Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between graduation and commencement?

Graduation refers to the completion of all degree requirements. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates graduation.

• What is the difference between the university and departmental ceremonies?

The University Commencement ceremony is the official Commencement ceremony that recognizes the entire graduating class across all disciplines and degree levels. The various colleges and departments host additional ceremonies to honor their respective graduates. Neither are mandatory to attend.

• When is the University Commencement Ceremony?

The University Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Carter-Finley Stadium.

• Where is Carter-Finley Stadium?

Carter-Finley Stadium is located at 4600 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

• Do I have to register or RSVP for the University Commencement Ceremony?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Is the University Commencement Ceremony ticketed, or is there a limit to number of guests per graduate?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Who walks across the stage at Commencement?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• What time should guests arrive?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• How will students be seated?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• How long should the ceremony last?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Will there be a recessional?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Will the ceremony be live-streamed? Will it be recorded?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Is there a rehearsal for Commencement

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• What if there is bad weather?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Where can I park for Commencement?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• What am I allowed to bring into Carter-Finley Stadium? What Items are prohibited?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• What health or safety guidelines will be in place?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Is there a summer commencement ceremony?

No, there is not a Summer Commencement ceremony.

• I’m graduating in the summer. Will I be able to attend the Spring or Fall commencement ceremony?

Summer graduates are invited to Fall commencement and are not eligible to attend the Spring ceremony.

• I’m graduating in the summer. Will my name be printed in the program?

Summer graduates are included in the Fall Commencement program. The ceremony program will be published online the day of the event. If you have questions about Fall Commencement, you may contact the Commencement email address linked here.

• Where do graduates assemble?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Where do faculty members assemble?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Where do guests and visitors enter?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• What resources or services will be available for deaf or hard-of-hearing attendees?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Where is there accessible seating for graduates?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Where is there accessible seating for guests?

Information forthcoming for the Spring 2025 term!

• Are graduates expected to wear regalia to the ceremony?

Yes, graduates are expected to wear academic regalia to the Commencement ceremony.

• How can I buy cords or stoles for Commencement?

Stoles (or sashes) designating students graduating with honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude) are currently available for purchase from Wolfpack Outfitters. Other stoles or cords for student groups or other student recognitions (such as student-athletes, honor societies, fraternities/sororities, senior gift donor, etc.) are provided/sold directly by the appropriate department, organization, or student group.

• I’m not sure what my GPA will be when I graduate, so which honors stole should I purchase?

Academic honors are designated at Commencement based on the GPA that you enter into your final term with, as final grades are not calculated until after Commencement. If your GPA is a 3.48 when entering your final term, you will be recognized as graduating Cum Laude until final grades are calculated.

• What side of the mortarboard (cap) does my tassel go on?

Bachelor’s degree candidates drape the tassel on the right side of the cap, and will ‘turn’ it at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Professional, Master’s, and Doctoral degree candidates drape the tassel on the left side of the cap.

• What is the Grad Fair?

Grad Fair is an event hosted by the NC State Stores each semester prior to Commencement. Grad Fair is an opportunity to purchase or pick up all of your graduation and commencement needs at one time, in one convenient location.

• When and where will college and department ceremonies be held?

See the schedule of College and Department Ceremonies. Schedule information is subject to change and you should contact the appropriate department for the latest information.

• Where can I receive a program?

All attendees will receive an abridged ceremony program upon entry. A digital program that includes full ceremony details – as well as graduate names and honors – will be available online.

• Will there be a way for me to pick up an abridged program if I can’t attend the Commencement ceremony?

Yes, if you were not able to receive an abridged program at Commencement, you can contact or visit the Student Services Center to pick one up beginning on the first business day after the ceremony.

• How will my name appear in the digital program?

Graduates now have the option to enter a “Diploma Name” in MyPack Portal to be printed on their official diploma as well as in the digital program and other University Commencement materials. Without a change request, graduate legal names will be used in the digital program and printed on their diploma. More information on personal information for graduation purposes is available on the Student Services Center website.

• Can I change how my name appears in the digital program?

If a student’s legal name appears incorrect in the system, they may submit a Name Change Request Form to the Student Services Center. Otherwise, a student can change their “Diploma Name” in MyPack Portal. All requests for name changes must be received no later than the deadline to update Privacy Settings.

• Will my honors be designated in the digital program?

Bachelor’s degree candidates’ honors status appears in the official Commencement program based on how they enter their final semester, as final grades are not calculated until after the Commencement ceremony. For example, a student who entered their final term with a 3.70 GPA will receive the Magna Cum Laude designation next to their name in the program.

• I am graduating with multiple degrees. Will my name be listed for each of my degrees?

Yes, as long as you have submitted an application to graduate for both degrees.

• I have multiple majors but I am only graduating with one degree this semester. Will my name still appear in the program?

Yes, as long as you have submitted an application to graduate for that degree.

• I don’t want my name included in the program or official graduation publications. What do I need to do?

If you are graduating but would prefer not to have your name listed in the official Commencement program and other official publications, you have the right to restrict your personal information from being displayed. This can be done in MyPack Portal, and MUST be done by the deadline. For more information on how to update your Privacy Restrictions in MyPack, along with the deadlines for updating your Privacy Restrictions for graduation purposes, visit the Student Services Center website.

• When will I receive my diploma?

All graduates will receive their diploma after final graduation clearance has taken place. See the Student Services Center website for details.

• Where can I find a list of graduates?

A list of graduates will be available on the Student Services Center website after each term; this list only includes students whose privacy settings do not restrict their information from being publicly displayed.