Commencement

Can I bring more than 3 guests?

Unfortunately, because of limited space, we have to limit the number of tickets per graduate.

Are there ever any tickets left at the end?

If we have unclaimed tickets by mid-April, an email will be sent to all graduating students giving them the opportunity to obtain additional tickets.

I’m graduating with a Minor – can I attend the ceremony?

At this time, the ceremony is only open to graduating Majors and recipients of awards.  If by mid-April, there are tickets still available, an email will be sent to all graduating students (Majors & Minors) giving them an opportunity to obtain tickets.

Can you accommodate my food allergies/sensitivities?

We will do our best!  Please let us know on the RSVP form and we’ll work with the caterer to accommodate you!

Please email ROMLadmin if you have any additional questions.

TIMES

The ceremony will be in the UNC Friday Center, and the ground-floor entrance to the building will be marked with blue & white balloons. Doors to the auditorium will open at 1:00 PM. All students will be seated towards the front of the auditorium and will need to be in the lobby to line up for processional by 1:30 pm. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM and the reception is expected to begin by 3:00 PM.

If you arrive late we cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to walk in the ceremony, so please get there in time!

PARKING

We unfortunately have no control over parking on Saturday. There will be limited parking at the Friday Center, as well as shuttles from campus to take families and graduates to and from.

CEREMONY ADMISSION

Anyone, student or guest, coming into the auditorium will need a ticket for entry. Due to safety codes, we can make no exceptions to this. We appreciate your understanding.
For guests: Upon arrival, all guests will check in at the guests table before being allowed entry to the auditorium.
For graduating students: Upon arrival, all students will check in at the Students table and be given an index card to write their names and phonetic spelling.

PHYSICAL ACCOMMODATIONS

We will have some seating available for guests who have mobility issues and might have difficulties maneuvering stairs. If you need to utilize this seating, please try to arrive early so that we can ensure you have the accommodations you need. We ask that those who are able to navigate stairs please do so.
*If you or one of your guests uses a wheelchair, please let us know ahead of time! Thank you*

THE CEREMONY

Cap and gown are encouraged for the ceremony, but not required. All students will have a chance to walk across the stage and have their name called. At check-in, you will pick up a name card (you will have a chance to indicate the phonetic pronunciation of your name if you fear a mispronunciation). Make sure to hold onto this card as you line up. Volunteers will collect the cards right before the procession, as it is how the speaker will be calling your name during the ceremony. If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to walk, so please plan to arrive by 1:30 PM.

THE RECEPTION

There will be a reception of hors-d’oeuvres and desserts available in the lobby after the ceremony. There will be vegetarian and vegan options available and gluten-free items will be labeled.