Commencement FAQ

When is Commencement and where is it held?

• Commencement is Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 10 am. Weather permitting it is held on the Incline Village campus, on the lawn next to Patterson Hall.

I can’t be there. Can I watch Commencement online?

• Yes, Commencement will be available on Livestream in real time and after the event.

Can I get photos of Commencement?

• Professional photos of the ceremony and of each graduating student will be available to download on Thursday May 19. A link to the SNU Tahoe Commencement photos will be posted on the Commencement Page and the Alumni Page as soon as the pictures are available.

How many guests may I invite to Commencement? Are there guest tickets?

• There is no limit to the number of guests per graduating student.
• Tickets are not required, but graduating students should RSVP for themselves and their guests as soon as possible. This will allow us to plan for the necessary seating.
• Traveler Information
• Driving Directions

How is COVID affecting the 2022 Commencement?

• Commencement plans remain subject to change based on COVID-19 conditions.
• Masks are not currently required, but the University supports all students, faculty, staff, and visitors who choose to wear masks during the events.

What are the academic requirements to be eligible to participate in Commencement?

• Undergraduate students:

  In order to participate (walk) in graduation ceremonies, a student must have submitted a valid graduation petition by the deadline published in the Academic Calendar.

  • “Within-Nine”: Students who graduate any time within an academic year (Fall/December 2021, Spring/May 2022 or Summer/August 2022) are invited to participate in the May 2022 ceremony. Since summer (August) graduates are allowed to participate in the preceding spring (May) ceremony, students with nine or fewer units to complete will be allowed to participate in commencement. Under this “Within-Nine” policy, students must provide proof of enrollment in the final required units to the Office of the Registrar in order to participate and have their names printed in the commencement program. All in-progress summer courses must be completed before the start of the fall term to qualify for the “Within-Nine” exception. Senior Projects, Capstone Courses and Gallery Exhibitions for BFA students must be completed and do not fall under this “Within-Nine” policy. Students who drop or withdraw from a required class or who are not able to complete their requirements by the end of the summer semester but who still walk in the commencement ceremony will be listed in the graduation program only one time and will not be allowed to walk in an additional ceremony.

• Graduate students:

  In order to participate (walk) in graduation ceremonies, a graduate student must have submitted a graduation petition by the deadline published in the Academic Calendar and complete all requirements. Academic regalia must be worn in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.

  • Department of Teacher Education Requirements: Students who complete all requirements, including MAT Thesis, MAT Professional Project or M.Ed. Action Plan in Summer/August 2021, Fall/December 2021 or Spring/May 2022 are invited to walk in the May 2022 ceremony.
  • Master of Fine Arts Requirements: Students must be on track to complete all course requirements by the end of the Summer 2022 Residency to walk in the May 2022 ceremony. Consult with your advisor before submitting your graduation petition.

Graduation Regalia & Accessories

How do I obtain graduation announcements & accessories?

• Announcements are available online through www.jostens.com. Various packages are offered and priced accordingly. Personalized announcements with the graduate’s name, degree, and date, time and place of the ceremony and usually ship within 14 days. Generic announcements are also available, with a blank card for the graduate’s name and degree that can be inserted into the announcement.

How do I get my academic regalia?

• PURCHASE: Academic regalia packages for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree candidates can be purchased online at www.mkt.com/snu-campus-store until May 7th, or in person for one day only on May 10th. Those choosing to purchase their regalia in person must do so on Monday, May 10th from 10am until 6pm on the Patterson Patio. Regalia packages include cap, gown, and tassel. Candidates for the Master’s degree must also purchase a Master’s hood. Gowns are sized by height.
• RENT: Undergraduate students can rent their gown from the SGA Gown Closet, located in the Campus Store, on a first-come, first-served basis for a $30 refundable deposit. Students renting their gown from the SGA Commencement Closet must also purchase their own cap and tassel for $15. Gowns can be rented during the store’s regular weekday hours, and at the regalia pickup on Monday, May 10th from 10am until 6pm on Patterson Patio. The rental gown MUST be returned to the Campus Store tent immediately following Commencement and before noon in order to receive your deposit refund.

How do I get my “Honors” stole?

• Students who qualify will receive the appropriate honor stole on the morning of Commencement. All students must check in at the Registrar’s table, which will be set up at Commencement in TCES.

What are “Legacy Cords”?

• Worn at Commencement with your cap and gown, your blue 1969 Legacy Cord shows that you have joined the SNU alumni network! The Legacy Cord represents all you have accomplished as a student, your appreciation of your SNU collegiate experience, and the opportunities yet to come after graduation. The 1969 Legacy Cords will be available at the Commencement rehearsal, and before the Commencement ceremony during check-in in TCES.

How can I order a class ring?

• Class rings can also be ordered through Jostens. Please visit www.jostens.com and click on “Student” then “College” and follow the instructions to find SNU.

Questions?