Information for Graduating Students (Spring 2024)

Congratulations on reaching this pivotal moment in your academic journey! As you prepare for North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) 143rd Commencement Exercises, let us be your guide to an unforgettable celebration that reflects the milestone you’ve achieved. Our one-stop hub is filled with essential information and important deadlines that require your careful attention. Whether you need instructions for ordering your regalia or the official dates for picking up your honor cords, this page is designed to make your graduation experience seamless. 

The 143rd Commencement Exercises will be held in McDougald-McLendon Arena on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 9 a.m. (graduate and professional) and 2 p.m. (baccalaureate). Both ceremonies will be streamed on NCCU’s YouTube channel and the university’s website.

• The Graduation One-Stop-Clearance check will be held on March 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the second floor of the New Student Center. Refreshments will be served.
• Order your graduation cap, gown, and accessories through Herff Jones.
  • collegegrad.herffjones.com.
  • The deadline to order is April 12, 2024.
• Pay your $55 graduation fee. The payment deadline is April 29.
  • Make your payment through myEOL. Click on payment instructions for payment options.
• Make sure to clear up your student account balance by April 29.
  • Check your account balance periodically on myEOL.
  • Contact the Student Accounting Office at 919-530-5071 or [email protected] if you have any questions about your account.
  • Make the necessary payments through myEOL. Click on payment instructions for payment options.
• Complete the mandatory student loan exit counseling by April 19.
  • If you have Stafford Loans or Plus Loans, complete the mandatory student loan exit counseling online only at https://studentaid.gov/. If you have questions or need assistance, please email [email protected].
  • If you have Perkins Loans, instructions on how to complete this requirement will be sent to your NCCU email.
• Acknowledge acceptance of the mandatory NCCU Commencement Decorum Video by April 29.
  • As a requirement for participation in the Commencement Ceremony, you will need to acknowledge acceptance of the Commencement Decorum. Click and follow the instructions provided.
• Complete the mandatory Graduating Senior survey by April 29 (undergraduate students only).
  • The survey login and password will be sent to your NCCU email.
  • For assistance or questions about the survey, contact the Office of Research, Evaluation and Planning at [email protected].
• Complete the Community Engagement Academic Graduation Requirement (undergraduate students only).
  • Deadlines:
    • Direct service and external community partner hours (volunteering) must be completed by April 15.
    • Service-learning hours are due by May 1.
  • Review the Community Engagement Academic Graduation Requirement Regulation.
  • Log in to Get Connected to check your hours online.
  • Find community engagement opportunities on Get Connected.
  • Check in every Tuesday at 10:40 break for a Community Engagement Info Session.
  • For questions or assistance, contact the Office of Community Engagement and Service at [email protected] for the fastest response.

If you are no longer eligible to graduate this semester, please send an email notification immediately to [email protected].

• For graduate and professional students: May 2 at 6 p.m. in the McDougald-McLendon Arena. All graduate and professional graduating students, please bring your regalia with you for this practice.
• For undergraduate students: May 3 at 11 a.m. in the McDougald-McLendon Arena.

• Thursday, May 2, 2024, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Upper-level Student Center
• Thursday, May 2, 2024, 6 p.m., Graduate/Professional/Doctoral Rehearsal, McDougald-McClendon Arena
• Friday, May 3, 2024, 8 a.m., Undergraduate Rehearsal, upper-level McDougald-McClendon Arena
• Friday, May 3, 2024, 12–4 p.m., Upper-level Student Center
• Saturday, May 4, 2024, Set up in lower level of Arena for those who have not picked up their permit-to-march, guest tickets, and honor cords.

Senior Class of 2024 Day Party

• Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m.
• The Living Room | 1007 W. Main St., Durham, NC

The Chancellor’s Reception for Graduating Students and Their Families

• Friday, May 3, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• NCCU Student Center Senior Class Picture
• Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 1 p.m. O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium

New Alumni Pinning

• Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3 p.m.
• NCCU Student Center Event Hall

Legacy Student Stole Sign-up: Deadline April 15, 2024

Are there generations of Eagles in your family tree? If so, congratulations on making the Nest a family tradition. The Alumni Relations Office hosts special events and opportunities for our Legacy families throughout the year. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with second-, third-, and fourth-generation Eagles.

At North Carolina Central University, we understand the importance of a seamless experience, especially on such a momentous day. With our comprehensive parking directions, detailed maps, and helpful tips, navigating to the ceremony venue will be a breeze.

Learn More

See Map

Celebrate our Eagles in style! Graduates, and parents of the Class of 2024, create your own custom NCCU Commencement 2024 frames. Show your pride and spread the word!

Congratulations, Class of 2024! | #NCCU24 #EaglePride

Get Social Media Frames

Please check out our FAQs to help you prepare for a memorable event.

Effective immediately, ADA seating requests for the lower floor of the McDougald-McLendon Arena are no longer available due to limited seating arrangements. However, virtual viewing sites will be provided for your convenience. Additionally, both ceremonies will be streamed live on NCCU's YouTube channel and the university's website for broader accessibility.

We are excited to announce that senior portraits for the graduating class of 2024 will be held on April 8 and 9, 2024. The sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be located in the Student Center at 500 Nelson St., specifically in rooms 2127 and 2128.

We encourage you to schedule an appointment in advance to ensure you secure your preferred time slot. Book an appointment now.

Capture this significant milestone in your academic journey and create lasting memories. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please join us for the School of Business reception immediately following the Spring '24 commencement ceremony. The reception will take place in the newly inaugurated School of Business building lobby at 829 E. Lawson St. We can't wait to celebrate this momentous occasion with you!

If you missed receiving your graduation gift during rehearsal, you can pick it up from the Graduate Student Association at the School of Graduate Studies office 123 in the Taylor Education Building. Please remember that these gifts are reserved for graduate and professional students only.