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If you have questions about commencement, contact the
Office of Transition Programs

transitions@uncw.edu 910.962.3089

 

For Graduates

Eligibility

Graduates are required to apply for graduation prior to their commencement. Students who have applied for graduation and have completed all degree requirements during the summer or fall semesters are eligible to participate in the fall commencement ceremonies. Students who have applied for graduation and have completed all degree requirements during the spring semester are eligible to participate in the spring Commencement ceremonies. Undergraduate students who expect to meet the graduation requirements with the completion of one course of up to four hours during the summer term immediately following the spring commencement may participate in the ceremony. Contact the Office of the Registrar at 910.962.3125 if you have questions about your eligibility.

Cap & Gown Pick-up

Caps & gowns are available for pick-up on the second floor of the UNCW Bookstore. You must have a valid UNCW Student ID card to pick up your cap & gown. You do not have to pre-order or pay any fees to receive your cap and gown.

Diplomas

Undergraduate and graduate diplomas will be mailed from the Office of the Registrar to the graduate's permanent address within eight weeks of Commencement. Review and edit your permanent address on SeaNet or in the Office of the Registrar.

No Diplomas or Transcripts

Graduates will not receive their transcripts or diploma if there is a balance on their student account. Students should review their E-bill account before graduation to ensure you will receive your diploma or transcripts. Contact Student Accounts at 910.962.4281, with questions. A balance on your student account will not affect your participation in graduation. Perkins Loan students please contact Constance Evans, 910.962.7419, to complete your exit interview.

Distinctions

Degree with Distinction

Students who earn a minimum of a 3.50 GPA on all course work attempted, including transfer courses will receive a degree with distinction. Distinction information for the program is based on your average at the end of semester previous to your graduation. Final distinction will be determined once all grades are submitted for the term and will be printed on the official diploma.

There are three levels of distinction based on your overall average. 

Cum Laude - overall average of 3.50
Magna Cum Laude - overall average of 3.70
Summa Cum Laude - overall average of 3.90

Distinction Cords

Academic distinction cords will be distributed to students during Seahawk Salute, the Office of the Registrar, or in Hanover Gym prior to their Commencement ceremony.  The Office of the Registrar is located in James Hall.

With Honors In

Students who successfully completed the Honors Program in their major will graduate “With Honors In” the discipline in which their special work was undertaken.

For information concerning distinction qualifications, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 910.962.3125.

Announcements

Non-personalized announcements can be purchased at the UNCW Bookstore at any time prior to Commencement. The bookstore is open Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Commencement Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. Please visit the UNCW Bookstore, for more information.

Personalized announcements can be purchased at Seahawk Salute or online by visiting Balfour's UNCW. For more information about personalized announcements, contact Balfour at 877.225.3687.

Official Commencement Photos

Order Photos

Grad Images will take individual photographs of each of the graduates during the presentation of candidates during their Commencement ceremony. Participants will receive a free photo proof and can order copies of their photograph directly from Grad Images. During the presentation of candidates, each graduate will pose for two pictures, one as a portrait and the other receiving their scroll.

Register Email Addresses

Pre-register family and friends' email addresses Grad Images will email photographs when they are available for online viewing and ordering. Click the coupon to the left for more information. Type "University of North Carolina-Wilmington" as the school name.

Individuals who do not receive a photo proof within two weeks of the ceremony should contact GradImages at 800.261.2576 or via e-mail at service@gradimages.com. To learn more, visit http://www.gradimages.com.

Official Ceremony DVD

DVD order forms are available through the Office of Alumni Relations in the graduation program that will be distributed at Commencement. Order DVDs online!

Commencement DVD's are sold within 60 days from the date of graduation. DVDs are only available 60 days after the date of Commencement. To inquire about the availability of DVDs after 60 days, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@uncw.edu or at 910.962.2682. Commencement DVDs ordered online or by check will be shipped within 12 weeks of the date of Commencement.