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Commencement
This day is about you and your achievements. It's a time to celebrate with family and friends, reflect on your hard work, and look forward to your future.
"The best feeling was having my son watch me accept my diploma. This was all for him."
Nicolet Graduate
Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony
If you graduated in the Summer or Fall of 2025 or anticipate graduating in Spring or Summer of 2026, you are invited to participate in the Nicolet College Commencement Ceremony on
Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Nicolet College, Lakeside Theatre in Rhinelander.
Three ceremonies will be held: 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm. Your ceremony time will be assigned based on your program and additional details will be shared closer to commencement.
There is no cost for graduates to participate in the Commencement Ceremony so celebrate your success! Sign up by completing the form by no later than March 1, 2026.
Graduation Petition
If you’re completing a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must complete a Graduation Petition in the term in which your final course(s) are completed. The Graduation Petition can be found in your MyNicolet account. There is no additional fee for participating in graduation. Click here and follow these steps to apply for graduation.
You will need to apply once for EACH program you wish to graduate from.
If you have questions about the petition, please contact your Success Coach.
Graduation Petition Deadlines
Spring 2026 Petition Due: March 1, 2026
Summer 2026 Petition Due: March 1, 2026 (if participating in spring commencement ceremony), otherwise July 1, 2026.
Fall 2026 Petition Due: November 1, 2026
Certificates, Degrees, and Diplomas
Students earning a certificate, technical diploma, or associate degree must complete the approved program requirements. Additionally, each candidate for a diploma or degree will meet the following criteria:
- Possess a minimum GPA of 2.00 ("C") on all credits to be applied toward satisfying degree or diploma requirements. Individual programs may require a "C" or better in each course.
- Earn at Nicolet College a minimum of 25% of the required technical studies, occupational specific, or liberal arts credits. These established minimums cannot be met through advanced standing.
- Complete a program of courses approved by the instructional administration.
- Be in academic good standing at the time that final credits are earned.
- Satisfy all financial and other institutional obligations.
Graduation with Academic Honors
Students who earn the distinction of Academic Honors are recognized with gold or silver cords at the graduation ceremony. Academic Honors are determined from the student’s last fully graded semester prior to graduation and recognized as follows: Gold Cord Scholars are graduates of two-year associate degree or two-year diploma programs who achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher. Silver Cord Scholars are graduates of one-year diploma programs who achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher. Students are presented their cords at the commencement ceremony, and the honor is noted in the graduation program.
Commencement FAQs
When is the commencement ceremony?
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Three ceremonies will be held: 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm. Your ceremony time will be assigned based on your program, and additional details will be shared closer to commencement.
Students should arrive 1 hour before their assigned ceremony time.
Where is the commencement ceremony?
Nicolet College Theatre at the Lakeside Center
Nicolet College in Rhinelander.
Do my guests need tickets? How many guests can I bring?
Each graduate participating in the commencement ceremony will be allotted 2 tickets. Additional tickets may be requested and will be distributed based on the number of seats available. The process and deadline to request additional tickets will be communicated by email. You will also receive notice of the number of additional tickets you are approved for from your request by email closer to the date of commencement.
*While we cannot guarantee everyone will receive all the additional tickets requested, we will do our best to accommodate and evenly distribute available tickets.
Please note, the ceremony will be streamed live in the Lakeside Center commons with additional seating available along with a designated area with activities for small children. Guests in the Lakeside Center commons will have the opportunity to greet and congratulate their graduate first!
If I graduated in Fall 2025 or plan to graduate in Summer 2026, can I participate in the commencement ceremony?
Yes, you can! Students that graduated or plan to graduate during the following terms are encouraged to participate in commencement.
- Summer 2025
- Fall 2025
- Spring 2026
- Summer 2026
- Reminder, you must complete the petition form and the commencement participation form by March 1, 2026. See the information above or check your Nicolet email for links and more details regarding these forms.
What if I miss the March 1st deadline date to participate in the commencement ceremony?
Please email commencement@nicoletollege.edu immediately. While we will do our best to accommodate all students who would like to participate in commencement, we cannot guarantee late requests to participate. Celebrating your success is important to us, but it also takes much planning to make this event a success, please complete the necessary forms and tasks required by the March 1st deadline.
Do I need to pay for my cap and gown?
No, you do not need to pay. There is no charge to participate in commencement.
How do I get my cap and gown?
Cap and Gown pickup information will be emailed out in March regarding pick up times available at the Lakeside Center. You may request your cap and gown be mailed if you live a significant distance from campus.
By completing the commencement participation form, you will select a gown size based on your height and weight. You may also try on your gown upon pick up and select a different size if available.
How do I get my honor cords, Native American stole, PTK regalia and hood?
Honor cords, stoles, PTK regalia, and associate degree hoods will be distributed at commencement at the student check in. Associate degree hoods and Native American Stoles must be returned after commencement ends.
If I don’t want to participate in the ceremony, do I still need to complete the graduation petition?
Yes, you need to complete a petition to receive a diploma.
Where do I find the graduation petition?
The Graduation Petition can be found in your MyNicolet account under forms or Click here and follow these steps to apply for graduation.
Do I get a diploma cover if I don’t participate in commencement?
Currently, we only provide diploma covers at commencement. Contact commencement@nicoletcollege.edu with questions.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Please email commencement@nicoletcollege.edu with questions. You may also contact your advisor.
What should I expect the day of the Commencement?
Check your Nicolet email regularly for communication and complete details regarding your participation. Plan to arrive 1 hour prior to your ceremony time. You will be directed to check in, pick up all necessary items and to find your space in line.
Graduates that arrive late, especially near the start off or after the ceremony begins may not be able to participate as it may disrupt the ceremony and experience of other graduates. Please be respectful of your fellow graduates and show up on time (one hour before your commencement ceremony begins).
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Contact Information
715-365-4694
Commencement@nicoletcollege.edu