Instructions for the May 2012 Commencement

Saturday, May 12, 2012

10:00 a.m.

3:00 p.m.

James H. Barnhardt
Student Activity Center

University of North Carolina
at Charlotte

MAY CEREMONY

May Commencement is for Spring baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and graduate certificates candidates. Graduates are not required to participate in Commencement. Those who choose to do so are expected to respect the interests of their fellow graduates and their families in a meaningful observance of academic achievement.

TICKETS

Tickets are required for the 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Commencement ceremonies to be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Candidates for graduation will receive an email with ticket information and this website will be updated as soon as information is available.

DIPLOMAS

Diplomas will not be distributed at the Commencement ceremony. They will be mailed to graduates in June 2012 to the diploma address provided on the application for degree. Use 49er Express to change the address to which the diploma should be mailed. Doctoral candidates will receive their hood and diploma during the Commencement Ceremony.

TWO CEREMONIES

10:00 a.m.

College of Education
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Graduate School

(Candidates report to Main Concourse at 9:00 a.m.)

3:00 p.m.

College of Arts and Architecture
Belk College of Business
College of Computing and Informatics
The William States Lee College of Engineering
College of Health and Human Services
The Graduate School

(Candidates report to Main Concourse at 2:00 p.m.)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO

To help ensure that the ceremony is conducted in a dignified manner, family members and others attending are asked to remain in their seats. Aisles must be kept clear, and videography and still photography will not be allowed at the railings or on the arena floor. Only graduates, faculty, authorized staff, and news media will be allowed on the floor before and during the ceremony.

A video will be produced by GradImages, showing segments of the Commencement ceremony and every graduate being congratulated. DVD copies will be available at a cost of $10.00 (plus shipping and handling). Any questions regarding this DVD should be directed to GradImages at 1-800-261-2576.

The company also will produce still photographs of each graduate. Chappell Graduation Images will contact all graduates concerning purchase of the DVD and photographs.

ALUMNI AFFAIRS

As you prepare for graduation, don't forget to update your contact information with the Alumni Association. As an alumnus of UNC Charlotte, you are eligible for the many benefits offered through the Alumni Association. To learn more or to update your contact information, please visit http://alumni.uncc.edu or call (704) 687-7799.

ACCESSIBLE SEATING & PARKING INFORMATION

PARKING OPTIONS AND TRAFFIC

Parking will be provided on the UNC Charlotte campus for everyone attending the Commencement ceremonies. Officers will assist in directing guests to designated parking areas. Families are encouraged to car pool as we are expecting a capacity crowd.

DROP OFF AREA :  There will be a drop-off area in front of the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center building. Once on campus, follow the signs and tell traffic personnel that you wish to use the drop-off area. There will be aides at the drop-off area that will be able to assist individuals with limited mobility. Wheelchair assistance will also be available. 

DISABILITY VALET: There will be a Disability Valet service for individuals with mobility concerns and for those unable to use the Drop Off area. Once on campus, follow the Disability Valet signs and park in the East Deck. A wheelchair accessible tram will transport individuals with mobility concerns from the East Deck to the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center. The tram pick up location will be the bus stop at the front of the East Deck. After commencement is over, the tram will then return individuals back to the East Deck. The tram pick up location for returning to the East Deck is the North East corner of the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Seating on the tram is limited so those with disabilities will take priority.

MEETING FAMILY MEMBERS OR GUESTS

If you plan to meet family members or guests before the Commencement ceremony, choose a place other than the main concourse near the food court. This is the line-up area that is reserved for students participating in graduation. Parents or guests are not permitted in this area.

COMMENCEMENT SEATING 

Accessible Seating is available on the entrance level for attendees who use wheelchairs or who are unable to climb stairs, plus one accompanying guest. Seating is limited so early arrival is strongly recommended (at least 1 hour prior).

An ASL interpreter will be present and seating will be available for those who use American Sign Language. FM systems will also be available. Please visit a commencement representative upon arrival for more information.

Seating for individuals with low vision is also available .                                                                                                 

Please contact the Office of Disability Services if you have any additional questions regarding accessibility: 704-687-4355.

LINE ORDER FOR PROCESSION

Graduating students should come in through the main concourse entrance. Staff members will assist you to your place in the procession line up. Graduating students form four lines by department and are led into Halton Arena by the Commencement marshals.

Arrange for a meeting place after the ceremony. Remember, you may not know where your guests are seated or where they parked, so designate a place to meet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Detailed information about Commencement is available online at http://graduation.uncc.edu.