For the first time in National University’s nearly 50-year history, the University will host a virtual Commencement Ceremony to celebrate its graduating class, which includes more than 5,700 graduates.
Graduates and their loved ones, as well as all members of the NU community worldwide, are invited to join the inaugural virtual Commencement ceremony, which will be live-streamed beginning at 2 PM PDT on Friday, September 25, 2020.The virtual ceremony will integrate traditional ceremony components, such as formal remarks from University administrators, including Dr. David Andrews, National University’s president, as well as a special keynote address, student spotlights, and the official conferring of degrees.
This year’s graduating class reflects the University’s diverse student population. The grads range from 21-77 years old, and approximately 25 percent of graduates are current service members or Veterans. National University, which has more than 20 years of experience in online learning, has created a more personalized graduation experience, incorporating several interactive, celebratory elements into this year’s festivities. Graduates participating in the virtual ceremony were given the opportunity to create a virtual student card, which includes their name, college, degree, major, photo, and a message for their loved ones. Graduates can download their cards and share them with others or post on social media.
In addition, graduates received celebration boxes, which contained items to help them make the most of their personal celebration during the Commencement ceremony and access to digital assets, such as Zoom backgrounds, printable signs, and social media posts. Also as part of the virtual experience, attendees will be treated to cameos and congratulatory shout outs from surprise celebrity guests, faculty, and University Trustees.
Graduates are encouraged to share their experience on Instagram. Those who tag @nationaluniversity and/or use the hashtag #NUGrad2020 may be featured on the photo wall during the live stream event.The ceremony will be recorded and available until November 30, 2020, on the Commencement landing page. For the latest information on NU’s Commencement, visit commencement.nu.edu or email the Graduation Office at graduation@nu.edu.
About National University
National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of hard-working adults by providing accessible, affordable, achievable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 75 online and in-person programs and flexible four-week courses designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to over 25,000 students and 240,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. Learn more at  NU.edu.