1. What does the graduate fee cover? If graduates decide to not participate in commencement, can they receive a refund?
The graduation fee includes, but is not limited to, the administrative costs associated with the review and academic clearance of each student; honor cords; and items for diploma production, including the honor sticker, printing of diploma (and associated printing supplies), mailing and diploma cover.
The fee is non-refundable.
2. Where can graduates purchase their cap and gown?
Graduates may purchase their cap and gown from the University Bookstore here: https://www.bkstr.com/northcarolinacentralstore/shop/graduation.
3. Are graduates allowed to invite guests to commencement?
Unfortunately, no guests will be able to attend the ceremonies.
To maintain a safe and healthy environment and ensure adherence to local, state and CDC COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing in a venue with limited capacity, North Carolina Central University’s 137th Commencement exercises on May 7 and 8 will be limited to graduates, university officials, platform participants and individuals working during the Commencement exercises. The university gathered feedback from students and will focus the ceremonies on the importance of celebrating our graduates’ achievements and accomplishments.
4. Will the commencement ceremonies be recorded and/or streamed live?
Both ceremonies on May 7 and May 8 will stream live on the university’s website and YouTube channel, which will provide an opportunity for graduates’ families and friends to watch, experience and celebrate the Commencement festivities.
5. Will graduates be allowed to walk across the stage to receive their degrees?
Yes, graduates will be allowed to walk across the stage in a socially distanced manner to receive their degrees.
6. Why are no guests allowed?
Please see the correspondence titled 137th Commencement Exercises from the Commencement Committee that was sent on April 20, 2021.
7. Are graduates required to participate in the in-person commencement ceremonies?
No. Attendance at the in-person commencement ceremony is not required.
An email was sent to all spring 2021 and fall and spring 2020 graduates by the Office of Registrar to confirm attendance by March 31, 2021.
North Carolina Central University looks forward to celebrating all spring 2021 and fall and spring 2020 graduates regardless of their virtual or in-person participation!
8. What is the deadline for graduates to confirm participation in the in-person Commencement ceremonies on May 7 and May 8?
The deadline to confirm participation was March 31, 2021.
9. Can graduates who are not participating in the in-person commencement ceremonies still sign up for cap and gown portraits?
Yes, cap and gown portraits are available to all spring 2021 and fall and spring 2020 graduates regardless of participation in the in-person commencement ceremonies on May 7 and May 8.
Please visit https://nccu2021.youcanbook.me/ to schedule a portrait appointment.
10. What time do graduates need to arrive to the commencement ceremony?
Graduates should arrive no later than 6:30 a.m. on the day of their respective ceremony.
11. In the event of inclement weather, will the ceremony be relocated to an inside venue or canceled?
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be presented in an abbreviated virtual format, where Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye will confer degrees to graduates.
12. Why is the law school not permitted to have its own graduation as in past years?
This year, the university is hosting one ceremony for all graduate and professional students on Friday, May 7, 2021, at 8 a.m., where Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye will confer degrees to all graduate and professional students. The university is limiting gatherings due to COVID-19.
13. When will graduates receive their degrees?
The Office of the Registrar will mail degrees to graduates approximately three-to-four weeks after the Commencement ceremonies. Degrees are sent by regular mail.
14. When can graduates request an official transcript?
Degrees will be posted on transcripts approximately two weeks after graduation. Please allow at least two weeks after graduation before placing an order for an official degree-dated transcript. Official transcripts are $10 each and can be ordered by fax, by mail or in person.
Transcripts can be ordered online at https://www.credentials-inc.com/tplus/?ALUMTRO002950 for $12.90 each. For specific instructions, please review our page on ordering a transcript.
15. I am a re-admit student. I had loans years ago when I attended NCCU. I didn't get loans this time around. Do I still need to complete the exit counseling for loans?
Yes, student loan exit counseling must be completed.
If one has Stafford Loans or Plus Loans, complete the mandatory student loan exit counseling online only at https://studentaid.gov/. Please email Allicia Golden, default manager in the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, at [email protected] if you have questions or need assistance.
If one has Perkins Loans, please contact Joyce Gillespie, accounting technician for Perkins Loans, at [email protected] for instructions on how to complete this requirement.
16. How many service-learning hours do distance learning students need?
For information regarding service-learning hours, please contact the Office of Community Engagement and Service at 919-530-6143 or [email protected].
17. If graduating students are currently completing an internship that is not in connection with a practicum, can the internship be used for service-learning hours?
For information regarding service-learning hours, please contact the Office of Community Engagement and Service at 919-530-6143 or [email protected].
18. Who should complete the senior survey — undergraduates and/or graduates?
The senior survey is for undergraduate students. There is a separate exit survey for graduate and professional students. The Office of Research, Evaluation and Planning will send the survey login and password to the NCCU email addresses of all graduating students.
The deadline to complete the survey is May 3. For more information or survey assistance, please contact Jianping Yu at [email protected].
19. Where should graduates submit the signed decorum agreement?
Graduates may email the signed agreement form to [email protected].