Instructions & Procedures
Candidates
All candidates for degree must enter through the delivery entrance on the north (back) side of the arena. There is no candidate access from the concourse level to the floor level.
Candidates for Bachelor's Degree will line up behind their college signs on the north side, lower-level, delivery entrance of the arena at 8:30 a.m. You do not line up alphabetically or by departments but by college only.
Procedure for conferring Bachelor's Degrees: The Dean of each college will ask the candidates for the Bachelor's Degrees to rise. The Chancellor will then confer the degrees for that college. The candidates will then be seated. (Note: Candidates for Bachelor's Degrees will not walk across the stage.)
Candidates for Master's Degree will report by 8:30 a.m. to their assigned area at the front of the processional lineup on the north side lower-level, delivery entrance of the arena. A sign will mark the spot where you are to assemble.
Procedure for conferring Master's Degrees: The Dean of the Graduate School will announce the complete list of the colleges having candidates for the Master's Degree and the candidates will rise as their college is read. The Chancellor will then confer the degrees. Candidates will then be seated. (Note: Candidates for Master's Degrees will not walk across the stage.)
Candidates for Doctoral Degrees must report no later than 8:15 a.m. to their assigned area in front of the processional lineup on the north side lower-level, delivery entrance of the arena. A sign will mark the spot where you are to assemble. You must report on time in order to be lined up alphabetically with your sponsors. Doctoral candidates head the procession and must be seated in proper order because you cross the stage and receive your diplomas in the order in which you are seated. Marshals will lead you to your row of seats in the arena. Do not sit in any seat except the one assigned to you. Your doctoral sponsor will sit immediately behind you on the next row.
Procedure for conferring Doctoral Degrees: At the appropriate time, the Marshals will ask you to rise and proceed to the foot of the ramp leading to the stage. The sponsors will remain seated. Only the candidates will go on stage. As names are called, move onto the stage to a point in front of the Provost. He will hand you your diploma cover and shake your hand. You will then proceed to the Chancellor for a congratulatory handshake. Walk down the ramp on the other side of the stage, return to your seat and be seated. When all candidates have returned to their seats, the Dean of the Graduate School will ask you to stand for the conferring of the degree. Candidates will then be seated.
Doctoral diplomas will be distributed in an area behind the stage immediately following the graduation ceremony. Please follow the directional signs.
Caps and Tassels
Bachelor's Degree Candidates enter the arena with the tassel draped on the right side of the mortarboard. After the Chancellor has conferred your degree, you will be led by a fellow student in moving the tassel from the right to the left side.
Master's and Doctoral Candidates enter the arena with the tassel draped on the left side of the mortarboard. After the Chancellor has conferred your degree, do not move the tassel from the left.
Disability Resources
If you are a graduating student with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in the commencement exercises, please contact Teresa Dail, Registrar's Office, at (919) 515-1491 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by Friday, April 20, 2012, to discuss accommodations.
Recessional
At the conclusion of the graduation exercise, there will be a recessional for the Platform Party and faculty only.
Seating
Family Seating: Candidates are not limited in the number of relatives and friends who may attend the graduation exercises in the arena. Some limitations may be necessary in the departmental ceremonies. Graduates should contact their departments concerning this matter.
Accessible Seating: Accessible seating is clearly marked in the arena.
NOTE: The possession of and use of alcoholic beverages in the arena is strictly prohibited.