May 15, 2026 – 1 p.m. (CST)
BSC Bavendick Center
1511 Canary Ave.
Bismarck, N.D.

• Ceremony will run approximately 1 1/2 hours.
• There will be no commencement rehearsal.
• Gowns are worn closed and should be wrinkle free. 
• For information regarding honor cords, stoles and other regalia adornments please visit the Graduate Information website. 
• Do not bring valuables such as purses, cameras, coats or cell phones to the ceremony.  There will be no security to protect these items! Please leave them with family or friends.
• Cell phones should not be used during the ceremony.

Arrival and Check-In

• Graduates begin arriving at 11:30 am, and should arrive no later than 12:30 pm, to allow time for parking and entrance into the Center.
• Graduates must park in the MDU Community Bowl parking lot.
• Graduates only, enter through their assigned door (E), graduate check-in room. This will be the only door that will allow you to reach the check-in and line-up areas.
• Graduates will receive their reader card upon check-in. This card will be used to announce your name during the ceremony as you cross the stage. Do NOT lose this reader card.
• Card readers will be available to work with you on the correct pronunciation of your name.
• If you are a Legacy graduate, stop at the table to pick up your legacy cord that you will wear with your gown.

Line-Up

• After you complete check-in, staff will direct you to the appropriate lineup area.
  • If you are receiving multiple degrees, you may choose the degree group you want to march in with. Signs will be posted by degree (i.e. Bachelor of Applied Science, Associate in Arts, etc.) indicating where each graduate should line-up.
• An attendant will be present at each degree location to assist with line-up. Please check in with them.

Processional

• Stage Party will lead the Processional.
• Your line-up attendant will lead you to arena entrance. 
• From the entrance, Marshals will lead the processional and will direct you to a specific row.
  • Walk slowly and stay in line.
  • Move all the way to the end of the row and fill every seat.
• Once you reach your seat, remain standing, facing the stage until asked to take your seat.

Receiving Your Diploma Cover

• The student speaker(s) will receive a cover first.
• The first row of graduates, when prompted by the Marshal, will rise, and proceed to the stage. 
• Marshals will continue to release rows of graduates.
• Remember to BRING YOUR READER CARD WITH YOU.
• Hand your reader card to the reader assistant at the podium.
• After your name is read, walk across the stage.
• You will be greeted and given your cover by the President. 
• Continue across the stage, shaking hands with the other dignitaries.
• Proceed carefully down the stairs when you reach the end of the stage. 
• Attendants will direct you to the photographer where your picture will be taken.
• A representative from the BSC National Alumni Association will greet you and present you with a small token.
• An attendant will direct you to the curtain and back to your seat. Please be seated.
• The President will give their closing remarks, and you will be invited to participate in a celebratory cap toss. (If you want to be sure that you get your cap back, you should print your name on the inside of the cap prior to the ceremony.)
• There will not be a recessional. After the celebratory cap toss, guests are welcome to meet you in the BSC Student Union to celebrate.

Choir and Band Graduates

• Follow the Arrival, Check-in, Lineup and Processional instructions provided above.
• Join the choir after the student speaker is finished and return to your seats with the rest of the graduates after your performance.
• Follow the Receiving Your Diploma Cover instructions provided above.

• Follow the Arrival and Check-in instructions provided above.
• Proceed to the ensemble performance area on the arena floor and will participate in the pre-commencement performance
• Wind Ensemble graduates will be released by the conductor, at which point a BSC staff member will escort them to the appropriate line up area.

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