Commencement Ceremony

The Spring Commencement exercises are scheduled for May 10 and 11, 2024. All ceremonies will take place in Trask Coliseum.

Graduate Programs Ceremony

Undergraduate Ceremonies

Doors will open one hour before the ceremony starts, with the processional starting promptly at the time listed above. Graduates are required to report to Hanover Gym at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. 

Each ceremony is expected to last 2-2.5 hours. Graduates will not be permitted to leave the ceremony early. Traffic in the area will be heavy, so please keep this in mind when scheduling any dining reservations. 

Many departments will also have separate receptions from May 9-11. A full schedule of departmental receptions can be found here.

Each graduate who attends the in-person commencement ceremonies in Trask Coliseum will receive two (2) commemorative programs. The commemorative program contains the names of all graduates. 

Graduates who do not attend the ceremony and graduates who would like more than two (2) commemorative programs can order them starting May 15 via the order form below. 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 the Commemorative Program (link available May 10)

Commemorative Program Order Form (link available May 15)

What's the Difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on your official transcript. For questions regarding graduation requirements, latin honors, and your diploma, visit the Registrar's Office website.

Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of your degree. The Commencement Ceremonies at UNCW take place in Trask Coliseum each May and December. During this ceremony, graduates cross the stage to have their name read aloud and be individually recognized. 

Some academic departments will also host departmental celebrations during Commencement week. These celebrations can rage from casual receptions to full ceremonies with graduate recognition. Please contact your department with any questions regarding Departmental Celebrations.

The Office of Transition Programs coordinates all Commencement-related items in collaboration with many campus partners. For questions regarding the Commencement Ceremonies in Trask Coliseum, please contact the Office of Transition Programs at commencement@uncw.edu.