Who can participate in the ceremony?

• Bismarck State College commencement ceremony is inclusive for all students graduating in the 2024-2025 academic year. This includes Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 graduates.

When and where is the ceremony held?

• The commencement ceremony is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025 at the Bismarck Event Center.

How do I inform BSC that I plan to participate in the commencement ceremony?

• Graduates who plan to attend the commencement ceremony can indicate their intent on their Application for Degree. If you have already submitted your Application for Degree or decide to attend at a later date, you can notify the Academic Records Office, of your intent to participate in the ceremony.

How do I get information about the commencement ceremony and events?

• A letter with the final information for the ceremony will be mailed out to graduation candidates one month prior to commencement to the address indicated by the student on his or her Application for Degree.

Are invitations or guest tickets required for the commencement ceremony?

• There is no limit to the number of guests you can invite to the commencement ceremony. Graduates will be able to receive ten free formal graduation announcements to send to family and friends. The announcements will be available at the Academic Records Office located in Schafer Hall or the BSC Bookstore located in the Student Union one month prior to the commencement ceremony - the supply is limited.

How do I get a cap and gown for the ceremony?

• Good News! Cap, gowns, tassel and PTK items for graduation will be available for purchase in the BSC Bookstore and online by the end of March. However, if you already have black cap and gown you can use your own.

How long will the commencement ceremony last?

• The ceremony will last approximately two hours.

What if indicated on my Application for Degree that I would not be attending the commencement ceremony but, after submitting it, decided to attend?

• Please email the Academic Records Office from your BSC email account. Include your first and last name and student ID number indicating that you WILL be attending commencement ceremony.

What if indicated on my Application for Degree that I would be attending the commencement ceremony but, after submitting it, decided not to attend?

• Please email the Academic Records Office from your BSC email account. Include your first and last name and student ID number indicating that you will NOT be attending commencement.

What do I do if I am graduating with honors - Phi Theta Kappa?

• Students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society will be recognized in the commencement program and the official seal of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) will also be placed on their diploma. PTK items for commencement will be available at the BSC Bookstore.

Are diplomas presented at the commencement ceremony?

• Graduates will not receive an actual diploma at the commencement ceremony. You will receive a diploma cover. Your diploma will be mailed to you after grades are finalized and your graduation is confirmed by the Academic Records office. Diplomas are mailed out approximately 5 to 7 weeks after final grades are posted.

What if a graduate needs special assistance to participate?

• Graduates requiring special accommodations to participate in the ceremony should indicate the information on their Application for Degree. If the Application for Degree has been previously submitted, please contact the Academic Records Office at (701) 224-2533

How can I prevent my name from appearing in the commencement program or being released to newspapers in an announcement of graduates?

• This should be indicated on the Application for Graduation which is submitted to the Academic Records Office, Schafer Hall.

What if I need to change my graduation date to a later semester?

• Please send an email to the Academic Records Office from your BSC email account requesting to have your application cancelled. Please include your first and last name, student ID, and reason for cancellation. You will need to complete a new Application for Degree and indicate the new semester you will complete your degree requirements.