spring Commencement
10 a.m. May 8, 2021
Barnett Center
Guests will be welcome, with each participating graduate receiving four tickets to use for family and friends. Masks will be required per S.D. Board of Regents policy, and attendees will be appropriately spaced throughout the Barnett Center. Alternate viewing sites will be available in the Johnson Fine Arts Center, and commencement will be livestreamed. The ceremony will be also livestreamed through the NSU Facebook page and broadcast locally on cable Channel 12.
Watch the 2021 Spring Commencement Ceremony
Northern State University graduates from throughout 2020 shared their own photos. Take a look at them in our 2020 Graduate Slideshow!
Discover details about the ceremony, places to stay in Aberdeen and directions to campus.
Johnson Fine Arts Center (winter commencement)
- Accessible parking near main entrance - see JFAC Parking Map
- Wheelchair accessible, including restrooms
- Wheelchair spaces available next to regular seats
- Accessible entrances located on east and west sides
- Assisted listening devices available
- Sign language interpreters available; contact Doris Stusiak (below) in advance
- Service animals welcome
Barnett Center (spring commencement)
- Wheelchair accessible, including restrooms
- Wheelchair spaces on floor next to chair rows
- Accessible entrance and parking located on north side, accessed from State Street
- Sign language interpreters available; contact Doris Stusiak (below) in advance
- Service animals welcome
Information and Assistance
If you have questions about accessibility or need additional accommodations, please contact:
- Academic Affairs Administrative Assistant Judy Lapka, judy.lapka@northern.edu or 605-626-2524; or
- Disability Services Director Doris Stusiak, doris.stusiak@northern.edu or 605-626-2371
Ready to purchase apparel and announcements for your big day? We've got you covered!
You can order an entire outfit (cap/gown/tassel/hood/etc.) or individual items. Please note: For timely delivery, you're encouraged to order apparel no later than two weeks before the ceremony.
For rental orders, contact the NSU Wolf Shoppe for assistance, or call Balfour directly at 1-800-683-4771.
Commencement ceremony recordings on DVD or Blu-Ray are available through NSU Media Services.
