Commencement FAQs

Graduation Application

How do I apply to graduate?

All students preparing to graduate must complete the graduation application through mySeaport.

For detailed instructions, visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.

I don't plan to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Do I need to apply to graduate? 

Yes! All students must apply to graduate in order to receive their diploma, regardless of ceremony participation.

I initially said I wasn't attending the ceremony when I submitted my graduation application, but I’ve changed my mind. What should I do?

The question about ceremony participation on the graduation application is for planning purposes only.

To officially RSVP and claim guest tickets, all graduates must register for the ceremony through Tassel, regardless of their earlier response.

Distance Education Ceremony Participation Fee

I’m only attending my departmental ceremony. Do I need to pay the fee?
No, the Commencement Participation Fee for distance education graduates only applies to those participating in the university-wide ceremonies in Trask Coliseum.

Why is this fee necessary?
Commencement is primarily funded by the Student Services Fee, which distance education students do not pay. The Ceremony Participation Fee ensures equitable funding, allowing us to provide a high-quality experience for all participants.

I can’t attend the Trask ceremony in person. Will there be a live stream available?
Yes, the university-wide ceremony will be live-streamed for family, friends, and graduates who are unable to attend in person. The live stream can be accessed via the Commencement website. Only graduates who participate in-person will have their names read aloud. All graduates will be listed in the Commemorative Commencement program. Distance education graduates do not need to pay the Ceremony Participation Fee if they intend to watch the livestream.

Can I still participate if I miss the payment deadlines?
No. The November 5, 2026 final payment deadline to participate in the ceremony is a firm deadline. Students cannot be added into the ceremony after this date and no payments will be accepted.

What does the $100 fee cover?
The one-time fee for distance education supports the costs associated with hosting the ceremony, including the venue, staffing, equipment, guest tickets, diploma covers, commemorative programs, and other resources necessary to provide a memorable experience for graduates and their guests. Main campus students already pay a Commencement Participation Fee, called the Student Services Fee.

Once I pay the fee, what’s next?
Once distance education graduates have paid the Ceremony Participation Fee, you will be added into the Tassel Graduate RSVP system. Once added, you must ALSO complete your RSVP for the ceremony and manually claim your guest tickets by the published deadlines. Refunds will not be given for failure to complete all necessary steps to complete your RSVP and claim your guest tickets.

Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No, diplomas are not distributed at the commencement ceremonies. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates approximately 6-8 weeks after final grades are posted, and degree requirements are confirmed. This service is covered by the $12 Graduation Application Fee and is not connected to the Ceremony Participation Fee.

Can I use financial aid to cover the Ceremony Participation Fee?
No, the Ceremony Participation Fee for distance education graduates is not eligible for payment using financial aid. It must be paid directly through the Commencement TouchNet store using a Visa or MasterCard. American Express is not accepted.

Are guest tickets guaranteed with payment of the fee?
Distance education graduates who pay the Ceremony Participation Fee by October 22 AND complete their RSVP by November 1 are guaranteed an allotment of guest tickets equal to the number of tickets offered to main campus students. The number of tickets will be determined based on capacity and the number of participants.

Can I request additional guest tickets?
Once the initial ticketing deadline has passed, all remaining guest tickets will be eligible to claim. All ceremony participants will have an equal opportunity to claim guest tickets, regardless of campus type.

What if I change my mind after paying the fee? Can I transfer it to another graduate?
No, the Ceremony Participation Fee for distance education graduates is non-refundable and non-transferable. Each fee is tied to the individual graduate’s participation.

Will parking be provided for graduates and guests?
Yes, parking will be available for the ceremony. Visit the Commencement Parking webpage for more.

Are children or infants counted as guests?
Children under the age of 3 do not require a ticket but must sit on a guest’s lap throughout the ceremony. All other attendees must have a ticket with a unique QR code to enter Trask Coliseum.

What should I do if I have accessibility needs?
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and comfortable experience for everyone. During the RSVP process, graduates can request any accessibility needs for themselves or a guest in attendance. For questions about what accessibility accommodations are available, please contact commencement@uncw.edu.

Regalia (Cap & Gown)

What is considered "regalia"?

Your regalia includes your cap, gown, hood (masters and doctoral only), and any cords or stoles that you may have earned. 

How do I order regalia?

Regalia ordering will open for graduates approximately 3 months prior to the ceremony. Graduates must use the official UNCW regalia site to order regalia. 

How much does regalia cost? 

Main Campus students pay the commencement fee each semester, which covers the cost of regalia. Main Campus students are only charged the shipping fee when placing their regalia order.

Distance Education and Extension students are not charged a Commencement fee each semester. Therefore, distance and extension students who choose to participate in Commencement will need to purchase their regalia. 

Regalia costs vary by degree level. To view current regalia pricing, view the UNCW Regalia Site.

When will my regalia arrive?

Cap and gowns are shipped directly from our vendor, Herff Jones. Typically, you receive your regalia 2-3 weeks after you place your order if it is shipped to a residential address. To receive your regalia in time for your in-person ceremony, place your regalia order before the published deadlines (usually ~6 weeks prior to the ceremony).

Can I decorate my cap?

Absolutely! Graduates are welcome and encouraged to decorate their caps!

Where do I pick up cords and stoles? 

The Office of Transition Programs does not distribute any cords or stoles with the exception of Latin honor cords for Distance Education graduates.

Main Campus Graduates who are eligible for academic distinction will receive an email from the Office of the Registrar with details regarding the pickup of honor cords. 

All other cords and stoles at UNCW are distributed by academic departments and student organizations. Graduates should reach out to those groups to inquire about cords and stoles.

Day-Of Ceremony Details

Will I be individually recognized at my commencement ceremony?

Yes, all in-person attendees are individually recognized as they cross the stage.

What time should we arrive for the ceremony?

Doors Open: 1 hour prior to the ceremony.

Guests: Arrive at least 45 minutes early to find seating. Guests arriving close to start time may need to wait until after the processional to enter (approximately 30 minutes).

Graduates: Report to Hanover Gym at least 45 minutes before the ceremony.

Doctoral Graduates: Arrive 90 minutes to 1 hour early for photos.

Where do I park?

Parking on campus will be affected by commencement. We encourage guests and graduates to carpool to maximize the use of all available parking spaces. Please obey all posted signs and refrain from parking on grass or fields.

View a map of all parking locations

Parking for graduates and guests during the commencement ceremonies will be available in the Trask Lot, adjacent to Trask Coliseum. Guests with a state-issued Disability Placard are encouraged to park in the Trask Lot at Wagoner Drive. If you do not have a state-issued Handicapped Placard, you may drop family members off at Trask Coliseum prior to finding a parking space.

What if I need accessibility accommodations?

Students may request reasonable accommodation for themselves or their guests via their Commencement Registration account. Closed captioning and Assisted Listening Devices will also be available for each ceremony. ADA seating accommodations will be provided on the lower level of Trask Coliseum for graduates or guests with mobility concerns. Guests do not need a special ticket to access this area.

I can’t attend the Trask ceremony in person. Will there be a live stream available?

Yes, the university-wide ceremony will be live-streamed for family, friends, and graduates who are unable to attend in person. The live stream can be accessed via the Commencement website.

Honors and Distinction

How do I know if I earned a degree with Distinction?

Undergraduates are the only students who are eligible to graduate with distinction. Graduate students do not receive university honors. Students who earn a minimum of a 3.50 GPA on all coursework attempted, including transfer courses, will receive a degree with distinction. For commencement purposes, distinction is determined by the earned GPA at the end of the previous semester.

Example: For spring commencement, graduate eligibility is based on the earned GPA at of the end of the fall semester; for the fall commencement ceremony, eligibility is based on the last fully completed semester — either spring or summer.

Three levels of distinction are 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

Final distinction will be determined once all grades are submitted for the term and will be printed on the official diploma.

Where do I get my distinction cords?

Main Campus Undergraduates: Distributed by the Office of the Registrar (details emailed 4-6 weeks before the ceremony).

Distance Education Undergraduates: May purchase cords following instructions emailed 6 weeks prior to the ceremony.

Graduates who have completed the Early Commencement Participation Application are not eligible to receive cords until their official graduating semester.

Graduate students are not eligible for distinction. For information concerning distinction qualifications, please contact the Office of the Registrar at graduation@uncw.edu.

Will I graduate "With Honors In?"

Students who successfully complete 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.

Diplomas

How will I receive my diploma if I don't attend the ceremony? 

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

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas are ordered through the Office of the Registrar about 6-8 weeks after your date of graduation.

Digital Diplomas will be emailed approximately 6-8 weeks after your date of graduation.

Physical diplomas are mailed directly from the vendor to the diploma mailing address listed on your graduation application. The mailing process can take an additional 2-3 weeks. If you haven't received your diploma by 12 weeks after your ceremony, please contact the Office of the Registrar. 

If you have any questions regarding your diploma, reach out to the Office of the Registrar.

How do I update the mailing address for my diploma?

If the address needs to be updated, the graduate must notify the Office of the Registrar to have the address updated. Updating the address in mySeaport will not change the diploma mailing address.

Will I receive my diploma if I have an outstanding balance on my account?

Graduates will not receive their transcript or diploma if a balance remains on their student account. Students should review their E-bill account before graduation to ensure they will receive their diploma or transcript. 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 at 910.962.7419 to complete your exit interview. Once the account is settled, students should send an email notifying the graduation specialist so that their diploma can be ordered.