2026 Commencement Important Dates
- January 30, 2026: Registration (RSVP) for Commencement opens-
- April 1, 2026: Deadline to order regalia and to RSVP for the commencement ceremony. (No exceptions.)
- May 14, 2026: Commencement ceremony at the ¶¹°ü³ÉÈË°æ Gymnasium – Employees should arrive 45 minutes prior to Ceremony start time (to check in).
Pre-Commencement Information
RSVP for Commencement & Regalia
- If you’ll be attending commencement,
- If you participate in the ceremony and need to rent regalia (cap, gown, hood and/or full package), . Regalia is pre-paid by ¶¹°ü³ÉÈË°æ for employees to rent. You will pick up and return the regalia items at the Jostens table at the night after the last commencement ceremony. There will be boxes designated for dropping off regalia.
Failure to return the regalia will result in an invoice requesting payment or payment for shipping.
Accommodations
If you require disability accommodations related to participation in the commencement ceremony (including special seating for yourself or guests, sign language interpretation, personal audio amplification, etc.), please contact Jessica Fraser, Director of Access Services, at (phone) or Jessica.Fraser@nhcc.edu by April 1, 2026.
Volunteer
We need volunteers! If you’re interested and available to volunteering at ¶¹°ü³ÉÈË°æ (greeting and directing students and families, helping with check-in, cleaning between ceremonies, etc.) please indicate interest on the.
Commencement Day Information
Safety Guidelines
¶¹°ü³ÉÈË°æ will follow guidance set forth by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). to view up-to-date requirements. Communication will follow from ¶¹°ü³ÉÈË°æ Public Safety and the College Leadership for any other guidance.
Arrival
Employees should arrive no later than 2:15 PM and 6:15 PM. Check-in and regalia distribution will be located in Center of Business Technology. We will direct you on where to check in, pick up your cap and gown, and line up for the processional. Ceremonies begin at 3 PM and 7 PM.
Location & Parking
The Commencement Ceremony will take place in the ¶¹°ü³ÉÈË°æ Gymnasium. Parking is free. For directions and parking, . All volunteers, employees, etc. Please park your vehicle in the East Parking Lot near HWC/CBT buildings from the 85th Ave entrance. Carpooling, public transit, etc. are highly encouraged.
What Not to Bring
¶¹°ü³ÉÈË°æ does NOT allow confetti, noisemakers, etc. so please let students and their families know. There will be stroller and balloon storage area in one of the classrooms in HWC. ONLY water is allowed in the HWC Gymnasium. You will be responsible for your own belongings.