Graduation FAQs
Preparing for Graduation
What do I need to do to prepare for graduation?
- Jenkins MBA graduating students should go to the Jenkins MBA Student Hub (a Moodle project site in Wolfware). Detailed information and a printable Graduation Checklist are there, along with all of the event and other information you need. The Jenkins MBA team will also send email and texts to graduating students. Therefore, students should continue to check their NCSU email regularly to make sure they receive this important information.
- Jenkins MAC, GLM and Economics graduating students: This Google doc gives detailed information and a Graduation Checklist, along with all of the event and other information you need. Your program leads will also be sending emails so students should continue to check their NC State email addresses regularly to make sure they receive important information regarding commencement.
How can I order graduation ceremony invitations?
Graduation Announcements may be ordered at any time online at the NC State Bookstores website. Samples are also on display in Wolfpack Outfitters and WolfXpress (both in the Talley Student Center).
My family is requesting a visa to come to my graduation ceremony. Is there a formal letter sent to them?
An invitation letter isn’t a required document for a visa appointment, but most families like to have something with them when they go to their appointments so we encourage students to write the letter themselves and then have it notarized before sending it to their families. OIS has notaries that are free, but the student needs to call their office to schedule an appointment with them. They also have an example of an invitation letter on their website that students can use as a guide.
When is the latest I can get my cap and gown from the bookstore?
Graduates are able to go to the bookstore through the day before graduation. If graduates want to customize then they need to talk directly to the Bookstore.
The Graduation Ceremony
Do I need to wear a cap and gown to the graduation ceremony?
Yes, students are required to wear the full graduation regalia to any ceremony they attend. Master’s students are required to wear a master’s gown, cap, tassel, and master’s hood. Caps, gowns, and other graduation apparel can be ordered through the NC State Bookstores website or at the Wolfpack Outfitters in the Talley Student Center.
Am I required to attend the graduation ceremony?
No, students can choose which ceremonies they want to attend. The NC State University Commencement Ceremony is for the entire graduating student body while the Jenkins Graduate Programs Hooding Ceremony is for only graduate students in the Poole College of Management. Students attending the Hooding Ceremony will have their name announced while being hooded on stage – this does not take place at the larger NC State ceremony nor during the Poole College of Management ceremony.
How long do the ceremonies last?
The University Commencement Ceremony will last about 3 hours depending on the number of students in attendance. We estimate that the Hooding Ceremony will last about two hours.
Where can my handicap family member sit during the ceremony?
Ushers will be available to help guests with seating at the hooding ceremony in Meymandi Hall.
For those attending the NC State university-wide ceremony, handicapped seating is located as indicated throughout the arena. Please review the PNC Arena handicapped seating map courtesy of Ticketmaster. Handicapped seating beneath sections 108 and 130 is not available during graduation. Guests must enter on the main concourse level. There is no handicapped seating available on the floor level during graduation as the ground floor is reserved for graduation candidates.
After Graduation
When will I know I have officially graduated?
Students following the directions above will be on track for having their degree conferred, pending current semester grades. Grades are not always posted at the time of graduation, therefore participation in graduation ceremonies does not ensure your degree is complete. Once all grades are posted, Registration and Records will confer your degree and it will post on your transcript. This usually happens a few weeks after the end of the semester. To check on your degree, you can view your unofficial transcript in MyPack Portal. For questions about your degree posting please contact the Student Services Center at 919.515.6278.
When should I order a transcript if I want my degree to show?
Once all grades are posted, Registration and Records will confer your degree and it will post on your transcript. This usually happens a few weeks after the end of the semester. Students can order a transcript but choose to have it held until your degree is conferred. Choose this option when ordering a transcript if you need your degree to show on that transcript to ensure it is not sent before it is posted.
When will I get my diploma?
December graduates: Final clearance for candidates other than Doctoral is late January. All diplomas will be mailed to the address the student listed as their “Diploma or Home/Mailing address” in their MyPack Portal mid-February.
May graduates: Final clearance for candidates other than Doctoral is mid-June. Students who have been cleared for graduation prior to the graduation date will receive their diplomas by the last week in June. Students who are cleared late will receive their diplomas by the second week in July. All diplomas will be mailed to the address the student listed as their “Diploma or Home/Mailing address” in their MyPack Portal.
For questions about your diploma please contact the Office of Registration and Records (919-515-2572).
Can my diploma list my nickname?
Diplomas will have the students’ primary name. In order to change your name, you must have official documentation. Documentation must be submitted to Student Services.
Can I change the address of where to send diploma?
Graduates can change the address with Student Services.
Is there a ceremony for Summer graduates?
No, commencement ceremonies take place in December or May. Summer graduates are eligible to walk in either of the ceremonies.
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