A: No, NMHU will not require proof of vaccination at commencement for students or guests. Masks are recommended. Reduced capacity and social distancing may be required at all times. If you are ill, we recommend viewing the ceremony online.
Q: Who do I contact if I need accessibility services?
A: For accessibility services needed, please contact the appropriate office/individual below.
Las Vegas Campus Ceremony please contact the Office of the Registrar at 505-454-3438 or registrar@nmhu.edu.
Rio Rancho/Albuquerque Ceremony please contact Benito Pacheco at 505-891-6914 or bmpacheco@nmhu.edu.
Q: How are students being recognized?
A: Students who are eligible to complete in Spring/Summer 2025 or have completed their degree in Fall 2025 will be individually recognized as they cross the stage. If your name does not make the program, you will still be recognized as you proceed across the stage.
Q: Will I get a diploma before the ceremony?
A: No, only graduates from Fall 2025 will have a diploma in hand (if institutional obligations have been met). All other graduates will receive their diplomas at the address listed on the Application for Degree when the degree is conferred and all institutional obligations have been met, approximately 4-6 weeks after final grades have posted.
Q: Will a graduation program be provided?
A: Yes, a graduation program will be printed and available to our graduates and guests. Graduates will be provided a commencement program on their chair. Guests will obtain a program upon entry to the venue.
Q: Do I need to purchase a cap and gown?
A: Yes, regalia is required to attend and participate in any commencement ceremony. Students who arrive without regalia will not be allowed to participate. Deadline to order commencement regalia is TBA.
Q: Are students required to attend commencement?
A: No, commencement is not a mandatory event for students.
Q: How long will the ceremony last?
A: We anticipate the ceremony will last approximately 2 1/2 hours.
Q: Does participation in commencement mean my degree is awarded?
A: No, your participation is not verification of your degree award; degree awards are verified by the Office of the Registrar after all final grades and graduation criteria are verified as met. Diplomas will be mailed approximately 4-6 weeks after final grades have posted and all institutional obligations have been met.
Q: What if I will not finish my courses until Summer 2026 — can I still participate?
A: Yes, be sure to apply for graduation before March 27, 2026 to be included in the commencement program.
Q: What if I will not finish my courses until Fall 2026? Can I participate?
A: You may view the ceremony as a spectator but recognition for Fall 2026 graduates will occur at next year’s commencement ceremony.
Q: How do I know if my name will appear in the printed graduation program?
A: Students who submitted their Application for Degree by the March 27, 2026 deadline and are Fall 2025 graduates will appear in the printed graduation program. There are no exceptions or late additions.
Q: Will there be a rehearsal?
A: Rehearsal is dependent on the student’s commencement location. Students will want to Freview the
Commencement webpage for information on rehearsal at their commencement location. Las Vegas campus rehearsal will take place on TBA Rehearsal is optional for graduating students. If you have a final exam scheduled during rehearsal, you are not excused from your final exam. Students must attend their final exam. The Office of the Registrar does not provide an excuse to attend rehearsal in place of a final exam.