Graduation at Northwest Shoals Community College is a process that occurs upon successful completion of program/GPA requirements.
Northwest Shoals Community College will host our annual commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Gym on the Shoals Campus.
This includes students:
- Enrolled in Spring 2026 courses who expect to complete a certificate or degree.
- Who earned a certificate or degree in Summer or Fall of 2025.
Graduates should check their college email for the official ceremony registration link.
To facilitate planning for the ceremony, graduates are encouraged to register to participate by Monday, May 4, 2026.
Ceremony Details
This year, we are excited to host three ceremonies based on specific programs of study. The designated ceremony times are as follows:
2:00 pm- Academic Programs
4:00 pm- Health Sciences
6:00 pm- Career Technical Education & Dual Enrollment
If you’re unable to attend at this time, you may choose an alternate ceremony; however, this means you may not walk with others earning your same credential.
Diplomas
Each semester, the Registrar and designated staff will complete a graduation review for students who are on track to earn a credential during the term. Upon verifying program and GPA requirements, the Registrar will update the student record, and after semester grades have posted, will provide clearance to award a degree and/or certificate.
On the day of the ceremony, graduates will receive only a diploma cover. An electronic copy of the diploma will be delivered via email approximately 2 weeks after the semester ends. Printed diplomas will be mailed via Parchment, our third-party diploma/transcript provider, 4-6 weeks after the semester ends.
Graduates may purchase their cap and gown from the Shoals Campus bookstore. You may visit Monday – Thursday, 9am – 4pm or Friday 9am – 12pm. You can email tgoodloe@bncollege.com or call (256) 331-5227 for other arrangements. Please be aware that the cost of a cap and gown is approximately $74.
Graduates should check in at the Hospitality Center (Building 116) of the Shoals Campus. Please be there no later than 30 minutes before the beginning of your ceremony. Please allow time for parking.
There is no designated parking for graduates; however, there will be designated handicapped parking. If you or one of your guests will require handicapped parking, please indicate this to a College official upon your arrival. Special parking will be to the side of the Patriot Center.
Graduates are required to wear a black commencement robe and the red 2026 tassel. Underneath your gown, it is appropriate to wear dresses or dark pants. NO blue jeans. You are allowed to decorate your cap if desired; however, any caps containing vulgarity will not be allowed into the ceremony. NWSCC also allows the display of honor cords and graduation stoles.
Seating is bleacher style and is first-come, first-serve. Please encourage your guest to arrive early for premium seating. At this time, there is no set limit on the number of guests per graduate. However, once our facility reaches capacity the doors will be closed.
View and download photos taken at the Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) 2025 Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
