The time has come for NIU seniors to start planning for May’s graduation ceremony.

Graduation ceremonies will be held May 9, and the number of students who have already planned to graduate in May is comparable to last year’s number at this time, said Lea Houdek, assistant director of Records and Registration.

“So far, 2,510 undergraduates have applied to graduate this May. The numbers seem to be running pretty much the same as last year overall—some colleges have less, and some have more,” Houdek said.

Although there is no set deadline to apply for graduation, students who want to take part in the May ceremony should contact the Office of Records and Registrations as soon as possible, said Houdek.

A $24 fee will be charged to cover the cost of the diploma.

The ceremonies will be held in the Chick Evans Field House, the Duke Ellington Ballroom and the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall.

Tickets are not required for family and friends of the participants, except for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts, where seating is limited.