UNC Greensboro Seal

Commencement Central

Congratulations Class of 2024!

UNCG Doctoral & Master’s Commencement Ceremony | May 2, 2024 | Greensboro Coliseum
UNCG Commencement | May 3, 2024 | Greensboro Coliseum

To Do List for Graduating Seniors

  • Apply to graduate for Spring 2024 graduation. The undergraduate application closes on March 8, 2024. Your name will not appear in the commencement program if you apply to graduate after the March 8th deadline. If you have not already done so, apply to graduate at  https://spartancentral.uncg.edu/graduation/apply-for-graduation/.
  • RSVP! Inform the university whether or not you plan to attend the commencement ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3rd at the Greensboro Coliseum. All students who plan to participate in the ceremony MUST RSVP by April 5th. Emails will be sent to your UNCG inbox prompting you to RSVP for the event beginning in February. Please note, our RSVP process is done through MarchingOrder and the email will come from [email protected]. Students who fail to submit their RSVP by the deadline will sit at the back of their school or college lineup at the ceremony. For full RSVP instructions, please review the video below.
  • Purchase Regalia Undergraduate regalia purchases may be made online or at the Bookstore, located in the Elliot University Center. Students who are eligible to graduate with honors according to the guidelines in the Undergraduate Catalog may pick up honors cords in the bookstore around the middle of April. The bookstore will have a list of students eligible for honors cords. The honors designation is tentative until final grades are recorded. If you have questions regarding regalia, contact the bookstore at 336-334-5563.
  • Pay the graduation fee. $100.00 must be paid to the Cashiers and Student Accounts Office no later than April 3, 2024—thirty days prior to your graduation date.

Undergraduate Students

Graduate Students

Faculty

Friends and Family

Greensboro Coliseum

Commencement Updates

  • There are currently no social distancing requirements at the Coliseum. Seating in the Coliseum is open and no tickets are required.  
  • We will follow University and UNC System COVID-19 protocols that are in place at the time of the ceremony. Closer to the date, please visit the Shield our Spartans for the current protocols.

What to Do and Expect Commencement Morning

The UNCG commencement ceremony is a formal, traditional, academic exercise. The ceremony will begin with a processional of all participants, followed by greetings and speeches from academic dignitaries, the conferring of degrees, recognition of graduates as names are called, tassel turning ceremony, singing of the Alma Mater, the ringing of the University Bell, and the recessional. The UNCG School of Music will provide music. The ceremony is expected to last about 3 hours.

Participating Students:

  • Arrive to the Special Events Center no later than 9:00 a.m. for check-in and lineup (expect heavy traffic). Click here for a map of your assembly area and entrance.
  • There is NO rehearsal.
  • No guest tickets or parking passes are required.
  • All students will be required to go through a metal detector before entering the lineup area. Please take note of the Coliseum Complex bag policy and full list of prohibited items here.
    • Large golf or non-telescopic umbrellas are prohibited from entering the Coliseum Complex.
  • Commencement programs will be provided in a digital, print-ready format and distributed as a PDF on the Commencement Website. Names of the Spring 2024 graduation candidates will be included in the program.
  • All student names will be called, and students will walk across the stage to be recognized.
  • Wear your tassel to the right side of your cap. During the tassel turning ceremony, undergraduates will turn their tassels from the right side to the left to indicate receipt of the Baccalaureate.
  • The processional begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Tips for an Enjoyable Commencement Experience

  • Eat breakfast! The ceremony will last approximately 3 hours.
  • Please note: Students will stand in the lineup space prior to processing into the Coliseum, shoes that you feel comfortable in for standing on a concrete floor and walking across the stage are recommended.
  • If you, a friend, or family member has restricted mobility or is deaf or hard of hearing, we have information listed here. We ask that you submit requests for accommodations in your RSVP form. All requests will be reviewed by event organizers, and reasonable accommodations will be made. The requester will be notified of approved accommodations. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions or concerns.

Please note that participation in the ceremony does not presume graduation from the university. Degrees are conferred only after all academic requirements are met and the Board of  Trustees has taken official action. We congratulate you on your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you at the ceremony. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions about the commencement ceremony.

Bell Ringing Ceremony

Bell Ringer

At the end of the Commencement Ceremony, the University Bell will ring in honor of the Graduates. The University Bell sounded the opening of the State Normal and Industrial School (now UNCG) on October 5, 1892. For forty years—until electric bells were installed—it marked significant moments of the day. The University Bell hung from a belfry in the Anniversary Plaza from 1967 until 1987 when it was removed for the purpose of restoration. The Class of 1940, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its graduation, commissioned the restoration of the University Bell.

Faculty Marshal & Mace

Mace Bearer

The Mace is a ceremonial insignia of the University in a tradition that dates back to antiquity. Hand-chased in sterling silver, it bears academic motifs depicting the history of the institution and is carried by the Faculty Marshal on official occasions. The Mace of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro was presented by the Class of 1926 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of its graduation and the bicentennial of the nation. It was first carried at commencement in 1978.

How to Wear your Tassel

Undergraduate student wearing cap with tassel

Traditionally tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left during a special portion of the ceremony for high school graduates. For college graduates, Bachelor again wear tassels on right side until their degrees are conferred, then move to left. Graduate students wear on left from the beginning.

Parking map of the Greensboro Coliseum Complex for December ceremonies
  • Parking is free and no passes are required for students or guests.
  • Expect heavy traffic on the day of Commencement.
  • ADA drop off points are indicated on the Coliseum parking map here.

Shuttle Service

  • As a service to the campus community, Park & Ride buses will transport volunteers, students, staff, and faculty between campus and the Coliseum on commencement day.
  • Buses will depart campus every 30 minutes beginning at 7 a.m. with the final shuttle returning to campus at 1:30 p.m.
  • Passengers may board the bus on Stirling St. in front of the Elliot University Center.
  • Faculty – If you plan to participate in the ceremony processional, as you board the bus, please indicate that you will need to be dropped off in the faculty lineup location.

Maps

  • Maps for parking and assembly have been emailed to students, faculty, and staff and will be resent the day of commencement.
  • Click the image to the right to view a full parking map for guests and students.

  • Commencement is both a joyful as well as dignified event. We ask that you express your excitement in ways that will not prevent others from hearing the speakers and enjoying the ceremony. Any distracting noisemakers, such as air horns, are prohibited and will be confiscated by Coliseum security.
  • Guests will be required to enter the Coliseum through a metal detector. Click here to view a full list of prohibited items and the Coliseum bag policy.
  • We will follow University and UNC System COVID-19 protocols that are in place at the time of the ceremony. Closer to the date, please visit the SpartanSafe.uncg.edu for the current protocols.
  • Alcohol is not permitted in the Coliseum during commencement. Security officers will be present to seize any alcohol and to prohibit from marching any who may have already consumed alcohol. 
  • Security and emergency medical personnel will be available to provide a safe environment for all commencement participants and guests.
  • All electronic devices should be turned off to help ensure that all guests can hear and enjoy the ceremony.
  • Tickets and parking passes are not required for guests attending the event on Friday, May 3rd.
  • The Commencement Ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.
  • Click here for a link to the guest parking map and ADA drop off locations.
  • Be sure to come back to Commencement Central on May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. to watch the Commencement livestream. Following the ceremony, the video will be available on the UNCG Commencement YouTube page.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more detailed information about the ceremony please see the Friends and Family Letter.

Restricted Mobility

The Greensboro Coliseum is adequately equipped with seating to accommodate guests in wheelchairs. When guests arrive at the Coliseum, they should proceed to one of the following restricted mobility seating area sections: 106, 112, 116, 118, 124, or 128 (see map). Guests with restricted mobility should enter the Coliseum from the ground floor of the East Wing of the Special Events Center (see map). ADA drop-off locations are located in front of the ACC Hall of Champions and in front of the Special Events Center (see map). The elevator will be clearly marked. Contact the Guest Services Manager of the Greensboro Coliseum, 336.373.7461, for more information.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Reserved seating for guests who read American Sign Language will be available in section 127; e-mail [email protected] to reserve seats in this section.

The Coliseum offers Assistive Listening Devices—for those who are hard of hearing but do not read sign language—which work in any area of the Arena. Upon arrival, go to the Guest Services booth on the Concourse at Section 103 to secure an ALD. Guests should be prepared to leave a North Carolina Driver’s License or other form of ID, which will be returned when the device is returned.

For more information about the Greensboro Coliseum Complex and the ADA standards in place, please visit their website here or contact [email protected].

Be sure to come back to Commencement Central on May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. to watch the Commencement livestream. Following the ceremony, the video will be available on the UNCG Commencement YouTube page.

  • The RSVP link to attend the University Commencement will go live in February.
  • Faculty Invitation Letter will be updated by February.
  • Parking Information
  • If you plan to participate in the ceremony processional and ride the shuttle to the Coliseum, as you board the bus, please indicate that you will need to be dropped off in the faculty lineup location.

Commencement Regalia Protocols

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has core values of Honesty, Fairness, Trust, Respect, and Responsibility. In keeping with our values of Respect and Responsibility, all graduating students are to respect the dignified nature of the ceremony. Formal academic regalia is required for all degree candidates participating in the University of North Carolina at Greensboro commencement ceremonies. It is the responsibility of the degree candidate to secure academic regalia prior to the ceremony from the University Bookstore and to bring it to the ceremony. Only adornments provided and/or approved by the university, such as stoles and cords, are allowed. 

  • Candidates for degrees must wear robes appropriate to their degree. 
  • Graduate candidates for master’s or doctoral degrees wear the appropriate hoods around their necks and down their backs. 
  • Undergraduate degree candidates who will graduate with Commencement Honors wear colored stoles and tassels provided by the university. Only one tassel is worn during the commencement ceremony. 
  • Cords or stoles representing registered student organizations, University recognized honor societies, students with an international affiliation, members of recognized social fraternities and sororities, military and veteran students, and members of athletic teams are allowed. Please refer to the Accessory Policy in the tab below. 
  • Undergraduate degree candidates place tassels on the right side of the mortarboard until their degrees are conferred at the commencement ceremonies. The tassels are switched to the left side as a part of the ceremony and are worn on that side any time thereafter. 
  • Mortarboards may be decorated on the top only and must be non-distracting to the ceremony and other graduates. 
  • No modifications may be made to the regalia gown. 

Accessories Policy

The Commencement Committee of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro supports the wearing of medals, medallions, stoles, and honor cords at commencement ceremonies by students representing recognized academic honors, honors programs, and honor societies; students with an international affiliation; members of UNCG-recognized Greek letter societies; NCAA-affiliated student athletes; military and veteran students; and students with service recognized by the Office of Leadership and Service-Learning. Sashes will be worn by non-graduating University Marshals assisting with the commencement ceremony. Some academic honor societies order through their chapters; otherwise, academic regalia and accessories should be ordered through the University Bookstore.

Accessories Guidelines:

  • Gold cords are reserved for graduation honors (assessed by the University Registrar’s Office).
  • Other cord colors are available for other honorary societies.
  • Sashes and stoles are designated for international students, athletes, service and service/academic organizations, Greek organizations, etc.

If your planned use of an accessory falls outside of the guidelines above, contact your organization’s advisor or sponsor who should submit a request/justification here.

The deadline to request a new accessory for the May ceremony is April 1.

Commencement Participation Policy for Undergraduates

Students completing all degree requirements by the end of the spring semester are encouraged to participate in the May Commencement. Students completing degree requirements by the end of the fall semester are encouraged to participate in the December Commencement. Students completing degree requirements by the end of the Summer Session may participate in either the May or December commencement ceremony by applying to graduate, paying the graduation fee, and notifying the University Registrar’s Office. Please note: degree candidates will not earn degrees nor be graduated from the University until they have completed all degree requirements. The names of August graduates appear only in the December commencement program.

Participation in a commencement ceremony does not presume graduation from the University. Students who do not apply for graduation before the published deadline for any semester must apply for graduation during the next semester. Students who have applied for graduation but fail to meet the requirements must reapply for graduation by the published deadline for the semester in which they will fulfill the requirements. Degrees are conferred only after all requirements are completed and the Board of Trustees has taken official action.

Academic Requirements and Honors

Please contact the Registrar’s Office directly for questions about academic requirements and honors.

FAQs

Diplomas are mailed out approximately 12 weeks after the commencement ceremony. Please contact the University Registrar’s Office for questions and information.

Contact the Cashiers and Student Accounts Office at 336.334.5831 or [email protected].

Contact the University Registrar’s Office to change your name in our system. Be sure to also enter your preferred name in your commencement RSVP to ensure your name is called correctly at the ceremony.

No, tickets are not required for students or guests.

Yes, students that attend the commencement ceremony will have their name called.

The Grad Team is pleased to provide this complimentary service for each graduate during the commencement ceremony. Please do not contact the school with inquiries related to photographic service. For information about commencement photographs, go to The Grad Team UNCG webpage.

Please submit this form if you have guest in need of a visa invitation letter for Spring 2024 ceremonies.

There is not a Summer University Commencement ceremony. Summer graduates may choose to participate in Spring or Fall. If you choose to participate in the Spring semester, please contact [email protected] to be added to the communications list. The names of the August degree candidates/graduates appear only in the December commencement program.

Show Your Appreciation

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Philanthropy Cords

Philanthropy Cords

Start your new chapter as a UNCG alumna or alumnus by making a small gift in honor of your accomplishment — one that will help other students like you finish their studies and earn their degree.
Graduating students who make a gift of at least their class year (for example, $20.24) during the academic year will be eligible to wear a special cord during Commencement to recognize your dedication and commitment to UNCG. Learn more at alumni.uncg.edu/philanthropy-cords.

Reminder from the Office of Sustainability

Congratulations, Spartans! When you celebrate your achievements this year and take pictures with your friends and family so you can cherish this moment forever, remember glitter is litter (#GlitterIsLitter) and will remain in the environment forever, too. Please help keep our beautiful award-winning campus clean. Instead of using glitter, confetti, streamers, or balloons in your pictures, we recommend using bubbles or the filters on your phone. Learn more about UNCG’s zero-waste efforts.

School/Department Ceremonies

The following is not a comprehensive schedule of all Spring 2024 school and department ceremonies taking place. Students with questions regarding their school or department ceremony should contact their respective academic department for more information.

Schools or departments that would like their ceremony information to be provided below can contact [email protected] for assistance.

CeremonyDateLocationContact
School of MusicMay 3, 2024, at 3:00 PMFirst Presbyterian Church
School of NursingMay 2, 2024, at 3:00 PMNovant Health Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex[email protected]
Bryan School of Business and EconomicsMay 3, 2024, at 3:00 PMGreensboro Coliseum at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex[email protected]
Anthropology Rite of Passage CeremonyMay 3, 2024, at 3:00 PMSchool of Education Building, Room 120[email protected]
WGSS Program GraduationMay 3, 2024, at 4:00 PMSchool of Music Building, Organ Room[email protected]
Communication Studies Graduation CeremonyMay 3, 2024, at 6:00 PMCurry Building, Auditorium
English Department Recognition CeremonyMay 2, 2024, at 2:00 PMUNCG Auditorium (408 Tate Street)https://english.uncg.edu
History Department Recognition CeremonyMay 2, 2024, at 5:00 PMUNCG Auditorium (408 Tate Street)[email protected]
Biology Graduate Recognition Ceremony and CelebrationMay 3, 2024, at 4:30 PMUNCG Auditorium (408 Tate Street), reception to follow in Sullivan Science Building 3rd floor lobby[email protected]
School of Theatre Graduation CeremonyMay 3, 2024, at 2:00 PMUNCG Auditorium (408 Tate Street)
LLC Awards and Diploma CeremonyMay 3, 2024, at 2:15 PMElliott University Center (EUC) Auditorium[email protected]