Information for Graduating Students

Congratulations on reaching this pivotal moment in your academic journey! As you prepare for North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) 144th 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 144th Commencement Exercises will be held in McDougald-McLendon Arena on Friday, December 13, 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.

• Order your graduation cap, gown, and accessories through Herff Jones (collegegrad.herffjones.com).
• The deadline to order is November 14
• Pay your $55 graduation fee. The payment deadline is December 6
  • Make your payment through myEOL
  • View the payment instructions for payment options
• Make sure to clear up your student account balance by December 6
  • 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 necessary payments through myEOL. View the payment instructions for payment options
• Complete the mandatory student loan exit counseling by December 6
• If you had 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 had a Perkins Loans, please contact [email protected] for instructions on how to complete this requirement.
• Acknowledge acceptance of the mandatory NCCU Commencement Decorum Video by December 6
  • As a requirement for participation in the Commencement Ceremony, you will need to acknowledge acceptance of the Commencement Decorum. Click on the following link and follow the instructions provided
• Complete the mandatory Graduating Senior survey by December 6 (undergraduate students only)
  • 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) by November 15
    • Service-learning hours due by December 6
  • Review this requirement
  • Login to Get Connected to check your hours online
  • Find community engagement opportunities on Get Connected 
  • 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].

December 12 Graduation Practice at McDougald-McLendon Arena

• Both undergraduate and graduate/professional/doctoral students will have their graduation practice on December 12 at 6 p.m. in the McDougald-McLendon Arena.

• Graduate, professional, and doctoral students, please remember to bring your regalia.

Fall 2024 Honor Cord Delivery and Pick-up Schedule for Graduating Students 

Note: Students must provide ID to pick up their honor cords.

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities 

• Office of the Dean 
• Room 115, Farrison-Newton Communications Building 
• December 12, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 pm. 

College of Health and Sciences 

• Office of the Dean 
• Room 1207, Mary Townes Science Complex 
• December 12, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

School of Business 

• Office of the Dean 
• Ms. Chandra Tedder 
• Room 364, New School of Business Building 
• December 12, 2024, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

School of Education 

• H. M. Michaux, Jr. School of Education Building 
• Thursday, December 12, 2024 

Department of Counseling and Higher Education 

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Please see Ms. Juls Joyner. 

Department of Curriculum and Instruction 

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Please see Dr. Maureen Short (Room 2130). 

School of Law 

• Fish Bowl Area, NCCU School of Law 
• Thursday, December 12, 2024, 4 to 6 p.m.

School of Library and Information Sciences 

• Room 313, James E. Shepard Memorial Library
• December 11 and 12, 2024, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Permit to March, Guest Ticket Pick-up

Follow the instructions in the document below to download your permit to march and commencement tickets. The link will go live on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 8 a.m. Be sure to complete this step.

Steps to Printing Permit to March

New Alumni Pinning

• Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 7 p.m., School of Education Auditorium

The Chancellor’s Reception for Graduating Students and Their Families

• Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., NCCU Student Center

The Division of Institutional Advancement invites all graduating seniors to join the Senior Class Challenge, supporting the I Heart My 1910 Student Scholarship. This scholarship, funded by student donations, helps an NCCU student each semester.

The Senior Class Challenge is a chance for the Class of 2024 to showcase Eagle Pride and leave a lasting legacy. By donating $19.10 or more, graduating seniors can directly support the I Heart My 1910 Student Scholarship Fund.

As a thank you, donors will receive an NCCU philanthropy cord to wear at commencement, symbolizing their commitment to supporting their alma mater. Philanthropy cords can be picked up Dec. 10–12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the William Jones Building in Shepard Circle near the Shepard Statue in room 39. Join the challenge and make an impact today!

Visit I Heart My 1910 Student Scholarship Fund to make your gift today.

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.

If you and/or your guest(s) would like to request accommodations for various accessibility needs for the Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremonies, please complete the Fall 2024 Commencement Accommodation Registration Form. (Note: The deadline to complete this form has passed.)

Please note that floor seating arrangements are limited and individuals who are receiving accommodations may be placed at a virtual viewing site. Should you have any additional questions or concerns regarding accommodations, please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) by phone at 919-530-6325 or by email at [email protected].

Photo Specialties will be on campus November 13 and 14 to take graduation portraits in the North Carolina Central University's Student Center, Room 2127. Appointments are between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please use the sign-up link below if you want to schedule an appointment for your graduation portrait sitting.

Note: This is not mandatory.

Book Your Portrait Appointment