Student Life

Commencement

Commencement is set for Saturday, May 12, 2012 in Carmichael Arena at 10 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need tickets? No. Tickets are not needed for the School of Law's Commencement ceremony. You may bring as many family members and friends as you like. It is open to the public.
What time do graduates need to be there? What is the timeline for the ceremony? The time of graduate arrival is 8:15 a.m. A group photo will be taken prior to the ceremony. School of Law staff and student marshals will have safety pins, bobby pins, etc., to help graduates put on their regalia. If graduates are not in proper regalia at that time, they will not be included in the photo. Graduates will then follow John Kasprzak to lineup alphabetically for the processional. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony at the School of Law. Caps and gowns need to be returned at that time.
How long does the ceremony usually last? About 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Where do we park? Parking is first-come, first-served in the lots surrounding the School of Law. Graduates are encouraged to get to campus early in order to find a parking place.
I will have elderly guests or guests who need assistance. Are any special arrangements made for them? Yes. Please let Hannah Camenzind know prior to commencement if your guests will need special arrangements or assistance. The School of Law provides companion wheelchairs for the event, and student and staff marshals will be on hand to transport guests needing assistance into Carmichael Auditorium.
What happens if it rains? Since the ceremony is held indoors, there are no rain provisions made. The ceremony will be held as planned.
Is there a rehearsal for commencement? No. Since there is no rehearsal, it is imperative you follow all directions given to you by School of Law administration and student marshals. This is especially important during the lineup for processional.
Do students get to keep their cap and gown? No. Caps and gowns are rented, and must be returned at the School of Law after the ceremony.� If you will not be returning to the Rotunda for the reception, please give your regalia to a classmate to return on your behalf. You may keep your tassel as a souvenir.
Will there be a professional photographer? Yes. A representative from Chappell Graduation Photography will take a group photo prior to the ceremony. An individual photograph of each graduate receiving his/her diploma will also be taken during the ceremony.
When should I make hotel/restaurant reservations for my out-of-town guests? As soon as possible. All UNC professional schools and all UNC undergraduates have commencement the weekend of May 12 & 13, as does Duke University and other local colleges and universities. Hotel accommodations fill up fast.