.

Diplomas are not distributed at the Commencement Ceremony. As long as the graduates have completed their coursework, are in good academic standing, do not have any outstanding financial obligations, and have completed the Financial Aid exit counseling, their diploma will be mailed to the address they provided on their Petition to Graduate Form approximately 10 business days after the ceremony.

All students will be presented with a diploma cover at the ceremony, and their names will be announced during the ceremony as long as they complete the Petition to Graduate before March 15th.

Generally, if a child is 3 years old or younger and won’t use their own seat, you do not need to include them in your guest count.

Events are held during Commencement Weekend for both on campus and online graduates who have excelled academically. These programs are invitation-only events, where the School or Academic Unit will send out email communications to the eligible graduate’s SNHU email account. If you have questions about your eligibility you should contact your academic advisor.

Any questions regarding honor societies, including cords and sashes, should be directed to the appropriate Honor Society contact.

You will order your cap and gown when you RSVP to Commencement.

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 www.gradimages.com or by calling 800.261.2576.

Each graduate can have a maximum of six (6) guests attend Commencement at the SNHU Arena. When you RSVP, you will be asked to indicate the number of guests that will attend. Guests will not have physical tickets to enter the Arena but will be subject to security measures at the entrance.

You are welcome to have more guests join you at the reception following the Commencement ceremony on our Manchester campus. Please indicate how many when you RSVP to the reception.

Yes. Any guests with a hearing impairment will have access to a close caption feed on the SNHU website on the commencement dates.

Yes. Concession stands will be open during the ceremony.

Due to safety concerns, please do not approach the stage. Guests of the graduates are not allowed on the floor during the ceremony. However, while space permits, families sitting towards the front of the arena will have a better opportunity of being able to take pictures without leaving their seats.

Information regarding parking and directions are located at the City of Manchester website.

The City of Manchester has 3,500 metered parking spaces in the downtown area. Most of the meters are Pay & Display parking kiosks. The center of downtown has a 2-hour parking limit and parking is $.75 per hour on Saturdays - 10am-8pm on Elm St. between Granite and Bridge. After 5pm you can park at any meter for any length of time as long as you pay to park.

Parking in downtown Manchester is at your own discretion. Please note: Parking at local businesses, including Market Basket, is not advised. Your vehicle will likely be towed.

Yes, there will be a reception immediately following each ceremony, and it will be held on campus at the SNHU Dining Center. SNHU welcomes everyone to stop by for great refreshments and conversation. (Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/wDt5J).

Balloons, and outside food and beverages are not allowed in the arena. There will be refreshment stations available in the facility where food and beverages can be purchased. Backpacks, large bags, weapons of any type are also not allowed in the Arena. Strollers are not permitted in the seating area of the Arena and will be asked to be stored in designated areas in the concourse/walkway.

Southern New Hampshire University's Commencement ceremonies are available to view via a live web stream on the SNHU website on the commencement dates. 

The best place to park on campus is parking lot 26-C, which is behind the Dining Center (Building 21) where the reception is being held.

SNHU doesn’t issue tickets for guests to enter the facility. We invite graduates to bring up to six (6) guests to the ceremony when they RSVP to the program. There is no charge for guests. Graduates who are approved to participate in Commencement will be asked in the RSVP process how many guests will join them.

Graduates must enter through the lower lot of SNHU Arena, (access from Cedar Street gate area or Auburn Street side) and proceed down into the loading dock area. Please arrive one hour before the start of the Commencement Ceremony. Guests should check with the graduate regarding the ceremony time. Guests should enter the arena through the front doors of the SNHU Arena, located at 555 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101.