Northwood University’s Commencement
Winter 2023 Commencement: Saturday, December 16, 2023 in Riepma Arena
We look forward to celebrating this achievement with you! Please note these important Commencement details below.
General Ceremony Information
- Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in Riepma Arena (Doors open at 10).
- Doors to Riepma Arena will be closed to guests at approximately 10:50 a.m. to allow for faculty and graduate entrance.
- Each student will receive 5 guest tickets. Graduate does not need a ticket. Lost or misplaced tickets will not be replaced.
- Stage is disabled accessible.
- Disabled guest seating is available in the arena. Please alert an usher if assistance is needed.
- Please email by November 1, 2023 if special accommodations are needed.
- Commencement will be live-streamed here
If above live-stream does not work, please use this backup option.
Note: Due to current safety regulations, please do not bring balloons into Riepma Arena during the commencement ceremony.
Graduation Regalia (cap, gown, stole, tassel, etc.)
- Graduation Regalia (cap, gown, etc.) and name cards can be picked-up on November 14 & 15, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Front Desk of the Church Building (CFAB).
- Extra supplies will be available in the Turf Building at 9 a.m. on the day of Commencement.
- Graduation regalia for ADP and DeVos students will be mailed to each graduate.
Graduation Day Information
- Graduates need to be in the Turf Building (behind Riepma Arena) by 10 a.m.
- Bring your regalia & name cards with you to the ceremony. Extra supplies will be available in the Turf Building.
- Name Cards — both need to be filled out. You will take these cards with you as you approach the stage. The blue card will be used to announce your name as you cross the stage.
- White Card — Professional Photographer Card (GraduationFoto.com). Expect an email a few weeks after commencement with photo options. Please use QR code to enter your information.
- Blue Card — NU Alumni Card. Your name is on the back of this card. You may add the phonetic pronunciation, if needed. This is how your name will look on your diploma. If you need to make any changes to your name, please email the Registrar’s Office at
- Graduation marshals will lead you into ceremony and direct you to and from the stage — please follow their directions.
- Graduate Dress Code:
- Graduates are expected to wear appropriate dress clothing (business casual)
- Caps are expected to be placed squarely on head — no angles, please
- Tassel to the right until degree is conferred
- Do not wear unapproved sashes, stoles, or cords
- Do not pin flowers to the gowns
Honors Designation
- Honors for Commencement are determined on November 1, 2023, and will be noted in the commencement program, and listed on your blue card to be read along with your name.
- Honors designations are as follows:
- summa cum laude = 3.90 cumulative GPA
- magna cum laude = 3.70 cumulative GPA
- cum laude = 3.50 cumulative GPA
- Northwood does not provide honor cords
Additional Information
- A Graduation Reception for all graduates and their guests will be held in the Hach Student Life Center immediately following Commencement.
- Lodging & restaurant information can be found here
- Graduation announcements and gifts can be found at:
Graduation Photo Ops
We’ve put together a map to point out some great spots on campus for photos of students and their families!
Order or Purchase Graduation Gifts
Or, call the bookstore at (989) 837-4225 or email