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Graduate Information

Commencement Participation

BSC Commencement Ceremony is inclusive for all students graduating during Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 semesters.

To receive your degree, diploma, or certificate and to indicate participation in the commencement ceremony, you must submit an Application for Degree declaring your intent to graduate as well as to attend/decline participation in the commencement ceremony.

Student Information Card - Commencement - Coming soon.

Change of Plans

Commencement Invitations

There is no limit to the number of guests you can invite to the commencement ceremony. Five free formal graduation announcements are available to send to family and friends.

Announcements can be picked up, starting March 2, at the BSC Bookstore located in the Student Union or the Academic Records Office located in Schafer Hall. Supplies are limited.

Share Commencement Announcement - Coming soon.

Photography

During the ceremony, professional photographers from TheGrad Team will take photos of the ceremony. Click here for their BSC event page.

Let your guests know they may join you after the ceremony to use our special photo area to capture photos.

Regalia (Cap & Gown)

Cap, gown, and tassel are the official regalia worn at commencement by all graduates. Graduates attending the commencement ceremony need a black graduation gown, black cap, and appropriate tassel which can be purchased online or at the BSC Bookstore located in the Student Union beginning March 1. The cost is $19.99.

If you already have a black cap and gown and just need a tassel, you can purchase it separately.

Honor Cords, Stoles & Other Regalia Adornments

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Stole
Students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society will be recognized in the commencement program, and an official seal will be placed on their diplomas. PTK members may wear the society’s honor stole, made of gold satin and embroidered with the society’s Greek letters, and a gold tassel. These may be purchased online or at the BSC Bookstore located in the Student Union.

Veterans & Service Members
BSC graduates who serve(d) in the U.S.military may wear red, white, and blue cords during the commencement ceremony to honor and recognize their service. These cords are provided free of charge and can be requested by emailing bsc.military@bismarckstate.edu.  

Other Adornments
Individuals seeking recognition of a non-academic adornment, such as a cultural affiliation or BSC affiliation, should complete the regalia adornment request at least 30 days before commencement. Approval from the Dean of Students is required for non-academic adornment requests. Click here to complete the Regalia Adornment Request Form. 

Legacy Grad
The BSC National Alumni Association honors graduates who share a legacy with parents or grandparents who also graduated from BJC or BSC. Legacy graduates receive a special cord to wear at commencement to commemorate this special family connection. There is no charge for the legacy cord, however commencement attendance is required in order to receive it.

Complete the Legacy Cord Request Form

You will receive an email prior to the ceremony confirming your legacy and legacy cord pick up instructions. 
Questions? Contact the Alumni Office at bsc.alumni@bismarckstate.edu or 701-224-5692.