Commencement

Commencement is a celebration of a student’s academic success and one of the most exciting days on our campus. The Commencement ceremonies bring together our academic community and guests to mark the progress of our graduates into the ranks of over 27,000 alumni.
The Details
Winter Commencement
Ceremony for Undergraduate and Master’s candidates
Thursday, December 18, 2025
3:30 p.m., CST
Vangstad Auditorium, VCSU Campus
- If you have not confirmed your participation in the December 18 ceremony, please email kim.hesch@vcsu.edu by November 3rd.
- Commencement attire (Cap, Gown, Tassel, and Hood) can be purchased at the VCSU Bookstore by calling (701) 845-7141.
- The in-person ceremonies will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.
- Graduates should monitor their email for messages from Kim Hesch, Commencement Coordinator, regarding instructions for graduation day.
Spring Commencement
Senior Awards Recognition Program
Friday, May 15, 2026
1:00 p.m., CST
Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall, VCSU Campus
- Students graduating with honors will be recognized along with outstanding seniors from various academic departments.
- An email will follow with details from Kim Hesch. This event will be live-streamed.
Ceremony for Undergraduate and Master’s candidates
Saturday, May 16, 2026
10:00 a.m., CST
W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, VCSU Campus
- If you have not confirmed your participation in the May 16 ceremony, please email kim.hesch@vcsu.edu by April 3.
- Commencement attire (Cap, Gown, Tassel and Hood) can be purchased at the VCSU Bookstore by calling (701) 845-7141.
- The in-person ceremonies will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.
- Graduates should monitor their email for messages from Kim Hesch regarding instructions for commencement day.
Lodging & Visitor Information
- A variety of lodging accommodations are available. Choose which one will best fit your needs: https://www.valleycitytourism.com/lodging-camping
- Visit the official tourism website for Valley City, ND and the Sheyenne River Valley to learn more about our beautiful area.
Contact our Commencement Coordinator, Kim Hesch, with any questions or concerns at (701) 845-7403 or 1-800-532-8461 ext. 7403.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no formal rehearsal. Instructions will be emailed out the week of Commencement along with seating information.
Information for undergraduate candidates will be emailed out eight weeks prior to commencement to those who have applied for graduation. At that time we ask you to confirm your participation.
Graduates are responsible for informing their family and friends. Formal announcements can be purchased through the VCSU Bookstore.
Tickets or guest passes are not required for attendance at the ceremony.
The program should last about an hour and a half. All graduates and guests are expected to remain seated for the entire program. There is no reception following the ceremony.
The email is sent out eight weeks prior to commencement and will provide information regarding cost details. Caps and gowns will be available for purchase at the VCSU Bookstore.
If a graduate meets the requirements, those honors will be indicated in the printed commencement program and read along with the graduate’s name during the ceremony. Those graduating with honors will be emailed and instructed how they can pick up or receive their honor cord. There is no charge for an honor cord.
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 – 3.74 will graduate Cum Laude; 3.75 – 3.89 will graduate Magna Cum Laude; and students earning 3.90 – 4.00 will graduate Summa Cum Laude.
Honors designation is determined by your current cumulative GPA. Once all grades are in the current semester, your final GPA will determine your official honors. Your final honors will be noted on your diploma and your academic record/transcript.
You will not receive an actual diploma at the commencement ceremony. You will receive a holder for your diploma at the ceremony. Your diploma will be mailed to you after grades are finalized and your graduation is confirmed by the Registrar’s office. Diplomas are emailed and mailed approximately eight weeks after graduation.
Parking will be open in all university lots on commencement day. Lots will not be ticketed on the day of the ceremony. Street parking will be available as posted.
The Marketing and Communications office will send a news release announcing your graduation to your hometown newspaper.
Contact us

University Relations
- McFarland Hall 212C