FAQ's

Who can participate in the ceremony?
  • Bismarck State College commencement ceremony is inclusive for all students graduating in the 2015-2016 academic year. This includes Fall 2015, Spring 2016 and Summer 2016 graduates.
When and Where is the ceremony held?
  • The commencement ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Bismarck Event Center. Rehearsal begins at 11 a.m. and should last about one hour. There is no charge for parking at the 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 local address indicated by the student on their Graduation Application
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?
  • You can now order your cap and gown along with other Graduation items at the BSC Bookstore. Stop in and visit them on the lower level of the student union or call them at (701)224-5453 or 1-800-445-5073. However, if you already have a 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? What if indicated on my Application for Degree that I would be attending the commencement ceremony but, after submitting it, decided not to attend? What do I do if I am graduating with honors - Phi Theta Kappa?
  • Those honors will be indicated in the printed commencement program and a gold P.T.K. seal will be placed on your diploma. For gold tassels and honor cords for commencement please contact the Phi Theta Kappa advisor Kevin Cavanaagh at (701) 224-2611.
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 contact the Commencement Coordinator at (701)224-5428.
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? For any additional information and questions, contact the Academic Records Office, first floor Schafer Hall. We also be reached by phone at (701) 224-5711 or toll free at (800) 445-5073 or by email at bsc.records@bismarckstate.edu