For Students
Can you double-check that I applied to graduate?
Please reach out to the registrar’s office at graduation-ncaa@unc.edu to confirm receipt of graduation application and status.
Do I need to register to attend the main University Commencement ceremony?
We do not have a registration process for the main University ceremony, so all graduates and guests are allowed to attend without a ticket.
How many guests am I allowed to invite?
We do not have a guest limit for the main University Commencement in Kenan Stadium.
When is my departmental ceremony?
The departmental Commencement ceremonies schedule is posted at https://commencement.unc.edu/commencement-ceremonies/
How many guests am I allowed to invite to my departmental ceremony?
Each department handles its own Commencement ceremony. Please reach out directly to the department for their specific plans.
I now have to take a summer class, can I still attend the Spring ceremony?
We highly encourage August graduates to attend the December ceremony. Graduates are allowed to choose to attend the May ceremony instead, but please note that you are only allowed to attend one ceremony and your name will not appear in the May program.
I graduated in December but chose to walk in the May ceremony, do I need to register?
You do not need to register for the main University Commencement, but please reach out to your department if you plan to attend that ceremony.
Do I have to purchase/wear a cap and gown?
Students are not required to purchase regalia, but it is encouraged as most graduates will be wearing it. Cap and gown information can be found on the Commencement website.
Where can I purchase a cap and gown?
Cap and gown information can be found on the Commencement website.
Can we decorate our caps?
Yes, you can decorate your graduation cap. Please be mindful that your décor does not block views for fellow graduates.
Where do I park on Commencement day?
Parking information is available on the Commencement Parking Information website.
Where/when do I arrive for my ceremony?
Graduates should arrive in the Loudermilk lot at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11.
Where do I go if I have accessibility needs?
Please arrive at the Loudermilk lot and ask Commencement staff for the Accessibility Services.
What do I need to bring to the ceremony?
Just your cell phone and regalia.
Can I bring food and beverages into the stadium?
Bottled water is allowed and encouraged. We will also have hydration stations on the field.
How will I enter the stadium?
Graduates will enter Kenan Stadium through the tunnels. The tunnel entrances are located in the Loudermilk lot. Graduates will need to present their One Card to enter the seating area.
How will I exit the stadium?
Graduates will walk up into the stadium and exit through the gates with the guests.
How will my guests enter the stadium?
Guests will enter Kenan Stadium through Gates 2, 3, 5 and 6.
How will my guests exit the stadium?
Guests will exit through the gates that they entered.
Can I take pictures with my family on the field?
Families will be allowed on the field for photos after the ceremony ends. Please note that we will need to begin the breakdown of the stadium shortly after the conclusion of the ceremony.
Will I be seated with my family in the stands?
No, graduates will be seated on the field. Guests will be seated in the stands.
Will I be seated with my department/degree?
No, graduates will be seated front to back in the order they arrive not by department/degree.
Can I sit with my friends?
If you want to sit with your friends, please arrive at the same time.
Can I move seats?
No, once you are seated, we ask that you remain in your seat for the duration of the ceremony not to disrupt the ceremony for others.
How long will the ceremony last?
Around 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours.
What happens if it rains?
Commencement is held rain or shine. If there is serve weather, we will delay until it is safe to hold the ceremony. If the ceremony is postponed due to inclement weather, it will take place at 9 a.m., Sunday, May 12, 2024. That information will be posted on the Commencement website and on the University’s website and social media.
Can I bring an umbrella into the stadium?
Yes, umbrellas are allowed inside the stadium.
Can I bring a sign into the stadium?
We follow the stadium policy, which is no sign bigger than 8.5”x11”.
What is the clear bag policy for Commencement?
We try to adhere to all Kenan Stadium policies and would encourage clear bags, but they are not required for Commencement.
Will there be a processional?
No, the graduates will enter the stadium through the tunnels and be seated as soon as they arrive. Graduates will need to present their One Card to enter the seating area. They will be asked to remain in their seats the duration of the ceremony.
Are faculty members attending the ceremonies?
Yes, faculty are encouraged to attend.
Will graduates be walking across the stage?
Due to time constraints and number of graduates, graduates do not walk across the stage to receive their diplomas in the main University ceremony. This takes place during the departmental ceremonies.
Will the graduates’ names be called?
Due to time constraints, graduates’ names will not be called in the main University ceremony. This takes place during the departmental ceremonies.
Will there be a printed program?
Yes, the official program will be available at the main gates.
Will there be a sign language interpreter or captioning in the stadium?
Yes, there will be a sign language interpreter and captioning at the ceremony.
Will there be access to restrooms?
Yes, graduates will be directed up into the stadium to use the concourse restrooms. Additionally, port-a-potties will be available in the Loudermilk Lot.
Where can I find the livestream link?
The livestream link will be posted on the Commencement website shortly before the ceremony start time.
Will the ceremonies be recorded?
Yes, all ceremonies will be recorded. The recordings can be found on the Commencement website after Commencement weekend.
For Guests
Where do I park?
Parking information is available on the UNC Commencement Parking Information website.
Where/when do I arrive for my graduate’s ceremony?
Gates of Kenan Stadium (104 Stadium Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514) will open one hour before the ceremony start time.
What time do gates open?
One hour before the ceremony start time, 6 p.m.
What happens if I have accessibility needs?
Please contact access@unc.edu for all accessibility needs.
How will students enter the stadium?
Graduates will enter Kenan Stadium through the tunnels. The tunnel entrances are located in the Loudermilk lot.
How will students exit the stadium?
Graduates will walk up into the stadium and exit through the gates with the guests.
How will guests enter the stadium?
Guests will enter Kenan Stadium through Gates 2, 3, 5 and 6.
How will guests exit the stadium?
Guests will exit through the gates that they entered.
Can I take pictures with my graduating student on the field?
Yes, there will be an opportunity to take pictures on the field immediately following the ceremony. We ask that guests remain off the field prior to the ceremony.
Will I be seated with my graduating student?
No, graduates will be seated on the field. Guests will be seated in the stands.
How long will the ceremony last?
Around 1.5-2 hours.
What happens if it rains?
Commencement is held rain or shine. If there is serve weather, we will delay until it is safe to hold the ceremony. If the ceremony is postponed due to inclement weather, it will take place at 9 a.m., Sunday, May 12, 2024. That information will be posted on the Commencement website and on the University’s website and social media.
Can I bring an umbrella into the stadium?
Yes, umbrellas are allowed inside the stadium.
Can I bring a stroller into the stadium?
Yes, strollers are allowed inside the stadium but will not be stored and must fit under your seat.
Can I bring a sign into the stadium?
We follow the same policies as football, which is no sign bigger than 8.5”x11”.
What is the clear bag policy for Commencement
We try to adhere to all Kenan Stadium policies and would encourage clear bags, but they are not required for Commencement.
Will there be a processional?
No, the graduates will enter the stadium through the tunnels and be seated as soon as they arrive. Graduates will need to present their One Card to enter the seating area. They will be asked to remain in their seats the duration of the ceremony.
Is faculty attending the ceremonies?
Yes, faculty is encouraged to attend.
Will graduates be walking across the stage?
Due to time constraints, students do not walk across the stage to receive their diplomas in the main University ceremony. This takes place during the departmental ceremonies.
Will the graduates names be called?
Due to time constraints, graduates names will not be called in the main University ceremony. This takes place during the departmental ceremonies.
Will there be a printed program?
Yes, the official program will be available at the main gates.
Will there be a sign language interpreter or captioning in the stadium?
Yes, there will be a sign language interpreter and captioning at each ceremony.
Will there be access to restrooms?
Yes, guests are able to use the concourse restrooms.
Will there be concessions/food and beverages sold?
Yes, limited concessions will be sold.
Can I bring food and beverages into the stadium?
Bottled water is allowed and encouraged. Hydration stations will also be provided.
Where can I find the livestream link?
The livestream link will be posted on the Commencement website shortly before the ceremony start time.
Will the ceremonies be recorded?
Yes, all ceremonies will be recorded. The recordings can be found on the Commencement website after Commencement weekend.