Frequently Asked Questions
Subject to change - check periodically for updates.
2010 Commencement
How do I apply for graduation?
How long will the application take?
What if I don't see the Apply to Graduate link on myNEU?
What if my degree information is incorrect?
Will my major be printed on my diploma? What if I want to change my name after I enter it on the application?
Are there any deadlines I should be aware of?
Will I receive information regarding Commencement?
How many guest tickets am I allowed? When will I be able to pick up my guest tickets?
Will invitations be included with the guest tickets? Are extra tickets available if I need them?
How do I get a cap and gown?
Do I need to pay for my cap and gown?
I am graduating with honors. Will I receive an honor cord?
How will I receive my diploma? Will I be able to purchase commencement photos?
Are there other important obligations I should be aware of before Commencement?
I have completed an exit interview but now my date of graduation has changed. Will it still be valid?
Where and what time do I report for Commencement? How long does the ceremony last? Is there parking available? Do you provide special seating or services for my guest if he/she has mobility issues? Are there any special college/school or senior events prior to commencement? I live on campus. When do I move out?
How do I apply for graduation?
Access the myNEU portal by logging on to http://myneu.neu.edu. Using the Self-Service tab you will find the Commencement box located at the bottom left corner of the screen. Choose the Apply to Graduate option and complete the application provided.
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How long will the application take?
This task should take no more than a few minutes for you to complete, and is required in order to begin the degree completion process.
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What if I don't see the Apply to Graduate link on myNEU?
You will need to contact your academic advisor.
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What if my degree information is incorrect?
Do not complete the application form. Contact your adviser or the dean's office of your college/school and request that a "Curriculum and/or Conferral Date Change for a Graduate Candidate" form be completed on your behalf. Check periodically for the update to your application and then complete the form as directed.
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Will my major be printed on my diploma?
The major will be printed on diplomas for only non-specified degrees (Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts).
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What if I want to change my name after I enter it on the application?
You will not have access to update your application form after it is submitted. Be sure to carefully review before doing so. If a change is needed after this time, you must contact the Commencement Office at 617.373.4098. A service fee may apply if the diploma has already been printed.
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Are there any deadlines I should be aware of?
Yes, important deadlines apply as follows:
PROGRAM DEADLINE: Any information applicable to your degree or diploma name, not submitted via the application form by the deadline noted below will not be included in the program. Honors designation, if applicable, will be based on your status as of this date.
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT: March 15, 2010
LAW SCHOOL: April 28, 2010
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: March 12, 2010
EXIT INTERVIEW must be completed before your tickets and diploma are released to you.
RESIDENCE HALL MOVE-OUT INFORMATION:
Seniors are permitted to remain on campus for senior week events and graduation. Seniors should make arrangements to move-out prior to 11am on Saturday, May 8th. Contact Housing & Residential Life for more information at housing@neu.edu or 617-373-2814.
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Will I receive information regarding Commencement?
As needed, the Office of the Registrar and the Commencement Office will contact you by means of NEU email regarding registration information, important reminders and deadlines.
All related ceremony information is noted on the Commencement website at http://www.neu.edu/commencement.
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How many guest tickets am I allowed?
UNDERGRADUATE candidates, TD Garden: 5 guest tickets
GRADUATE candidates, Matthews Arena: 4 guest tickets
SCHOOL OF LAW candidates, Matthews Arena: 10 guest tickets
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES GRADUATION EXERCISES: Each undergraduate and graduate degree candidate to the April 24, 2010 graduation ceremony will receive 4 tickets.
Tickets are general admission - there is no assigned seating.
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Are extra guest tickets available if I need them?
No. Due to the limited capacity of the facilities and the number of graduates expected to attend, there are no extra tickets. Plan accordingly!
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When will I be able to pick up my guest tickets?
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT, Friday, May 7, guest tickets will be distributed (I.D. required) according to the following schedule:
230 Cushing Hall, 102 the Fenway
April 26 - April 30, Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Northeastern University Bookstore (Parcel Check Area)
Tuesday May 4, and Wednesday, May 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
SCHOOL OF LAW COMMENCEMENT, May 28: guest tickets will be distributed (I.D. required) beginning March 29, 2010, 61 Cargill, Office of Academic and Student Affairs
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES GRADUATION EXERCISES: Ticket and cap and gown pick-up will begin the week of March 22, 2010 and end Saturday April 10, 2010 at 50 Nightingale Hall on the Boston main campus.
Monday, March 22nd through Friday, March 26th: 11:00AM to 7:30PM
Saturday, March 27th: 10:00AM to 12:30PM
Monday, March 29th through Friday, April 2nd: 11:00AM to 7:30PM
Saturday, April 3rd: 10:00AM to 12:30PM
Monday, April 5th through Friday, April 9th: 11:00AM to 7:30PM
Saturday, April 10th: 10:00AM to 12:30PM
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Will invitations be included with the guest tickets?
No, you can purchase graduation announcements through CB Grad.
www.CBGRAD.com
1800.433.0296
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How do I get a cap and gown?
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT, FRIDAY MAY 7
Northeastern University Bookstore, Boston Campus
Tuesday May 4, and Wednesday, May 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Note: Ph.D. academic regalia will not be available in the Bookstore; regalia will be distributed after you report for line-up for the ceremony. Please plan to arrive no later than 2 p.m. Signs and staff will direct you accordingly.
You will be contacted in advance by your college/school if other arrangements have been made for distribution of regalia specific to your program.
SCHOOL OF LAW COMMENCEMENT MAY 28
Matthews Arena, line-up area (arena floor/back stage)
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES GRADUATION EXERCISES
50 Nightingale Hall on the Boston main campus
Monday, March 22nd through Friday, March 26th: 11:00AM to 7:30PM
Saturday, March 27th: 10:00AM to 12:30PM
Monday, March 29th through Friday, April 2nd: 11:00AM to 7:30PM
Saturday, April 3rd: 10:00AM to 12:30PM
Monday, April 5th through Friday, April 9th: 11:00AM to 7:30PM
Saturday, April 10th: 10:00AM to 12:30PM
Grad Bouve Doctor of Physical Therapy Candidates:
Regalia will be available in 6 Robinson. Students will be sent an email from Annetta Doegolia with more details.
Tassel colors applicable to your degree
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Do I need to pay for my cap and gown?
No, academic regalia (cap, tassel, gown and hood if applicable), is provided at no cost to you and may be kept as a memento of the occasion.
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I am graduating with honors. Will I receive an honor cord?
Yes, honor cords will be given to qualifying undergraduate candidates, prior to the ceremony as they are placed in line for the procession into the arena.
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How will I receive my diploma?
Providing all academic and financial obligations are met:
JANUARY graduates: Diplomas will be mailed 2 weeks following the conferral date.
MAY graduates: Diplomas not distributed at the graduation exercises will be mailed 2 weeks following.
SEPTEMBER graduates: Diplomas will be mailed 2 weeks following the conferral date.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: Diplomas not distributed at the graduation exercises will be mailed 2 weeks following.
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Will I be able to purchase commencement photos?
Yes, you will be given a few opportunities to "capture the graduation moment" in your official NU academic regalia. A photographer will be available during the cap and gown distribution to take graduate portraits. They will also be available at the ceremony. Proofs, with information on ordering photos, will be mailed to all degree candidates immediately following the ceremony.
Graduates can pre-register their email, as well as friends and family email addresses and Graduation Images will contact them just as soon as their photos are available for online viewing and ordering. Registration: http://www.gradimages.com/register.cfm
For more details you may contact:
Grad Images
www.gradimages.com
Telephone: 800.628.4509
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Are there other important obligations I should be aware of before Commencement?
Yes, please note the following:
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
You must fulfill all financial obligations to the University prior to the release of your diploma. Your current balance, including any balance also owed on a payment plan must be paid in full. If this obligation is not fulfilled until after Commencement, you must contact the Commencement Office at 617.373.4098, for the release of your diploma.
LOAN OBLIGATIONS
As a federal loan recipient, you are required to complete an Exit Interview prior to leaving the university. The interview provides you with important loan documents and informs you of your rights and responsibilities.
An exit interview is mandatory if you have received a Federal Stafford, Federal Perkins, Health Professions, Nursing Student Loan and/or Physician Assistant Student Loan. Your tickets, invitations and diploma will not be released until the Exit Interview is complete. If this obligation is not fulfilled until after Commencement, you must contact the Commencement Office at 617.373.4098, for the release of your diploma.
*The Student Loan Collections Office (253 Richards Hall - 617.373.2160) along with the Office of Student Financial Services (356 Richards Hall - 617.373.3190) will be contacting you with further details and session dates for completing this process.
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I have completed an exit interview but now my date of graduation has changed. Will it still be valid?
No. If you completed an Exit Interview in a prior semester, but did not graduate, you will need to complete another Exit Interview as the dates of loan repayment will change.
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Where and what time do I report for Commencement?
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT, FRIDAY, MAY 7
- Undergraduate degree candidates must report to the TD Garden by 8:00 a.m. using the Legends Way entrance. Signs and commencement staff will direct you accordingly.
- Graduate School degree candidates must report to the Gainsborough Garage (intersection of Gainsborough Street and St. Botolph Street, adjacent to Matthews Arena) by 2:15 p.m. Signs and commencement staff will direct you to the appropriate line-up area.
SCHOOL OF LAW COMMENCEMENT, FRIDAY, MAY 28
Degree candidates must report to Matthew Arena, using the rear entrance located off of Gainsborough Street, by 12:15 p.m.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES GRADUATION EXERCISES
For the April 24, 2010 ceremony:
- Undergraduate degree candidates must report to the 2nd floor of the Sheraton Boston Hotel on Saturday, April 24, 2010 by 8:30AM. Signs and graduation staff will direct you accordingly.
- Graduate degree candidates must report to the 2nd floor of the Sheraton Boston Hotel on Saturday, April 24, 2010 by 12:30PM. Signs and graduation staff will direct you accordingly.
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How long does the ceremony last?
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT: approximately 3 hours
SCHOOL OF LAW COMMENCEMENT: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES GRADUATION EXERCISES: approximately one to 1.5 hours
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Is there parking available?
TD GARDEN: Visit their website at http://www.tdbanknorthgarden.com/directions/parking.asp for parking information. A valid HP sticker or hang tag is needed for handicapped parking and these spaces are available on a limited basis. Parking facilities may not be in the near vicinity of the event location. It is advisable that you provide a wheelchair for your guest if he/she has any mobility issues due to health, age, etc.
IMPORTANT: Parking availability in the TD Garden area will be VERY limited. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE to travel to the TD Garden.
MATTHEWS ARENA: parking will be open, per availability and by showing a ceremony ticket in the following areas: Camden Parking Area, Columbus Surface Parking Area, Columbus Parking Garage, West Village Garage and Renaissance Garage (regular rates apply). These parking areas are a considerable walk from Matthews Arena. If your guest has a mobility issue, it is advisable that you provide a wheelchair and/or drop off your guest with an escort prior to parking.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES GRADUATION EXERCISES: The Sheraton Boston Hotel has valet and day parking. There are also public parking garages and limited street parking nearby, e.g., Prudential Shopping Center, Copley Plaza.
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Do you provide special seating or services for my guest if he/she has mobility issues?
Both the TD Garden and Matthews Arena are handicapped accessible and both have limited seats available to accommodate a wheelchair and one escort. Event staff will direct you accordingly. It is advisable that you provide a wheelchair for your guest if he/she has any mobility issues due to health, age, etc.
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Are there any special college/school or senior events prior to commencement?
College/school events and senior week activities are updated on the Commencement website as information becomes available. You may also want to contact your individual college/school for more details.
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I live on campus. When do I move out?
Seniors are permitted to remain on campus for senior week events and graduation. Seniors should make arrangements to move-out prior to 11am on Saturday, May 8th. Contact Housing & Residential Life for more information at housing@neu.edu or 617-373-2814.
