How many tickets can I get for graduation?
Tickets are not required to attend Commencement ceremonies. Seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Back to Top

Where can I get my graduation announcements?
Personalized announcements can be ordered at the UNCW Bookstore during Seahawk Salute or online at Balfour's UNCW website. Non-personalized announcements can be purchased at the UNCW Bookstore any time prior to Commencement. Back to Top

Where do I get my cap, gown, and master's hood?
Graduation candidates are provided caps, gowns, and master's degree hoods at no additional charge. Caps, gowns and master's degree hoods are available for pick up at Seahawk Salute or at the UNCW Bookstore after Seahawk Salute. Please check the Schedule of Events page for the date of Seahawk Salute. After Seahawk Salute, you may pick up these items at the bookstore until the first day of commencement. You will need to bring your UNCW One Card with you at the time you pick up these items. Questions about caps and gowns can be directed to the bookstore at 910.962.3188. All items are yours to keep after Commencement. Back to Top

Do I have to pay for my cap and gown?
No. Caps, gowns, and other Commencement regalia are provided to graduates at no additional charge. Back to Top

Where do I get my distinction cords?
Academic distinction cords will be distributed to students at Seahawk Salute. Proper ID is required. Back to Top

Are there accommodations for guests with disabilities?
Guests with disabilities are encouraged to park in Lot K. Special seating arrangements on the lower level of Trask Coliseum will be provided for guests who are physically challenged or hearing impaired. A sign language interpreter will be available for individuals who are hearing impaired. Back to Top

I have a double major. Which ceremony do I attend?
Students earning a double major can attend one or both of the ceremonies their majors is represented.

I am a graduate student. How do I know which ceremony I attend?
Master's and doctoral candidates graduate with their school or college and should participate in the ceremony with which their school/major is associated. Back to Top

I am an extension student. How do I know which ceremony I attend?
Extension students may attend commencement at UNCW's main campus, at the Extension Campus in Jacksonville, or both ceremonies. Camp Lejeune holds a special commencement ceremony once a year on base. Only students classified as “Extension Students” with the main campus will be listed in the extension graduation program. For more information about commencement for extension students, please visit the Extension Student Graduation website. Back to Top

I am a graduate student. How do I know if I'm eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony?
Graduate students must complete all degree requirements to be eligible to participate in a graduation ceremony. Graduate students who have completed all degree requirements for July graduation, may participate in the Fall ceremony and their names will be listed in the Fall Commencement program; graduate students who have completed all degree requirements for Fall graduation, may participate in the Fall ceremony and their names will be listed in the Fall commencement program; graduate students who have completed all degree requirements for Spring graduation, may participate during the Spring ceremony and their names will be listed in the Spring Commencement program. A graduate student may participate only in the graduation ceremony in the term in which they graduate. If you have questions, please contact the Graduate School at 910.962.3866. Back to Top

How do I know if I am eligible to apply to graduate?
Students who have applied for graduation and have completed all degree requirements during the summer or fall 2012 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 2013 semester are eligible to participate in the Spring Commencement ceremonies. Contact the Office of the Registrar at 910.962.3125 if you have questions about your eligibility. Back to Top

Who do I contact about applying for graduation?
Questions concerning applying for graduation can be directed to the Office of the Registrar at 910.962.3125. You can also visit our Graduation Application, Eligibility, and Diplomas page for more information. Back to Top

How and when will I receive my diploma?
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 your permanent address on SeaNet or in the Office of the Registrar and correct if necessary.

Graduates will not receive their transcripts or diploma if there is a balance on their student account. Please review your E-bill account before you leave UNCW to ensure you are in good standing. Please contact Student Accounts at (910) 962-4281, if you have any 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 .Back to Top

What is the Graduation Pledge?
"I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work."

Founded at Humboldt State University and adopted in 2001 by UNCW seniors, the Graduation Pledge is an opportunity for seniors to make a commitment to help shape a better citizenry through awareness and advocacy in the workplace. Those who choose to take the pledge join students from all over the country. Participants will receive a Graduation Pledge Alliance card, a green ribbon to be worn during the graduation ceremonies, and UNCW will display the names of those who take the pledge. Graduates will have an opportunity to take the pledge when they pick up their regalia during the Seahawk Salute or in the Center for Leadership Education and Service, Fisher University Union Room 2013.

For more information, contact the Center for Leadership Education and Service by phone at 910.962.3877 or by email at cles@uncw.edu. Back to Top

Will there be a photographer at Commencement and how can I get the photos?
Grad Images will take individual photographs of each of the graduates during the presentation of candidates during their graduation ceremony. During the presentation of candidates, each graduate will pose for two pictures, one as a portrait and the other receiving their scroll. View sample photos here. Participants will receive a free photo proof and can order copies of their photograph directly from Grad Images.

Pre-register your email and friends and family email addresses! Simply enter "University of North Carolina-Wilmington" as the school name. GradImages will contact them as soon as photos are available for online viewing and ordering. Individuals who do not receive a photo proof within two weeks of the ceremony should contact Grad Images at 800.261.2576 or direct e-mail to service@gradimages.com. To learn more, visit www.gradimages.com. Back to Top

How do I purchase a DVD of the Commencement ceremony?
Order forms for the DVDs are available through the Office of Alumni Relations, and in the graduation program that will be distributed at Commencement. Commencement DVD's are sold within 60 days from the date of graduation. DVDs are only available 60 days after the date of Commencement. Back to Top

To inquire about the availability of DVDs after 60 days, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@uncw.edu. Contact Alumni Relations at 910.962.2682 with any questions. Click here to order DVDs online. Commencement DVDs ordered online or by check will be shipped within 12 weeks of the date of Commencement. The cost is $30.00 per DVD with proceeds supporting the programs and activities of the Alumni Association. Back to Top

Where can I park on the day of Commencement?
Parking for graduates and guests will be available in the parking lots adjacent to Trask Coliseum or at the building hosting the departmental event. Parking permits are not necessary except for those parking in Parking Lot A, Eaton Plaza or the areas reserved for special needs or handicapped guests, and volunteers.

Guests with disabilities are encouraged to park in Lot K. Please obey all posted signs and refrain from parking on grass or fields. Print a campus map of UNCW. We encourage guests and graduates to carpool to maximize the use of all available parking spaces. Back to Top

What time do the doors open to Trask Coliseum?
Doors will open for guests one hour prior to the start of the Commencement ceremony. Back to Top

Where do graduates go on the day of the ceremony?
Graduates should arrive to Hanover Gym one hour prior to the start of their Commencement ceremony. Back to Top

What do I do if I lost my name card?
Extra name cards will be available for graduates in Hanover Gym prior to Commencement ceremony. Visit the UNCW Registrar's table to fill out a new name card. Back to Top

Where can I get more information on the Senior Class gift project?
Visit the Senior Class Gift web page for more information. There you can find information about how you can participate, learn about benefits, and locate contact information. Back to Top

What and when is Seahawk Salute?
Seahawk Salute is a celebration for graduating seniors. At Seahawk Salute, students can pick up their cap and gown, order announcements, order class rings, take the graduation pledge, order diploma frames and contribute to the senior class gift. Please check the Schedule of Events page for date, time, and location information of Seahawk Salute. Back to Top

I am an undergraduate student. Can I participate in the graduation ceremony if I haven't completed all my requirements?
Undergraduate students may be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony if they have completed requirements for graduation or if they are expected to meet the graduation requirements with the completion of one course of up to four hours during the term immediately following the graduation ceremony. Students who are one course short must notify the Office of the Registrar by the end of the seventh week of the semester of their intent to participate in the ceremony. Their names will not be published in the Commencement program. For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 910.962.3125 or visit our Graduation Application, Eligibility, and Diplomas page. Back to Top

I am a graduate student. Can I participate in the graduation ceremony if I haven't completed all my requirements?
Graduate students must complete all degree requirements to be eligible to participate in a graduation ceremony. Graduate students who have completed all degree requirements for July graduation, may participate in the December ceremony and their names will be listed in the December commencement program; graduate students who have completed all degree requirements for December graduation, may participate in the December ceremony and their names will be listed in the December commencement program; graduate students who have completed all degree requirements for May graduation, may participate during the May ceremony and their names will be listed in the May commencement program. A graduate student may participate only in the graduation ceremony in the term in which they graduate. If you have questions, please contact the Graduate School at 910.962.3866. Back to Top

Don't see your question? Email the Office of Transition Programs at transitions@uncw.edu or call at 910.962.3089.

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