Arrival and Assembly at Carter-Finley Stadium

When to Arrive

The University Commencement ceremony processional begins promptly at 9 a.m. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree candidates should begin arriving by 8 a.m. Candidates for Doctoral degrees (including Doctor of Veterinary Medicine candidates in the Spring) should arrive no later than 8:15 a.m.

Where to Assemble

There is no parking charge at Carter-Finley Stadium for University Commencement. There may be heavy traffic flow in and out of the stadium due to the ceremony, and travel should be planned accordingly.

Please view spring parking information for maps and guidance on where to park at Carter-Finley Stadium.

All students and guests are subject to search upon entering the stadium.

Bachelor’s Degree Candidates

Bachelor’s degree candidates should assemble in the Murphy Center Lot on the southeast side of the stadium. Bachelor’s candidates do not assemble alphabetically or by department.

Master’s Degree Candidates

Master’s degree candidates should assemble in the Murphy Center Lot on the southeast side of the stadium. Master’s candidates do not assemble alphabetically or by department.

Doctoral Degree Candidate

Doctoral candidates should enter the stadium by descending the access ramp on the northwest side of the stadium and assemble in the loading area. Signs will designate where doctoral candidates are to assemble. Candidates must report on time in order to assemble alphabetically.

Commencement Exercise

Processional

The processional begins promptly at 9 a.m. Commencement marshals will lead candidates to the field.

Recessional

At the conclusion of the ceremony, there will be a recessional led at the direction of marshals and event staff. Please follow their directions for a smooth and safe exit from the field.

Regalia, Caps, and Tassels

For information on how and when to purchase your commencement regalia, see the Academic Regalia page.

Bachelor’s candidates will enter with the tassel draped over the right side of the mortarboard (cap), and will ‘turn’ it at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Master’s and Doctoral candidates will enter with the tassel draped over the left side of the mortarboard, and will not turn them during the ceremony.

Graduate Regalia Instructions

The NC State Graduate School provides video instructions on how to properly wear graduate student regalia, as well as tips on how to keep it wrinkle free.

Spring Ceremony Reminders