Commencement

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.  

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 

Fall 2025 Petition Due:  November 1, 2025

Spring 2026 Petition Due: March 1, 2026

Summer 2026 Petition Due: March 1, 2026 (if participating in spring commencement ceremony), otherwise July 1, 2026.

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.