68 days and Counting!

We are so excited for you and want you to have all the information you and your family need to celebrate the day as stress-free as possible! Commencement is unaffected by Hurricane Florence, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you, your family, and guests!

Upcoming Events for Graduates

Graduation Application Deadline

Oct. 15

Seahawk Salute    

Nov. 8

Campus Bookstore

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Alumni Association Commencement Toast

Location: Wise Alumni House

Date: Friday, December 14

Time: 6-7 p.m.


Commencement Ceremonies

December 15

Trask Coliseum

9:30 a.m. Ceremony

  • Cameron School of Business
  • Watson College of Education
  • College of Health and Human Services

1 p.m. Ceremony

  • College of Arts and Sciences

Commencement Regalia

Extension and Distance Education students can click here to order regalia (cap/gown/hood) through the UNCW Bookstore. This is a revised website that reflects the correct ordering deadline of November 27. Extension and Distance Education students eligible for honor cords will be emailed with instructions on how to order cords.

More information for Extension and Distance Education students may be found here.

Doctoral students must contact the UNCW Bookstore to order rental regalia. Email sm282@bncollege.com

Gowns

Regalia (graduation cap/gown/hood) can be a bit confusing since they look similar, but are very distinct. Regalia should NEVER be ironed, only steamed to release wrinkles.

At UNCW, we use a traditional black gown for both the Bachelor's and Master's degrees. The Doctoral robe is teal.

Bachelor's gowns have long black sleeves and zip up the front. Master's gowns have longer, pointed sleeves and are worn with a hood (piece that goes around the neck) that signifies the academic discipline being received.

Doctoral gowns for UNCW are teal with black velvet trim down the front and velvet chevrons on the sleeves.

Mortarboards and Tams

Bachelor's and Master's candidates wear a flat, rectangle cap called a Mortarboard. The tassel is on the RIGHT until the degree conferral, at which time it is moved to the left.  At UNCW, this happens during the formal ceremony.

Doctoral candidates wear a velvet tam, with 4 or 6 sides.

Hoods

Hoods are worn for Master's and Doctoral regalia, and indicate the discipline in which the candidate is receiving the degree. Hoods are worn with the point in the front and facing the toes. The hood is turned out on the backside, reflecting the candidate's academic discipline.

Graduating Student Resources

Graduation should be a joyous time for you and your family. Here are FAQs, tips and resources.

  • NO tickets needed for ceremonies in Trask Coliseum
  • Many departments have separate celebrations and tickets may be needed, check your department for details. Locations and times for departmental receptions will be posted on the Commencement website as soon as all of the information is confirmed, accounting for any changes necessary due to Hurricane Florence.
  • Doors to Trask Coliseum will open one hour prior to the ceremony start time for guests
  • Students report to Hanover Gym one hour prior to the ceremony start time
  • Professional photographers will take 3 photos of you during the ceremony and send you the proofs via email; pre-register your email address with GradImages by clicking here
  • Ceremony will last 1.5 - 2 hours
  • Guests needing special accommodations will be seated on the first floor of Trask Coliseum

Please visit these other sites for information that will answer additional questions you or your family may have.

Commencement Website

Sr. Class Giving

Career Center

Be advised that if you opt to unsubscribe from these emails, you will be responsible for gathering all the graduation and commencement information from the website.