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

The Details

Nicolet College holds an annual commencement ceremony every spring. Participation in the commencement ceremony is optional to all graduating students. Students wishing to participate in the commencement will need to meet the established deadlines for declaring their intention to participate in the ceremony and will need to fill out a petition.

If you graduated in the Summer or Fall of 2024, you are invited to participate in the Nicolet College Commencement Ceremony on May 3, 2025 at the Rhinelander Dome at 10 am. It’s not too late to sign up and celebrate your accomplishment! There is no cost for graduates to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. If you’re interested, please fill out the form by March 1st, 2025.

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 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 under forms. There is no additional fee for participating in graduation. If you have questions about the petition please contact your Success Coach.

Graduation Petition Deadlines

Students indicate their desire to participate in the commencement ceremony on the graduation petition.

Spring 2025 Petition Due: March 1, 2025

Summer 2025 Petition Due: March 1, 2025 (if participating in commencement ceremony) otherwise July 1, 2025

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the commencement ceremony?

Commencement will be on May 3, 2025 at 10:00 am. We ask that students arrive at 9:00 am

Where will commencement be held?

Commencement will be held at the Hodag Dome by the Rhinelander High School. The address is 863 Hodag Dome Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501

Below is the map of the Dome. We are going to have student parking at the high school this year and students can enter through the building highlighted on the map.

What should I know about visiting the Hodag Dome?

Students will enter the far side of the Dome - not through the main lobby. Students should park in the Rhinelander High School parking lot and use the paved path to walk to the backside of the Dome.

The student check-in will be on the far end of the track. Upon check in you can also pick up stoles, honor cords, associate degree hoods, and PTK items. Associate degree hoods will need to be returned.

Food is not allowed in the dome. We also ask that high heels are not worn to prevent damage to the turf. Heel covers are ok to use, otherwise we recommend flats or wedges.

Do my guests need tickets? How many guests can I bring?

No, your guests do not need tickets. However, if you plan on more than 8 guests attending it may be best to bring some outdoor chairs for your guests to use so that seating is available to all. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

If I graduate in Fall 2024 or plan to graduate in Summer 2025, can I participate in the commencement ceremony?

Yes, you can! You will need to fill out a petition and indicate your interest on the form. The Graduation Petition can be found in your MyNicolet account under forms.

Do I need to pay for my cap and gown?

No, you do not. 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 early April. There will also be information in the weekly announcements.

How do I get my honor cords, stoles, 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 will need to be returned after commencement ends.

How do I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed 3-4 weeks after commencement. You will receive a diploma cover during the commencement ceremony.

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. You can indicate on the petition whether you want to participate in commencement.

Where do I find the graduation petition?

The Graduation Petition can be found in your MyNicolet account under forms.

I didn’t say I wanted to participate in the ceremony on my graduation petition, but I changed my mind. Can I still sign up?

Yes, you can. Contact your Success Coach or email commencement@nicoletcollege.edu.

Do I get a diploma cover if I don’t participate in commencement?

At this time 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 Success Coach.

Contact Information

715-365-4692
Commencement@nicoletcollege.edu