Nova Southeastern University Commencement

There are no tickets required for guests to attend commencement. However, the saving of seats at the arena is strictly prohibited. Advise your guests to arrive when the arena doors first open, one hour prior to the published start time of the ceremony. Be aware that the arena doors temporarily close during the opening processional and Star Spangled Banner, but will reopen afterwards if there is available space.

Family members (with the exception of your spouse and children) visiting for commencement need to apply for a tourist visa at the consulate in their home countries or at the U.S. Embassy.

Ensure that your family members have the following items completed and at the ready for the visa application process:

• An invitation letter from you. Include your name, your reason for living in the U.S., the names of your family members who are visiting, the purpose and length of the visit, and whether or not you’re providing food, housing, or any other financial assistance for the visit.
• Your evidence of funding, if applicable. If you’re providing any monetary help, including things like food, housing, or airfare, supply evidence of your funding via bank statements or employment letters. There is no minimum dollar amount that you need to reflect, but indicate an amount that is reasonable for your level of support.
• Your family members’ evidence of funding. If your family members are covering their own expenses, they should provide a bank statement, employment verification, or other evidence of funding.
• Evidence of your status in the United States. Provide your family members with a copy of your I-20 and other documents verifying your status in the states. Evidence of your family’s intent to return home. Documents showing employment, property ownership, close family relations in their home country, or enrollment in school in the home country are good evidence of intent to return home.

The U.S. State Department has additional information about applying for a tourist visa. In addition, many consulates have specific information about inviting family members, so refer to the consulate website of your home country for more information.

Commencement is held at the Rick Case Arena at the Don Taft University Center on Nova Southeastern University’s campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Commencement dates and times vary upon college, so check our commencement schedule page for specific information.

Commencement Schedule

Arena Directions and Parking

A professional photographer will take your photo at least twice on commencement day; one of these instances will capture the exact moment each candidate receives their certificate of congratulations alongside the Dean or President.

Within 1-2 weeks of commencement, you will be mailed and/or emailed proof images with the opportunity to select from a variety of photo packages, with no obligation to purchase.

For more information, contact our photography vendors:

GradImages (Undergraduate, Law, and Graduate ceremonies)

Telephone: 800-261-2576
Email: giservice@gradimages.net

Werner Kahn Studios (May and August HPD ceremonies)

Telephone: (305) 531-1872 / (305) 794-3342
Email: info@wksphotos.com

Because of the busy nature of commencement, personal photographs may be taken only before and after the ceremony. 

Anyone entering the Rick Case Arena will be subject to a physical search and metal detection. No purses, guests, or food and drink will be allowed in the candidate staging area (Recreational Complex). 

The following are not permitted at commencement:

• Air horns and noisemakers
• Alcohol
• Backpacks, backpack-style purses, diaper bags, duffle bags, waist packs, and purses larger than 12" x 6" or 12" in size
• Balloons
• Bottles, cans, coolers, and thermoses
• Chains or spikes
• Drugs
• Fireworks
• Food
• Laser pointers
• Strollers
• Weapons
• Wrapped gifts
• Other items deemed dangerous to public safety

Please also observe the following rules and notices:

• There are no facilities available in the arena or at the University Center for storing personal items, so please leave these items at home or with your guests. The University Center, Rick Case Arena or NSU is not responsible for items left unattended.
• Wear comfortable shoes (no tennis shoes or sneakers).
• No animals, except certified service animals, will be admitted.
• Smoking is not permitted.