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Graduation Checklist

Commencement

Review the graduation checklist below to prepare for graduation and your commencement ceremony.

Apply to Graduate

You must apply to graduate through SeaNet to be eligible to participate in the commencement exercises. Ceremonies are held annually in December (summer and fall graduates) and May (spring graduates) View graduation application deadlines

Contact the Office of the Registrar at graduation@uncw.edu if you have questions about your eligibility. For more information about the graduation application process, visit the Office of the Registrar.

apply to graduate

Complete your Ceremony Registration

You will RSVP for your Commencement ceremony through the MarchingOrder platform. 

The commencement RSVP form opens in October for the December commencement exercises and March for the May commencement exercises. 

As a graduate, you will use this account to register for the in-person ceremony associated with your school or college, claim guest tickets, and provide phonetic information to ensure your name is read correctly during your ceremony.

Log into MarchingOrder

Order your Cap and Gown

Starting approximately 3 months before your assigned ceremony, you will have the opportunity to order official regalia, announcements, and other graduation merchandise through the Herff Jones ordering website. Regalia is purchased online and shipped directly to the address of your choosing.

Visit the Cap and Gown page

Check your Financial Status

Ensure you do not have any outstanding balances with the university. All payments must be paid to the university before you can receive your official UNCW diploma in the mail.

Perkins loan recipients will need to complete their mandatory exit counseling prior to graduation. Federal loan recipients will need to complete their Federal Direct Loan Exit Counseling.

Learn more

Pre-Register for your Official Photographs

Professional photographers from GradImages will take individual photographs of each graduate during their Commencement ceremony. Participants will receive a free photo proof and can order copies of their photograph directly from GradImages.

Pre-Register for your photos with GradImages

Take the First Destination Survey

Tell us what's next for you! If you haven't already, take the First Destination Survey to help current Seahawks see where graduates like YOU go and inspire them to pursue their career dreams and goals. 

TAKE THE FIRST DESTINATION SURVEY

Pick Up Your Name Card

All graduates must pick up their name card to participate in the commencement exercises. Name card pick-up will take place during the week prior to commencement.

Name-Card Pickup Details

Receive your Diploma

The Office of the Registrar orders undergraduate and graduate diplomas within eight weeks of commencement. Diplomas are mailed to the address the graduate provides on their graduation application.

Learn more about diplomas

Contact Commencement

Transition Programs

Phone: (910) 962-3089

commencement@uncw.edu

Fisher University Union 2017

Regular Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Summer and Winter Break Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Commencement ceremonies and related events are managed by Transition Programs.

Visit Transition Programs
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