Student waves during the commencement ceremony

For Graduates

Ceremony Information Commencement Ceremonies

Whether you’re a family member, a friend, or an excited graduate, this page is your go-to resource for all things commencement-related. From ceremony schedules to parking details, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we honor the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our graduates!

Spring 2025 Ceremonies

Graduate Ceremony

Fri. May 9 | 1:30 p.m. - masters and doctoral graduates from all five colleges

Undergraduate Ceremonies

Fri. May 9 | 6 p.m. - College of Health and Human Services
Sat. May 10 | 9 a.m. - Cameron School of Business
Sat. May 10 | 1 p.m. - College of Science and Engineering
Sat. May 10 | 5 p.m. - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts and Watson College of Education

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 May 8 - 10. The full schedule will be available by April 2.

Graduate Communications

All students who have applied to graduate for the Spring 2025 semester will receive regular communications to their UNCW email. Graduates should check their emails regularly to stay informed about graduation and commencement deadlines.

Undergraduate students who have completed the Early Commencement Participation will begin receiving communications once your application has been approved (usually late-March).

Below, you will find a list of Graduate communications to view.

Taking Flight Newsletter (February)
Taking Flight Newsletter (March)
Taking Flight Newsletter (April)
Final Commencement Reminders (May)

RSVP for Commencement

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

Graduates are uploaded into the site each Friday until the graduation application deadline.

Graduates MUST RSVP by April 2 to guarantee their four (4) 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 Tuesday, May 13 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.

RSVP for your Ceremony

Regalia (Cap and Gown)

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

The spring 2025 regalia site is now open.

Learn more about regalia

Commencement Essentials

Graduation Checklist Our step-by-step guide outlines everything you need to do to graduate and participate in commencement ceremonies. Get Ready to Graduate

Cap & Gown Learn how to order your graduation regalia—and how to wear it when it’s time for your ceremony. Get Your Cap & Gown

Commencement Ceremony Get info about parking, accessibility, photos, receptions, and everything you and your family need to know for the big day. Find Ceremony Info

Departmental Receptions Many departments will also host Departmental Celebrations and Receptions during Commencement Weekend! See the schedule

Commencement FAQs Check out the answers to frequently asked questions regarding the commencement ceremony, regalia, and more! Check out the FAQs

Faculty and Staff Involvement Commencement would not be possible without the support of faculty and staff. Get involved with Commencement

Fall 2024 Ceremonies

Congratulations Class of 2024!

Thank you to everyone who attended or watched the December 2024 Commencement Exercises!

View my photos

Watch the recordings

student holding commencement diploma in their regalia

Watch the Commencement Livestream!

Relive celebratory moments by watching the recorded broadcast of the commencement exercises!

Watch the Livestream!

Commemorative Program

Each graduate who attends the in-person commencement ceremonies in Trask Coliseum will receive two (2) commemorative programs. The May commemorative program contains the names of all spring 2025 graduates. Summer 2025 undergraduates who apply to participate early will not be included in the Commencement Program. Their names will be listed in the December 2025 program.

Graduates who do not attend the ceremony and graduates who would like more than two (2) commemorative programs will have the opportunity to order additional programs. There is no charge for the programs, but a shipping and handling fee will be assessed to offset the cost of mailing. All ordered programs will be mailed. Programs cannot be picked up.

View December 2024 Commemorative Program