Preparing for graduation is a journey with many steps. There are events and stages which should be followed in order to help alleviate stress and avoid obstacles that keep you from earning your degree as efficiently as possible.

The following stages are excellent forms of planning that allow you to conquer graduation and start on a successful career path with your Northern education.

1 year prior to graduation

At this point, you should meet with your adviser to review your remaing classes and make a plan for completing your degree.

Check with the Career Services Center, 3302 Hedgcock, for assistance in resume building, researching companies, learning about upcoming campus interviews and job fairs on campus or in the area.

 

9 months prior to graduation

The final copy of your résumé should be completed.  Review your resume regularly to make any updates that are needed.

If you are planning on attending graduate school, you should begin collecting materials on prospective schools that you may want to attend.  Some websites that are helpful, but are not limited to:

5-7 months prior to graduation

You should run a degree evaluation and meet with your adviser to verify you are on the right path to graduate.

Start planning your graduation celebration!

Final semester prior to graduation

Be sure to register for graduation when you are registering for your final semester coursses. You need to register for graduation whether you are participating in the commencement ceremony or not.  If you will be an August graduate and would like to participate in the May commencement ceremony, you need to register for August Graduation-May Ceremony when you are registering for your winter courses.

If you are considering attending graduate school, you should now apply to schools you are considering attending. You should complete applications early due to deadlines for admission and assistantships.   

If you are considering employment after graduation, your job search should get under way.  Some helpful websites for job hunting are, but not limited to:

3-4 months prior to graduation

Final degree evaluation will be audited the week before the final semester starts if you registered for graduation.  The final evaluation will include all completed courses and the courses currently enrolled in.  Students registered for graduation will receive an email indicating they are registered for graduation and are eligible based on the final evaluation the first week of the semester. 

If you are not eligible because of missing requirements, you will receive your email indicating the missing requirements before the semester starts.  You should make sure to register for your missing requirements and/or meet with your adviser if adjustments can be made to your final evaluation.

Students need to check MyNMU to verify they do not have any holds preventing mailing of their diploma 6-8 weeks after graduation.  Hold inquires should be directed to the correct department:

1 month prior to graduation

At this point you should be ready to graduate in the upcoming month. Some important things that should be taken care of immediately if they haven't been already are possible commencement celebrations, hotel reservations, dinner reservations and apartment searching (if needed).

This is also the point when you should send out announcements, if you are going to do so. Announcements may be purchased at the University Bookstore, in the University Center, or at Printing Services, 207 Services Building. When sending announcements to family and friends be sure not to forget your parents. Although they know you are graduating, they would like to get an announcement of your achievements as well.

Please note that after graduation, your Handshake account and the services offered by Career Services never expire.

Graduation week

Enjoy the week!  You are graduating and this is a time to appreciate all that you have accomplished at Northern.

Graduate Walking Across the Stage

Graduation Day

Arrive to the Superior Dome early on commencement day (between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.) because you can not be added to the procession once it begins. This is a day where you can reflect on your experiences and accomplishments and enjoy the company of your friends and family.