When does the Charlotte Campus commencement take place?
Saturday, May 18, 2013, at the Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E Trade Street,
Charlotte, NC. The ceremony begins at 10am. Graduates must arrive at 8:45 am for
line up. The arena main doors open at 9am.
What are the criteria for having my name included in the 2013
commencement program? For participation in the May 2013 commencement
ceremony and inclusion in the commencement program, degree seeking students must
fall into one of the following categories:
- Awarded degree in the fall 2012 or winter 2012-2013 terms.
- Enrolled in the spring term and have an expected graduation date of spring
2013, summer 2013 or fall 2013.
What time do the doors open at the Time Warner Cable Arena?
The main entrance opens at 9am for families and guest. Students enter
through the loading dock off Brevard Street.
Are tickets needed to attend commencement? No. Students may
invite as many friends and family members as they wish.
What about commencement invitations? Personalized
commencement announcements may be ordered from the university bookstore, but
should be ordered in advance to ensure timely receipt. You may contact the
bookstore at 908-598-1250.
How long does the commencement ceremony usually last? The
ceremony will last approximately two to two and one half hours. If you are
making luncheon reservations, please allow some extra time to be on the safe
side.
Is there a way to know where I will be sitting? There is no
assigned seating. Students march in with others by major and sit with their
friends.
Do the students sit in alphabetical order? No. Students are
given an index card with their name printed on it when they arrive. This is
handed to the person on stage announcing the graduates.
What is a Student Loan Exit Counseling Session? What does
completing the information have to do with picking up my cap and gown? Students
with student loans are required to complete an exit counseling session with SAFS
prior to leaving school. After completing the session, students can pick up
their cap and gown order form. If the student does not conduct this session,
he/she will not receive a cap and gown. Those students who are on co-op will
receive their student loan exit counseling paperwork, along with the cap and
gown form in the mail.
Note: All students — whether they have loans or not — must stop by their
campus SAFS office to complete the necessary paperwork.
Will the commencement ceremony be videotaped? Yes.
Graduation Nation will videotape the ceremony and information pertaining to
ordering a DVD can be found at www.graduationnation.com.
Are photos taken of students receiving their diplomas? Yes.
Graduation Images will be taking photos of each student and will contact the
student directly with the opportunity to purchase photos. Students are under no
obligation to buy the photos. For more information about photos, go to
www.gradimages.com.
Do students receive their diplomas at commencement? No.
Graduates and expected graduates receive a diploma cover containing a letter
from the president of the Charlotte Campus. Upon degree completion, official
diplomas are mailed to the address specified on the student's graduation
application (submitted applications are viewable in jwuLink, which also serves
to ensure the student's name is spelled correctly.
Is parking available for commencement ceremonies? There are
ample private parking facilities in close proximity to the Time Warner Cable
Arena. Rates will vary.
Is there a special section for wheelchairs at the ceremony?
Yes. Time Warner Cable Arena has several sections of wheelchair-accessible
spaces available on the concourse level.
Does Time Warner Cable Arena provide wheelchairs? No. If a
member of your party requires ambulatory assistance you must provide your own
wheelchair.
We need your support in making this day even more memorable. The
university realizes the significance of this day, and wants to ensure that all
students' academic achievements are recognized with respect. To achieve this,
students are notified that disorderly conduct, rowdiness, or the presence of
alcohol or drugs will be grounds for immediate ejection, and may result in their
diploma being retained by the university.
If you have any further questions, call 980-598-1020.