Arrival and Assembly

Arrival and Assembly at Carter-Finley Stadium

When to Arrive

The 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

All degree candidates must gather on the south side of the stadium (closest to the Wendell H. Murphy Football Center).

For the easiest access to the graduate assembly area, parking is available on the east side of the stadium through Gate B off of Trinity Rd. There is no charge for parking at Carter-Finley Stadium for commencement. Be advised that there may be a heavy flow of traffic into and out of Carter-Finley on commencement day, and you and your guests should plan accordingly.

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

Bachelor’s Degree Candidates

Assemble on the south side behind the Wendell H. Murphy Football Center. Bachelor’s candidates do not assemble alphabetically or by department.

Master’s Degree Candidates

Assemble on the south side behind the Wendell H. Murphy Football Center. Master’s candidates do not assemble alphabetically or by department.

Doctoral Degree Candidate

Doctoral candidates should enter through Gate 6 and check-in at the Wendell H. Murphy Football Center. 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 he ceremony, there will be a recessional for the Platform Party, faculty, and doctoral candidates only. Bachelor’s and master’s candidates will exit up the stairs with their guests.

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

• The Spring University Commencement Ceremony will be held in Carter-Finley Stadium at 9 a.m. and should end no later than 11:30 a.m.
• The possession of or use of alcoholic beverages in the stadium is prohibited.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the stadium.