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Graduation

CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATION

Please note guests are requested to be at the Venue an hour before the event (4:00 p.m.), to ensure adequate time for parking, walking to the venue and registration.

Graduates must be in the robing area no later than 4:00 p.m.

 

GRADUATION TICKETS

  • Each graduate will receive a set number of six guest tickets. Tickets are free of charge and non-transferable. Physical tickets are required for entry.
  • Each guest MUST present an original ticket to enter the Event Hall.
  • Tickets, the invitation, and student regalia will be available for pick-up at the NU-Q bookstore the week before graduation. NU-Q Bookstore hours are Sunday - Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please ensure to bring your valid NU-Q ID. If you cannot pick up the regalia yourself - please provide the person collecting the regalia on your behalf with your NU-Q ID.

TICKET POLICY

Graduation tickets may not be sold or exchanged for profit under any circumstance. Tickets are University property and issued solely for the use of graduates and their registered guests. Any student found selling or purchasing tickets risks the loss of the privilege to participate in the ceremony.

REHEARSAL

  • Rehearsal will take place on May 4, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at QNCC.

REGALIA

  • Regalia, invitations, and guest tickets will be available for pick-up at the NU-Q bookstore the week before graduation. NU-Q Bookstore hours are Monday - Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please ensure to bring your valid NU-Q ID. If you cannot pick up the regalia yourself - please provide the person collecting the regalia on your behalf with your NU-Q ID.
  • The regalia will consist of a cap, tassel, gown, and sash to keep. The cords will be included in the regalia packet for those students eligible to receive honor cords.
  • Only official Northwestern academic regalia is permitted to be worn at the graduation ceremony.
  • The regalia is made entirely from post-consumer plastic bottles, making it an eco-friendly fabric that is comfortable, breathable, and recyclable. These regalia are made of an eco-friendly fabric - it is not advised to dry-clean these, but only to steam them lightly.
  • NU-Q students planning to participate in Northwestern University Commencement in Evanston should keep and use their NU-Q regalia for the NU ceremony. 

ROBING

  • On graduation day, it is expected to bring and wear the regalia.
  • Graduates should bring their graduate ticket to enter the robing room.
  • A robing room will be available.
  • Please arrive no later than one hour before graduation so we can ensure you are robed and lined up for the procession.

PROCESSION, RECESSIONAL, AND COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

  • After the platform party, faculty, and graduating students have arrived and the music has stopped, the national anthems of the US and Qatar will be played. Everyone should remain standing.
  • Each graduate, upon hearing their name called, will walk across the stage and receive a diploma cover and commemorative photo with the dean.  Actual diplomas will be available upon final degree conferral (see Diplomas section of this information).   
  • After the platform party and faculty have filed off the platform, users will signal graduates to file out. 
  • The recessional will take place through the Event Hall’s main doors, where you will pause for guests to exit the hall. The ushers will assist you during this process.

DIPLOMAS  

Official diplomas are issued after degrees are conferred in Evanston, and NU-Q students will be notified by Student Records when their diplomas are available to be picked up. For questions about official diplomas, please contact studentrecords@qatar.northwestern.edu.

Students who participate in the NU-Q graduation ceremony will receive a diploma cover at the ceremony with a congratulatory message inside. Students should keep their diploma covers to store the official diploma once it arrives.

PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Photography – The graduation ceremony will be photographed and recorded and may be published on Northwestern platforms.
  • Photo Booth – A photo booth including props, a photo backdrop, and lightboxes will be provided for photo opportunities immediately after the graduation ceremony. 

EVENT LIVESTREAMING

Northwestern University in Qatar’s graduation ceremony will be live-streamed to allow family, friends, and the broader community to join in celebrating this important milestone. A full recording of the event will also be published on NU-Q’s official YouTube channel after the ceremony.

PARKING / ENTRY TO QNCC AND THE EVENT HALL

  • All graduates and guests should use the main entrance to QNCC. 
  • Parking is available in the QNCC parking garage.
  • Drop-off (ONLY) will take place at the main entrance to QNCC.

Northwestern graduation weekend 2025

  • Date and Time: Friday, June 13 - Monday, June 16, 2025
  • Click here for more information and review the presentation below

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