The Difference Between Graduation and Commencement

Commencement should not be confused with “graduation”.  Graduation refers to the actual fulfillment of degree requirements resulting in the conferral of a degree and a diploma. Commencement is a ceremony. It is a time for you, your family, and the NMC Community to celebrate and acknowledge your accomplishments.

Participation

If you are graduating and have not indicated your plan to participate in the Commencement Ceremony please ensure that you Contact the Office of Admissions & Records This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You may participate in Commencement if you have met graduation requirements in Fall 2021, or Spring 2022. On Commencement Day, graduates must arrive to the commencement site by 3:00pm. 

Rehearsal

Rehearsal is very helpful to understand what the procedure will be for the actual ceremony on Friday.  Rehearsal for the Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Thursday – May 19, 2022 at the commencement site.

Honors Cords

Magna/Summa/Cum Laude honors cords will be provided to qualifying graduates who meet academic standing requirements.

No Tickets Necessary!

Your family and guests do not need tickets to attend the Commencement Ceremony. Seating at the commencement site is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Should you have family or guests that require special accommodations, please contact the Office of Admissions & Records at (670) 237-6770 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

COVID-19 Protocols

These protocols for the Spring 2022 Commencement reflect both Commonwealth and federal public health guidance and will be subject to revision as determined by College leadership due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 8, 2022, the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC have announced that the CNMI is now in a COVID-19 Community Level Low in line with CDC guidance.

• • All employees, students, family members, and guests are not required to wear a mask at the commencement ceremony. An individual can wear a mask based on personal preference, as informed by one’s personal level of risk.
    
    • • CDC guidance states that, in general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors.
      • If you are immunocompromised or have a high risk for severe disease, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask.
      • If you are sick and need to be around others or are caring for a family member who has COVID-19, wear a mask.
  • There will be no ticketing at the event.
  • There will be no vaccine verification at the event.
  • College leadership retains flexibility to adapt its operations as community health conditions require.

Read more about NMC's Updated COVID-19 Protocols here.

Caps, Gowns, Tassels and Sashes

The Northern Marianas College Bookstore as of February 1, 2022 began taking orders for the Associates and Bachelor regalia. Upon placing your order please know your height and weight. All orders must be paid the same day. Deadline to purchase regalia is May 14, 2022. If there are any question the Bookstore can be contacted at (670) 237-6837 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Honor cords will be provided at no cost. NMC Enrollment Services staff will issue honor cords to qualifying graduates on Commencement day, please be sure to arrive to the site by 3:00 pm.

Record Your Name

The graduation committee has prepared a form to help your name callers pronounce your name correctly. Kindly asking for a few minutes to complete this form.

 

About the Awards

These awards recognize outstanding students that exemplify leadership or community service.  The Leadership and Services awards will be announced at the 41st NMC Commencement Ceremony.  Students currently enrolled and are expected to graduate in Spring 2022 at the Northern Marianas College may be nominated for these awards. 

Nomination Guidelines

• Nominations can be submitted via the nominations links above.
• Nominations may be submitted by any member of the NMC community includings students, staff, faculty, or administration.
• Reference Letters can be submitted on behalf of the nominee to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. providing detailed information, with examples of how the nominees meet the eligibility criteria above, and why they deserve to be recognized for this award. 
• Deadline to submit all nominations: April 8, 2022 (nominations must be received no later than 11:59pm)

For more information email Alexis Cabrera at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the Office of Student Activities & Leadership at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Northern Marianas College invites graduating students from the Class of 2022 to apply to be the student speaker at this year's commencement ceremony. It is an honor to be selected as the Student Speaker to present the student commencement address - to represent their graduating class, faculty members who have nurtured their academic growth, and staff who have provided support and guidance throughout their college career. 

All associate's and bachelor's degree candidates are eligible to audition. 

This semester, one student speaker will be selected per class. Once selected, the speakers will be required to attend a coaching session with a faculty member in preparation for commencement. 

Student speakers will have 3-5 minutes to audition in front of a selection committee. This translates to approximately 400 - 650 words or 2-3 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt). 

The registration deadline is Monday, April 11th, 2022 at 11:59pm. Auditions will be held the following week. Audition dates and times will be provided once registration has closed.

Please complete and submit the Student Speaker Registration Form. For inquiries, please contact Kaelani Demapan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..