Charlotte Commencement

Graduates are not seated alphabetically; they are seated by college. Once seated, you and your guests may communicate via text message to determine your locations. Please do this once you are seated and not during the ceremony.

All graduates, guests and attendees are expected to remain for the entire duration of the ceremony. 

Leaving early demonstrates extreme disrespect. End times are approximate; allow additional time for reservations and other plans.

The university makes every attempt to plan and conduct a meaningful dignified ceremony. The significance of this day, the recognition of your academic achievements, should be observed with respect. Disorderly conduct, rowdiness or the presence of alcohol or drugs will be grounds for immediate ejection, and may result in your diploma being retained by the university.

Name cards will be used to announce your name when you cross the commencement stage. Name cards are distributed when you check in for the ceremony on May 1. If necessary, to make sure your name is pronounced correctly, write clearly and directly on your card the best way to pronounce your name.

Your name will match what's listed on your Graduation Application, which you can view in jwuLink. If you prefer to use a different first name (other than your legal name) on your name card and/or in the commencement program, please submit the Graduation Name in Use form by April 4, 2025.

Prior to commencement, we ask that you let us know your intentions on participating in commencement for planning purposes. Whether or not you plan on attending commencement, we ask that you fill out the CPS Commencement Registration form. The registration form takes less than five minutes to complete and will be made available in this space and on the in early January. An email will be sent out once the form is available, so please fill it out as soon as possible once you are notified.

It is helpful to know if you are not attending; however, notice is not required if you are not attending. When the CPS Commencement Registration form is available, please be sure to complete it and list that you will not be attending.

Your name will be printed in the program regardless of attendance, but it will not be announced since you will not be in attendance to cross the stage.

To submit your graduation application, visit the Graduation page in jwuLink and follow the instructions. The graduation application will allow you to specify and confirm your name and mailing address for your diploma, as well as your planned graduation date.

If this is your last semester at JWU and you have student loans, this is a requirement.

Each degree has its own separate graduation date. You have the option to attend commencement this year for your associate degree or you can wait to attend commencement in the year when you finish your bachelor’s degree. Or, you can attend both commencements. It’s your choice; your name will be printed in the program regardless of attendance at commencement.

You can place your order online on the Herff Jones reservation website. Please check back on this page for the link to the website. Herff Jones will ship your order to the address you prefer. The deadline to order online is March 3, 2025.

• 2025 associate degree regalia (cap, gown, tassel) - $43
• 2025 bachelor's degree regalia (cap, gown, tassel and hood) - $75

Wear professional attire with comfortable dress shoes. Stiletto heels may not be the best choice as you will be going up and down stairs in the building as well as on and off stage. Place tassels on the front, right side of your cap.

Graduates receive a diploma cover only at commencement. Diplomas are printed and mailed after the degree verification process is complete, which ends approximately 6-8 business weeks after the end of each semester. Please contact Student Academic Services with any questions.

Name cards will be used to announce your name when you cross the commencement stage. If necessary, to make sure your name is pronounced correctly, write clearly and directly on your card the best way to pronounce your name. Name cards are distributed when you check in for the ceremony on May 1.

Your name will match what's listed on your Graduation Application, which you can view in jwuLink. If you prefer to use a different first name (other than your legal name) on your name card and/or in the commencement program, please submit the Graduation Name in Use form by April 5, 2025. If the submission deadline is missed, your name card can be adjusted the day of commencement by crossing out your first name and writing in your preferred name.

The ceremony will be live streamed. Please check back in mid-April and continue to watch your JWU email for livestream link information.

Parking will be free for students and families in the main parking lot for Bojangles Coliseum.

Yes, ADA seating is available at several locations throughout the Coliseum on a first come, first served basis. Seating in these areas is limited to the wheelchair user and one guest. Other members of the party are required to locate seating elsewhere in the venue. Please visit the Bojangles Coliseum website for further details.

It is recommended that if a member of your party requires ambulatory assistance, you should provide your own wheelchair.

Any student or guest needing reasonable accommodations due to a disability to attend this commencement ceremony are encouraged to contact the Charlotte Graduation Chairperson at [email protected] no later than April 12, 2025. The venue is generally ADA compliant, offering accessible seating for audience members and ramp access to the stage for students. American Sign Language interpreters will be onsite for the ceremony. Please reach out should you have any questions or concerns.