Commencement

Commencement
Dickinson State University
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Commencement
In this section:
Questions? Contact Us.
Academic Records
May Hall, Room 118
dsu.records@dickinsonstate.edu
Call
701-502-4389
2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony
10:00 a.m. (MST), Saturday, May 16, 2026
Past Commencements
Fall 2025 Recording
Spring 2025 Recording
View past commencement photos
Students who will be completing their degree requirements in Summer 2026 are eligible
to participate in the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
When you finish the courses listed in your program of study, you are eligible to graduate
from Dickinson State University. You must complete the steps below before graduation:
Meet with your advisor confirm completion of your program of study.
You must resolve any “Incomplete” grades before the recording of your degree.
If you are planning to return to DSU for another program of study, you must complete
Continuing Enrollment Form
. No additional application fees are required.
View our
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. We recommend you formally apply for graduation two academic terms before you expect
to complete your graduation requirements.
Application Deadlines
Spring 2026 – February 1, 2026
Summer 2026 – February 1, 2026
Fall 2026 – September 1, 2026
After we process your application for graduation, we will send your graduation evaluation
to your DSU email address. The evaluation process may take two to three weeks.
You are required by federal regulations to complete a financial aid exit interview
before you graduate or terminate your enrollment if you've ever received a federal
student loan at DSU. If you have received a Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan,
this requirement must be completed online at
Complete undergraduate exit exams. Contact the DSU SOAR Center at
701-502-4362
or exam times. These exams are required and must be completed prior to graduation
from DSU.
Make arrangements to check out of your residence hall or apartment housing. Contact
the Campus Life at
701-502-4356
Return the participation form that will be in the commencement packet that will be
emailed to your dickinsonstate.edu email address. The packets will be emailed six
weeks before the commencement exercises.
Purchase your cap, gown, stole, and tassel from Balfour if you plan to participate
in the commencement ceremony. All regalia orders will be placed
online
and regalia will be mailed to you. Deadline to place your order is November 16, 2025.
You may also order graduation
announcements and your class ring
from Balfour.
Please make sure your permanent address and phone number are updated with the Office
of Academic Records located in May Hall, room 118.
To request accessibility accommodations for the commencement ceremony, contact us
at
701-502-4044
Keep in touch with other university alumni through the DSU Alumni Association at
701-483-2486
or
dsu.alumni@dickinsonstate.edu
Dickinson State University
291 Campus Drive
Dickinson, ND 58601
Get directions to DSU's Campus
Rooms available for two nights, May 15 and 16
Roosevelt Grand Dakota Hotel
532 15
th
St. W.
Roosevelt Grand Dakota, SureStay Collection by Best Western - ReservationDesk.com
ASK FOR:
Dickinson State University College Graduation
30 Rooms at $139+ tax per night
Standard room, 2 full-size beds
Cut off date:  April 10, 2026, rate not available after April 26, 2026
Microtel Inn and Suites Dickinson
1597 6
th
Ave. W.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dickinson | Dickinson, ND Hotels
25 Rooms at $119.00 + tax per night
Cut off date:  May 4
th
, 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites
552 12
th
St. W.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dickinson - Guest Reservations
25 Rooms at $159 + tax per night
Group Code:  DSUG2026
Cut off date:  April 1, 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites
110 14
th
St. W.
Hampton Inn & Suites Dickinson - ReservationDesk.com
30 Rooms at $149.00 + tax per night
Cut off date:  May 1, 2026
When should I apply for graduation?
You may not submit an Application for Graduation until you have met the minimum cumulative
credit requirements below (includes in-progress credit):
Master’s degree: 16 graduate semester hours
Bachelor’s degree: 80 semester hours
Associate degree: 32 semester hours
Certificate program: Any time during first semester at DSU
Can I apply for graduation more than once?
No. If you have questions about your application, please contact the Office of Academic
Records, located in May Hall, room 118 or
701-502-4029
When will I know if my graduation application has been processed?
Once your graduation application has been processed, your graduation evaluation will
be emailed to your DSU email account. The evaluation process may take two to three
weeks.
What if I need to change my graduation date to a later semester?
Please contact us at
701-502-4029
. Do not reapply for graduation.
Should I reapply if I want to change my major, add or remove a major or degree, or
add or remove a minor?
No. Please notify our office at
701-502-4029
, and we will make the necessary adjustments to your application.
When will I receive information about Commencement?
If you've applied for graduation, we'll send you Commencement participation information
about mid-semester. If you graduated during the previous fall semester and did not
participate in fall commencement ceremonies, we'll also send you participation information.
You must complete and return the commencement participation form.
Do I need tickets or guest passes for the commencement ceremony?
No, all and any number of guests are welcome. All seating is general and is on a first-come,
first-serve basis.
Seating is available on the main level for guests who are disabled or need special
accommodations.
How do I obtain a cap and gown for the ceremony?
If you plan to participate in the commencement ceremony, you can buy your cap, gown,
sash, and tassel from the Balfour Company. Please visit
Balfour online
to order all your regalia.
What color are the gowns?
The color of your gown depends on the degree you will be receiving.
Master’s degree: Black gown, black cap, silver sash, navy and silver tassel, hood
color varies by degree
Bachelor’s degree: Navy gown, navy cap, silver sash, navy and silver tassel
Associate degree: Navy gown, navy cap, navy sash, navy and silver tassel
Certificate: Navy gown, navy cap, navy and silver tassel (no sash)
All undergraduate candidates will wear the tassel on the right side of the cap until
instructed to move the tassel to the left side.
What should I wear under my gown?
See Dickinson State University’s
Commencement Attire Guidelines
for suggestions on what you should wear under your gown to the commencement ceremony.
When will I get my diploma?
We will mail your diploma to you three to four weeks after the academic session in
which you’ve completed your graduation requirements closes. Your diploma will be mailed
to the address on your Application for Graduation form.
What are the requirements for "graduating with honors?”
You will receive a gold honor cord before the commencement ceremony if you have achieved
a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. Students earning associate degrees with a cumulative
GPA of 3.50 or higher will earn distinction and wear a gold tassel.
How long will the ceremony last?
Typically, the ceremony lasts about 1 hour.
My name is spelled incorrectly in the student record system. What should I do?
Complete the official Name Change Form. Provide proper documentation as described
on the form.
Can I order additional copies of my diploma?
Yes, you may order additional copies of your diploma. We will furnish the first copy
of your diploma free of charge. There is a $25 charge for additional copies. To order,
please complete the
Diploma Order Form
Do I need to reapply for admission if I want to earn another certificate or degree
at DSU?
If you are planning to return to DSU for another program of study, you must complete
Continuing Enrollment Form
No additional application fees are required.
Will a transcript be sent with my diploma?
No. If you wish to receive an official transcript, you may order transcripts at
www.parchment.com
. Please note on the request that you would like to have your transcript sent out
after your degree has been posted.