Faculty & Staff Participation

Ceremony Information Ceremony Information

Commencement would not be possible without faculty and staff. Learn how you can help celebrate our graduating Seahawks! All ceremonies are in Trask Coliseum.

Nominate Outstanding Students

Nominate outstanding students to serve as Student Marshals! Student marshals serve in an important leadership capacity during the Commencement exercises and are vital to the success of the ceremonies.

Student marshals process in with graduates, count to ensure all graduates have a seat in the row and assist with the individual recognition portion of the ceremony.

Nominations are due Tuesday, March 25. Nominees will receive an email on March 28 to confirm their availability and willingness to serve in this capacity. May 2025 graduates are not eligible to serve as student marshals.

Faculty Participation

Each semester, faculty are encouraged to participate in UNCW's commencement exercises to show their support for students. Faculty who choose to attend should wear regalia as they will participate in the commencement processional.

Faculty are asked to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.

RSVP for commencement

Assist with Name Card Pickup

Volunteers are needed to help prepare graduates for Commencement! Faculty and staff are invited to assist with the distribution of graduate name cards during the week of commencement.

Taking Flight: Name Card Pickup
Tuesday, May 6 | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Azalea Coast Room

Commencement Assistants

The Office of Transition Programs is excited to offer UNCW staff the opportunity to assist with one or more commencement ceremonies this spring. Refreshments will be available to all staff serving as Commencement Assistants. Please complete this form by April 25, 2025 to be considered for this opportunity.

Front of House Shift Opportunities
Commencement assistants are needed to scan guest tickets, pass out programs, and assist guests who need help finding seats.

Friday, May 9 - Graduate Programs Ceremony (12 – 4:30 p.m.)
Friday, May 9 - CHHS Ceremony (4:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, May 10 - Morning Shift (7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
Saturday, May 10 - Afternoon Shift (2 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

Back of House Shift Opportunities
Commencement Assistants are needed to help with day-of graduate name card pick-up and assist with graduate line-up.

Friday, May 9 - Graduate Programs Ceremony (12 – 1:45 p.m.)
Friday, May 9 - CHHS Ceremony (4:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.)
Saturday, May 10 - CSB Ceremony (7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.)
Saturday, May 10 – CSE Ceremony (11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.)
Saturday, May 10 – CHSSA/WCE Ceremony (3:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.)

Compensation for Working at Commencement
Commencement work on Friday evening and Saturday will receive monetary compensation; Comp time is NOT an option. Priority will be given to BOH staff who commit to working at least 2 shifts on Saturday.

Read the HR compensation details here.

Mandatory Training
Commencement Assistants are required to attend training on Tuesday, May 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the Carolina Beach Room. In-person attendance is required.

For more information about commencement, visit uncw.edu/commencement. Questions? Email commencement@uncw.edu.

Apply to serve as a Commencement Assistant