Spring and fall commencement ceremonies mark major milestones for students and families. Find ceremony schedules as they’re announced, plus everything you need to know if you’re graduating or joining the celebration.
Fall 2024 Ceremonies Announced
Fall Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024. All summer and fall graduates are invited to participate.
All graduates are assigned to a ceremony based on their degree, college or school. Graduates who wish to participate in Commencement must attend their assigned ceremony.
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 range 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.
Accessibility accommodations requests for the ceremonies in Trask
Ceremony RSVP and Guest Tickets
Future Ceremony Dates
Commencement dates are set by the University Calendar Committee and will be published here a minimum of 12 months in advance.
All graduates will be assigned to participate in a ceremony based on their college or school. Graduates who wish to participate in commencement must attend their assigned ceremony. We cannot accommodate any ceremony-change requests. Ceremony dates and times are typically announced approximately 3 months prior to the ceremonies.
Many departments also host departmental receptions during commencement week, which may be scheduled as early as the Thursday before the published commencement dates.
Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 Graduates: December 14, 2024 Spring 2025 Graduates: May 9-10, 2025 Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 Graduates: TBD Spring 2026 Graduates: TBD
On certain occasions, undergraduate students may be permitted to participate in commencement the semester before completing their degree requirements. The Office of the Registrar manages this process. Learn more about the Early Commencement Participation process.
