Ceremony Logistics for Graduates

This guide will help each of our graduates know what to expect during the In-Person Commencement Ceremonies held at the White Sands FCU Arena at the Pan American Center. We look forward to seeing your cap decorations. Share them before the ceremony with hash tag #nmsugrad.

Before Entering Ceremony

  • Graduates should print their registered Stage Pass, before November 11, 2026. This is the graduate’s ticket across the stage and into the venue.
  • Bring no bags or personal items, NMSU has a clear bag policy should graduates need to bring anything.
  • Plan your route to campus accordingly, the ceremony starts exactly at the announced time, graduates need to be there one hour early for seating.

Ceremony Entrance

  • Graduates will enter through the East side of the White Sands FCU Arena at the Pan American Center, the side facing the Organ Mountains.
  • Graduates should arrive one hour prior to the ceremony for check in and seating.
  • There is no rehearsal ceremony.
  • The Stage Pass is the graduate ticket across the stage, please bring this printed.
  • Graduates should leave their gowns unzipped entering the venue, the NMSU Police will conduct a gown check before entering the venue.

Procession and Degree Recognition

  • Graduates will be seated by college.
  • Doctoral Graduates should have their Doctoral hood draped on their arm and not around their neck yet.
  • The Ceremony begins promptly, graduates should arrive one hour early for seating.
  • All candidates need to be prepared to present their Stage Pass to the Commencement Scanner for personal recognition before proceeding to the stage.
  • During the ceremony, professional photos will be taken by Grad Images. Graduates can view their Commencement photos online www.gradimages.com or by calling 1-800-424-3686. GradImages will email these photos to each graduate’s email.
  • There will be a formal recessional and all graduates will be marched in an orderly fashion out of the venue.
  • Graduates should plan to meet their guests at their vehicles at the conclusion of the event.
  • Each ceremony will last approximately 2 hours.
  • The ceremonies will be streamed live on NMSU YouTube.