National University Commencement 2021

 

Congratulations, Graduates!

National University invites you, your family, and friends to celebrate your remarkable accomplishment at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Petco Park.

Based on occupancy rates, only the first 3,000 students who RSVP will be able to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Please review the important information necessary for your special day. Questions should be directed to graduation@nu.edu. It is our sincere desire to provide a memorable event that showcases your outstanding achievement.

Masks are recommended for those who are not fully vaccinated. Recommendations and guidelines subject to change based on updated local, county, and state regulations and guidance.

By using this ticket to attend or participate in the 2021 National University Commencement, Commencement ticket holder (“Holder”) acknowledges and assumes all risks and dangers associated with Holder and/or Minor(s) in their charge (i) before, during, and after Commencement and (ii) attending or participating in Commencement, in each case, whether any such risk or danger occurs prior to, during or subsequent thereto, including specifically (but not exclusively) the danger of contracting COVID-19 and any incidents or accidents associated with crowds of people or the negligence or misconduct of other participants. Holder acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to the full terms and conditions of attendance and/or participation outlined in our commencement waiver.

Useful Links

Important Deadlines and Information for Graduates

Deadline Date

Regalia: Caps and gowns are required for all students. To order your regalia, click on the link below:

Military students may elect to wear their dress uniform in lieu of regalia.

Deadline Date: 8/6/21

Tickets are required for all students and guests over the age of 2.

8/6/21 (Student Deadline)

9/17/2021 (Guest deadline)

Timeline

  • Noon
  • 12:45 p.m.
  • 1:45 p.m.
  • 2 p.m.
  • Gates open
  • Graduates must be checked in
  • All guests should be seated
  • Ceremony

Graduate Information

  • Petco Park has strict guidelines on what can be brought into the park. This includes backpacks, purses, totes, and bags measuring more than 7” x 10”. They will allow infant and medical bags. For a full disclosure, please visit the following: Petco Park – Entry Policies | San Diego Padres (mlb.com)
  • Graduates must enter through the Park Blvd. Gate and check in no later than 12:45 p.m.
    • Look for “Commencement Graduates Enter Here” sign.
  • Tickets are required to enter the ballpark.
    • You can provide a printed ticket or the QR Code from your phone.
  • Graduates will receive a label that includes their legal name. Do not lose this label.
  • Honors Cords can be picked up at the Grad Check-In area.
    • Honors Cords are based on the following eligibility:
      • Undergraduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
      • Graduate students with a GPA of 3.85 or higher
  • Once check-in is complete, graduates will be guided to an assigned seating area. Graduate seating is assigned by college and degree level.
  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
  • Your official diploma will be mailed to you approximately six weeks from your conferral date. If you have not received your diploma within this timeframe, please contact graduation@nu.edu.

Graduate Accommodation Requirements

  • If you are a graduate attending commencement and require accommodations, please email Student Accessibility Services (sas@nu.edu) with your request. Please allow as much notice as possible (no later than August 20, 2021) – last minute requests cannot be guaranteed.

Guest Information

  • Petco Park has strict guidelines on what can be brought into the park. This includes backpacks, purses, totes, and bags measuring more than 7” x 10”. They will allow infant and medical bags. For a full disclosure, please visit the following: Petco Park – Entry Policies | San Diego Padres (mlb.com)
  • Tickets are required for all guests over the age of 2.
    • Guests under the age of 2, who do not sit on their own, do not require a ticket.
  • Guests may enter at either Home Plate Gate or Gaslamp Gate.
    • You can provide a printed ticket or the QR code from your phone.
    • Strollers can be checked at any Guest Entry Gates, but guests must retrieve their stroller from the same gate it was checked in.
  • There are no assigned seats for guests; however, special seating can be arranged for those who need assistance. Petco Park Accessibility Guide

Planning for the Day

Petco Park is a major league baseball stadium and a wonderful venue for our Commencement. It is also a large space, which often requires walking, climbing stairs, and/or standing for long periods of time while graduate and guests find their seats and take part in the festivities. Please make sure to plan ahead for those in your party who may have mobility concerns. Some recommendations include:

  • Arrive early.
  • Review information on parking and stadium maps. Note: Parking fees are subject to change without notice.
  • Bringing your own mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.).

IMPORTANT: Petco Park offers limited access to mobility devices in the case of emergencies. If you believe you or another guest may require the use of any type of mobility aid, please bring the device with you to the event. Local options for mobility aid rentals include:

Interpreting/Captioning Services

To make our commencement accessible to as many people as possible, real-time captioning and American Sign Language interpreting will be provided via the video monitors for the duration of the event. If you require additional interpreting or other communication aids in navigating the stadium, please make sure to arrange individual services with your preferred provider. Also, consider reviewing the Petco Park Accessibility Guide prior to attendance. Local options for personal interpreting/captioning include:

Petco Park Information:

Academic Regalia and Vendor Information:

Commencement

Contact Us

All information will be sent to your personal email address. If you have any questions, please contact the Graduation Department at graduation@nu.edu.