Commencement Arrival Details
Arrival & What to Expect
Allow plenty of time to park and get situated
- Commencement is held inside the Bojangles Coliseum, which is located at 2700 East Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28205.
- Park for free at the coliseum.
- Review the venue bag policy and other venue information.
Entrance for Graduating Students
- Follow signs to enter on the RIGHT-SIDE of the coliseum (near the bridge)
- Pass through the SECURITY CHECK
- Pick up your NAME CARD at the welcome table
- FOLLOW SIGNS to line up with classmates in your college/program (it’s listed on your name card)
- There is NO ALPHABETICAL LINEUP, so you can assemble with your friends and sit together
- Use a BATHROOM now if needed (you cannot use one during the ceremony)
- Listen to the USHERS who will guide you from there
Entrance for Families & Guests
- Use the MAIN ENTRANCE located under the dome
- Pass through the SECURITY CHECK
- BATHROOMS & CONCESSIONS are available on the concourse, AFTER the security check – NONE are available in the lobby
- SIT ANYWHERE – seats are not assigned
Note: Graduating students who are visibly intoxicated, disruptive, or otherwise behaving without respect for others may be asked to leave the commencement ceremony at the university’s discretion. Let’s celebrate the Wildcat Way!
Everyone in attendance is asked to remain for the ENTIRE DURATION of the ceremony
- Refer to the Commencement Program for the order of exercises.
When it’s time, ushers will guide graduating students ROW-BY-ROW to the commencement stage
- PAY ATTENTION to those in front of you, keep the line moving, and use caution (steps are steep).
- At stage-bottom, you will RECEIVE YOUR DIPLOMA COVER.
- At stage-top, HAND YOUR NAME CARD to the announcer who will use it to read your name out loud to the arena.
- WALK to center stage, SHAKE HANDS with university leadership, and EXIT the stage to return to your seat.
The ceremony ends AFTER:
- All names have been announced
- A brief celebration video plays
- The platform party leaves the stage
Ushers will guide graduating students ROW-BY-ROW off the commencement floor
- Pick a place and make a plan to meet your family and friends following the ceremony.