University Events & Programs

The Honors Convocation Ceremony is for students graduating in May, September or December 2013 or who graduated in September and December 2012. Only graduating students should plan to attend the ceremony. Criteria for academic honors is listed here.

Invitations to participate in the Honors Convocation are based on a students credit hours and their GPA. Non-graduating students who have not met their degree requirements for graduation but do have the required credits and GPA for academic honors will receive invitations. However, only graduating students should plan to attend the ceremony. If a non-graduating student maintains their GPA, they will be invited to the Honors Convocation again the following year.

No. Enrollment in the Honors Program is not required for participation in the Honors Convocation.

There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate can invite. There are no tickets required and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

All participating students must wear a cap and gown. Information on caps and gowns can be found here.

No. Cords and stoles, to be worn at Commencement, will be presented at the Honors Convocation.

University Scholars will receive a white cord, Presidential Scholars will receive a gold cord, University Honors Program Scholars will receive a white cord and a University stole, and University Honors Program Presidential Scholars will receive a gold cord and a University stole. Criteria for academic honors is listed here.

Candidates are asked to arrive at the Whittemore Center Arena by 3:00 p.m.

Guests should plan on arriving in Durham by 3:00 p.m. to allow time for parking to ensure that they are at the Whittemore Center Arena for the 4:00 p.m. start of the ceremony.

The ceremony begins at 4:00 p.m. and is anticipated to end at 6:00 p.m. Post-event reservations should be made for no earlier than 7:00 p.m.

The UNH Alumni Association Marketplace offers custom graduation announcements, diploma frames, commemorative DVDs, and class rings. Information regarding qualifications for Latin Honors which is sometimes on graduation announcements can be obtained from the Registrar's Office.

During the Honors Convocation and Commencement ceremony, all graduates will be photographed as they receive their diploma cover. There is no fee for this service, and there is no obligation to purchase photos. Graduates will be sent proofs and information on ordering photos at their permanent address, as held by the Registrar, following the ceremony. For information, call GradTrak® at 800-424-3686. Guests will not have access to the front of the stage to take photos.

UNH Photo services will also be taking extensive candid images throughout the ceremony and those will be available for viewing and purchase on SmugMug.

If you have additional questions that were not answered above, please contact commencement@unh.edu.