For Graduates

Graduates must attend their assigned ceremony. Doors for graduates and guests will open 1 hour prior to the ceremony. Graduates are required to report to Hanover Gym no later than 45 minutes prior to the ceremony to be included in the processional.

Each ceremony is expected to last approximately 2 hours. We recommend scheduling dining reservations at least 1.5 hours after the ceremony ends to allow time to navigate traffic leaving campus. 

Departmental Receptions and Celebrations will be scheduled from December 10-12. The full schedule will be posted in early November. 

In addition to completing the Graduation Application, graduates must complete the Ceremony RSVP through their Commencement Registration Account, hosted by Tassel.

The Tassel RSVP site will open for graduates in early October. All graduates with an active graduation application on file will receive an email once access has been granted. 

Graduates are uploaded into the site each Friday afternoon starting in early October until the graduation application deadline. 

Graduates MUST RSVP by the published deadline to guarantee the opportunity to claim guest tickets. Learn more about guest tickets.

Graduates who do not attend the ceremony will not have their names read aloud, but they will have their names printed in the official Commencement program book. Commencement program books will be available for order starting the Tuesday after Commencement on the Commencement website. 

Graduates do not receive their diplomas during the ceremony. All diplomas are mailed to graduates approximately 8 weeks after the ceremony, regardless of ceremony attendance.

Graduates are required to wear official UNCW regalia to participate in the ceremony. 

The fall 2026 regalia site will open for summer and fall graduates in early October. 

Learn more about regalia

Ceremony Rehearsal and Seating:

• There is no rehearsal for the ceremony.
• Graduates will sit with their college or school during the ceremony.
• There is no assigned seating; we do not require you to line up alphabetically.

Name Cards:

• Main Campus Graduates will pick up their name cards during Taking Flight. Distance Education graduates are welcome to pick up their name card during Taking Flight OR arrive 1 hour prior to the ceremony to pick up their name card in Hanover Gym. 
• Hold onto this name card and do not fold, wrinkle, or tear it. Damaged name cards will not scan.
• When it's your turn to cross the stage, you'll hand your name card to a staff member who will scan the QR code.
• The QR code displays your name on the Commencement screens and cues your name being read aloud.

You will NOT receive your actual diploma during the ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed to you after your degree is conferred. Learn more about your diploma.

Graduate and Guest Arrival:

• The doors will open 1 hour prior to your ceremony start time.
• Graduates will report directly to Hanover Gym.
  
  • Graduates should arrive no later than 45 minutes before the ceremony start time. If you arrive after this time, you may not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.
• Guests will report to Trask Coliseum using their ticket with a unique QR code.

Graduate Lineup and Processional

• Staff will be available in Hanover Gym to assist with regalia and lineup
• Approximately 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time, graduates will line up by college
• Staff and student marshals will guide you where you need to go before, during, and after the ceremony.
• Graduates will sit with their college or school during the ceremony.
• There is no assigned seating; we do not require you to line up alphabetically.

Individual Graduate Recognition:

• During the ceremony, each graduate will have their name card scanned and their name read aloud as they cross the stage
• When it's your turn to cross the stage, you'll hand your name card to a staff member who will scan the QR code.
• You must have your name card to cross the stage. Do not fold, wrinkle, or tear it. Damaged name cards will not scan and your name will not be read aloud if your card is damaged.
• The QR code displays your name on the Commencement screens and cues your name being read aloud.
• When you cross the stage, you will receive a diploma cover. You will NOT receive your actual diploma during the ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed to you after your degree is conferred. Learn more about your diploma.
• When you exit the stage, marshals will direct you back to your seat.