Commencement

Graduation will be held in the College Church of the Nazarene sanctuary (2020 E Sheridan St, Olathe, KS 66062)

We kindly ask all graduates and their guests to help us honor this sacred space. The following are not allowed in the church:

• Balloons
• Celebratory signs
• Party poppers

Strollers must be parked in the church lobby area as they are not allowed in the sanctuary. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

There is open parking during commencement/graduation activities in the College Church of the Nazarene parking lots located on the East and North sides of the church. A handicap accessible entrance is located at the north entrance that is covered by an awning.

MNU does not have a formal commencement graduation rehearsal.

A commencement walkthrough video is provided for all participating graduates and can be found here. This video includes important details on what to expect the day of the ceremony and what you can do to be prepared.

On the day of the ceremony, please be sure to arrive 30-60 minutes prior to your ceremony start time and commencement staff will provide any additional instructions. Graduates must be checked in and in line no later than 15 minutes prior to the ceremony start.

GradImages® is the official photographer at the MNU Commencement. Your photos will be available to view and order within 48-72 hours after the ceremony by visiting their website at www.gradimages.com.

Graduates who anticipate needing special accommodations should contact the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible prior to the ceremony.

913-971-3626
registrar@mnu.edu. 

Participation in the commencement ceremony is optional and does not indicate degree conferral.

Participation in commencement is open to candidates who are completing or have completed all requirements in the fall or spring immediately prior to the spring commencement ceremony or who plan to complete all degree requirements during the summer following commencement.

Students are not eligible for multiple commencement ceremonies for the same degree or program, only for the year in which they are originally approved to graduate based on the submitted graduation application.

Graduates who marked on their graduation application or ceremony participation survey that they would be participating in the commencement ceremony but are no longer able, please contact the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible at registrar@mnu.edu. Please include your full name and MNU ID so that seating arrangements can be updated accordingly.

Graduates who marked on their graduation application or ceremony participation survey that they would be participating in the commencement ceremony had the option to indicate phonetic pronunciation/clarify pronunciation of their name. If you did not indicate phonetic pronunciation of your name, or if you have a name that is often mispronounced, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@mnu.edu with your full name, MNU ID, and phonetic name pronunciation so that we can provide your information to our ceremony name reader.

Can my name be read during the live streaming event if I don’t attend commencement? 

• No, commencement ceremonies only recognize students who indicate they will be participating in person. Due to time constraints between ceremonies, we are not able to add to the length of the service by including the names of all graduates. 

Graduates who want to purchase graduation announcements or class rings should contact Jostens directly at www.jostens.com or 1-800-854-7464. 

You can order announcements, jewelry, diploma frames, and other items from Jostens by going to their website. In the upper left-hand corner select Find My School/Group Store and enter MidAmerica Nazarene University. 

New for 2026 – eDiplomas!

Graduates will now receive both a hard copy diploma and a Certified e-Diploma!

Diplomas are ordered by the Registrar’s Office only after all final grades have been submitted, all requirements have been met, and the final degree has been awarded.

Diplomas and e-Diplomas are mailed directly to addresses specified on the graduation application or ceremony participation survey, approximately 6-8 weeks after a degree has been awarded. You will receive notice via email from Jostens once your hard copy diploma has shipped and your Certified e-Diploma is available.

If you have a change of mailing or email address after submitting your graduation application, please notify us at registrar@mnu.edu so they can be updated.

If there are any questions regarding your diploma, please contact the Registrar’s office at 913-971-3626 or registrar@mnu.edu. 

Please be aware that we are unable to provide a secure place for you to leave personal items. The university is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

The MNU Alumni Association is ready to help launch your purposeful life through career development events, professional networking opportunities, and lifelong learning programs. You committed to MNU; we’ll be committed to you for the rest of your life! Stay connected to the Alumni Office and learn all about what we offer to our Pioneers. 

Web: www.mnu.edu/alumni 
Phone: 913-971-3275
Email: alumni@mnu.edu 
Twitter: MNU_Alumni 
Instagram: mnu_alumni

What if I need to change my address or get an electronic copy of my transcript? Contact us at alumni@mnu.edu. We’re here to help! 

It is the graduate’s responsibility to return library books and settle student accounts. Failure to follow through on these details will make it impossible for the university to release diplomas and official transcripts.

The Commencement Schedule is available on this page.

The Commencement 2026 Program will be available here when published. Please check back closer to the event date.