ARRIVAL & CEREMONY
Charlotte Campus
  • Date: May 2, 2024

  • Location: Bojangles Coliseum

  • Address: 2700 East Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC

  • Time: 2 pm

  • Doors opens at: 1 pm

  • Arrival time for students: 1 pm

The commencement ceremony lasts approximately 90-120 minutes.

 

Arrival Instructions

Please review this information carefully - it is given in place of a practice session. Your cooperation with and understanding of what is expected of you will guarantee a smooth, enjoyable ceremony for you, your family and guests.

 

Tickets

At this point in time, tickets will NOT be required for the ceremony. 

 

Before Arrival

  1. Review the order of exercises (please see the Program page, Class of 2024). This will be available in mid-April.

  2. Put on your Cap and Gown before arriving.

  3. Leave coats, valuables and other items with parents, friends or guests (you will not be able to store any personal belongings at Bojangles Coliseum).Please tell your family and guests not to  bring items like balloons, flowers or wrapped gifts. Coliseum security does not allow these types of items to be brought into the building.

  4. Use rest room facilities; you will not be permitted to leave your seats once the ceremony begins.


 Upon Arrival to Bojangles Coliseum

  • Graduates' arrival time is 1pm.
  • Graduates enter via the Bridge. You will go through security so arrive in plenty of time for this.
  • Once through security, proceed to the name card tables - alphabetized by last name; pick up your name card.
  • Next stop is the GradImages table to complete your information so you receive photo information.
  • If you need assistance with your cap, gown or hood, stop at the Herff Jones table.
  • Enter the large conference room and locate your college banner.studentparking-entrance.png

FAQs

Seating

Is there a way to know where I will be sitting? Do graduates sit in alphabetical order? 

Graduates are not seated alphabetically; they are seated by college.

Once seated, you and your guests may communicate via text message to determine your locations - please do this once you are seated and not during the ceremony.

Attendance

All graduates, guests and attendees are expected to remain for the entire duration of the ceremony. 

Leaving early demonstrates extreme disrespect. End times are approximate; allow additional time for reservations and other plans.

 

Photos

The commencement ceremony is professionally photographed by Grad Images®. For information on ordering photos, please contact Grad Images® at 800-261-2576 or online at gradimages.com. 


A Note on Conduct

The university makes every attempt to plan and conduct a meaningful dignified ceremony. The significance of this day, the recognition of your academic achievements, should be observed with respect. Disorderly conduct, rowdiness or the presence of alcohol or drugs will be grounds for immediate ejection, and may result in your diploma being retained by the university.