Pre-Graduation Guide

Step by step instructions on how to submit your Application to Graduate.

Step 1:  Log in to myPNW portal with your username and Boiler Key.

Step 2:  Go to the Graduation page and click on the “Apply to Graduate” link.

Step 3:  Use the radio button to select the Curriculum (degree) you are seeking to apply for.  If you do not see your intended degree listed here, contact graduation@pnw.edu immediately to confirm your degree and major.  Once you have verified your information, click Continue.  Note: The term shown in this section is your curricula (catalog) term, not your graduation term. That will be selected on the next screen.

Step 4:  Select your Graduation Date from the drop down menu.  The date shown here is the last day of the semester and may not represent an actual ceremony date.  Answer the Graduation Attendance questions and then click Continue.

Step 5:  Select your Diploma Name from the name on your permanent record or enter a new name and click Continue.  Note:  This will not change your name that we have on file; it will only affect the printing of your diploma.

Step 6:  Select your Diploma Mailing Address from the list of addresses we have on file or enter a new one and click Continue.  Note:  This will not change the address that we have on file; it will only be used to mail your diploma.  If you need to update your address for purposes in addition to diploma mailing, please submit an Address Change form.

Step 7:  On the final screen you will be asked to verify the information that you have entered.  You can Go Back to edit your selections if needed or Submit your application to complete the process.  You will receive a confirmation email.

When you Apply to Graduate you will also indicate how you would like your name printed on your diploma. For more information about diplomas visit the Diploma web page.

Purdue University Northwest now offers Certified Electronic Diplomas and Certificates (CeDiploma/CeCertficate) to graduates starting Spring 2022 and beyond!  Learn more about CeDiplomas here.

In the myPNW portal, go to the Registration tab. Click the Student Self-Service box and select Personal Information from the menu options to review the address we have on file. If your address is incorrect, update it by completing the Address Change form.

Diplomas for candidates who are unable to pick them up from the Office of the Registrar will be mailed to the graduate’s current mailing address as noted in our student information system. Please verify that your address is correct!

Purdue Northwest holds commencement ceremonies twice a year in May and December. The ceremony you may participate in depends on when you complete your final classes.

Please note that Certificate only (non-degree) students must Apply to Graduate but do not participate in commencement ceremonies.

Spring Commencement (May)

• If your final classes end in the first week of May, your graduation term is spring and you may participate in the May commencement.

Fall Commencement (December)

• If your final classes end in August, your graduation term is summer. Both summer and fall graduates participate in the December commencement.
• If your final classes end in December, your graduation term is fall. You may participate in the December commencement.

Academic attire guidelines for graduate and undergraduate regalia

Your diploma reflects your academic success. On the Apply to Graduate that you previously submitted you indicated how you would like your name to appear on your diploma.

If you have any changes, please email the Graduation Coordinator at graduation@pnw.edu.

As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for their supporters, all graduation candidates have the opportunity to record and submit an audio testimonial that will be played ahead of the ceremony. Guidelines for submitting an audio testimonial are as follows:

• The deadline for submission for Fall 2023 is [date: TBA].
• The message should be no longer than 30-45 seconds in length.
• Plan your message in advance and write it down for reference.
• Using a voice recorder, speak slowly and clearly in the English language.
• Send your voice recording message to graduation@pnw.edu. The subject line should include “Audio Message”.

Sample Message:

• My name is _______________________.  I am graduating with a _______________ degree in ______________________.  I would like to thank my (family, friends, professors and classmates) for their love and support while I pursued my goal of becoming a graduate of Purdue University Northwest.

Graduation regalia must be purchased through the PNW Bookstore and they also offer a variety of diploma frames, souvenir tassels, and other Alumni items. Don’t forget to grab some PNW Pride gear like T-shirts, hats or hoodies, too!

Grad Images is the official photographer of PNW Commencement ceremonies.

For graduates who have participated in a Commencement ceremony: You will receive your proofs either by email or US mail.  You can also visit the Grad Images website and type in your last name, school and graduation year to find your photos and see your proofs. There is no obligation to purchase.

Contact their Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576 or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net for more information.

PNW is excited to continue our partnership with Balfour – a trusted provider of class rings for over 100 years – to offer our graduates a lasting symbol of their academic achievement.

Click here to see Balfour’s selection and pricing of class rings and other commemorative jewelry.

Need help with your ring order?  Click here to schedule a virtual ring consultation with your Balfour representative.

Let others know about your accomplishment!  Purdue University Northwest graduation announcements let you share the good news with family and friends.

Click here to see Herff Jones products and pricing.  Enter “Purdue University Northwest” in the search box and then click on the university’s name on the next screen to access the selections for campus, college, and degree type.

Commencement Flowers strongly encourages customers to take advantage of their online pre-order services for rose bouquets and commemorative PNW commencement T-shirts. They offer a contact-free experience for guests who are picking up their pre-purchased and reserved products.

Click here to see Commencement Flowers products and to pre-order.

The PNW Career Center offers valuable services from creating a winning resume and interview prep to job postings as well as guidance on graduate and professional schools that match your career goals.

Click here to see how the Career Center can help you Power Onward.

Regardless of when you graduated, what you studied or what campus you graduated from, your diploma makes you a member of the PNW alumni community!

Click here to find out how to join the PNW Alumni Community and access member benefits.

A letter in a sealed envelope will be provided for each person that you list in your request. Please allow two weeks to receive the letter. You may pick up your letters in the Enrollment Services Center (Lawshe Room 130) at the Hammond campus or in Schwarz Room 120 at the Westville campus. Be sure to bring your Purdue ID card or other photo ID with you. You can then forward the letter of invitation to parents/guests for use in documenting their visa request.

Receipt of an invitation letter does not guarantee candidate status or your participation in the ceremony.

Have questions? Contact the graduation coordinator at (219) 989-2334 or email graduation@pnw.edu.