145th Commencement Exercises

145th Commencement Exercises

North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) 145th Commencement Exercises will be held in the McDougald-McLendon Arena.

All ceremonies will be streamed on  NCCU's YouTube Channel and the university’s website. 

Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. Baccalaureate (the College of Health and Sciences and the School of Education)

Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. (Graduate and Professional)

Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2 p.m. Baccalaureate (the College of Arts, Sciences and Humanities and the School of Business)


Congratulations on your candidacy for graduation! Please check out the graduation checklist and FAQs to help you prepare for a memorable event.

FAQs

All attendees of the 143rd Commencement Exercises must adhere to the Department of Athletics’ clear bag policy. All permissible bags will be checked upon entry into the arena. All bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and less than 12" x 12"x 6" — exceptions will be made for medical and baby needs. Small wristlets/clutches (less than 4.5" x 6.5" x 1") with or without a strap are permitted.

Important Notices for Graduates

145th Commencement Exercises: Highlights

Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

The Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies for baccalaureate, graduate, and professional students will take place at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Friday, May 9, 2025, and Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Ceremony Schedule

Friday, May 9, 2025

2 p.m. – Baccalaureate Ceremony

  • Colleges: the College of Health and Sciences and the School of Education
  • Student Arrival: Graduating students are required to arrive by 12 p.m. for the processional line-up in the arena.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

9 a.m. – Graduate and Professional Ceremony

  • Student Arrival: Graduating students are required to arrive by 7 a.m. for the processional line-up in the arena.

2 p.m. – Baccalaureate Ceremony

  • Colleges: the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Business
  • Student Arrival: Graduating students are required to arrive by 12 p.m. for the processional line-up in the arena.

Graduates are expected to arrive on time and adhere to all commencement protocols.

Simulcast Viewing Sites for the Ceremonies: 

  • NCCU Student Center (500 Nelson St.)
  • Nursing Building Auditorium (1402 S. Alston Ave.) 
  • Miller-Morgan Health Sciences Building Auditorium (530 Nelson St.)
  • H.M. Michaux Jr. School of Education Building Auditorium (700 Cecil St.)
  • Albert L. Turner Law Building, Room 100 (640 Nelson St.)

News and Updates

Chancellor Karen G. Dixon cordially invites you to attend: 
Chancellor's Reception for Graduating Students and Their Families 

May 8, 2025, 12–3 p.m. 
NCCU Student Center 


Spring Commencement Parking

Parking Map 


Commencement ADA Seating Registration Form

If you or your guest(s) need ADA seating for the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies, please complete the Spring 2025 Commencement ADA Seating Registration Form by April 25, 2025.

Access the Form

Guests requiring wheelchair or mobility-accessible seating will be placed on the bottom floor behind the graduate seating area. If ADA seating reaches capacity, guests with accommodations may be relocated to a virtual viewing area.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at 919-530-6325 or [email protected].


Senior Class Challenge: I Heart My 1910 Student Scholarship Challenge

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.  All graduating students, please give now via the scholarship donation page.