Fall 2024 Jenkins Graduate & Undergraduate Commencement

Know Before You Go

Please read this page carefully for important instructions, timing and logistics for all graduates and guests.

Time

• 4:30 PM – Doors open for student check-in 
• 5:00 PM – Doors open for ADA accessibility 
• 5:15 PM – Doors open for general seating
• 6:00 PM – Ceremony begins

Directions and Parking

• Directions to William Neal Reynolds Coliseum
• Please be aware that construction-related road closures may affect traffic flow. It may take you longer than usual to travel to campus and to park. Please plan accordingly.
• Parking is available for graduates and guests in the Coliseum Parking Deck and the Dan Allen Deck. 
• Parking is free and no permit is required during commencement.
• ADA PARKING: Guests with a valid disability placard or license plate, may park in the Jeter Bay parking lot located directly next to Reynolds Coliseum. Parking attendants will be on-site to assist. Handicap parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Instructions for Graduates

• All graduates must enter Reynolds Coliseum through the North entrance (off of Dunn Ave.).
• Upon arrival, check in at your department’s designated table to receive your name card.
  • At this time, please add the phonetic spelling of your name to your card if it has not been noted there already. This will help our name readers during the ceremony.
  • Please keep this card with you as you will need it to cross the stage.
• Once checked in, graduates will wait in designated areas of the Coliseum according to their department.
  • Restrooms and water fountains will be accessible.
• The ceremony will begin promptly at 6:00 PM.
• During the ceremony, all graduate degree recipients will walk across the stage while their name is being announced.
• Families and guests will not be allowed onto the main floor for photos during the ceremony.
• We anticipate that the ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
  • Out of respect for your fellow graduates, and to allow all graduates and their families to enjoy the ceremony uninterrupted, we ask and expect that you remain for the entirety of the ceremony.
• Graduate degree recipient names will be printed in the commencement program.
• Please keep personal belongings to a minimum – you will need to carry whatever you bring with you.
• Jenkins graduates:
  • Please keep your hood draped over your arm and do not wear your cap.
  • Bring your namecard up to the podium for the reader to call out your name as you make your way to the middle of the stage.
  • Pause at the center of the stage to be hooded and then again at the end of the stage to receive their diploma.
  • A photo will be taken by a professional photographer when you are being hooded.
• Undergraduates:
  • Please have your cap on with the tassel on the right side.
  • Bring your namecard up to the podium for the reader to call out your name as you make your way to the middle of the stage.
  • Pause at the center of the stage to receive your diploma and have your photo taken.

Venu and Seating Information for Guests

• Guest Seating: Guests must enter the coliseum through the North entrance (off of Dunn Ave). All guests will be ushered to the second floor for seating.
  • Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis – no assigned seats.
• ADA Seating: ADA seating in the Coliseum is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. To help ensure access, we ask that ADA seats be used by ADA users and one accompanying guest.
  • For help with wheelchair-accessible seating and/or seating with no stairs, please visit the Help Desk located directly inside the front doors of the Coliseum. Attendants will be on-site to assist. 
• Bag Policy: All bags are subjected to search upon entry. Bags should be no larger than 12”x6”x12”.
  • An exception will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags when accompanied by infants.
• Lactation Room: There is a lactation room located in the northwest corner of the facility, near the Navy ROTC offices, room number 191.
• Service Animals: Service animals are allowed inside Reynolds Coliseum, but there are requirements to fulfill in order to bring them. Please read the Reynolds Coliseum service animal policy.
• IMPORTANT NOTE:  Helium balloons, wrapped presents and outside food are NOT allowed in Reynolds Coliseum. Guests may bring a personal water bottle.
• Livestream.  Watch virtually via YouTube

Photography

• As each graduate walks across the stage, images will be taken by a professional photographer.
• Another photo will be taken when graduates exit the stage. This is where you will pick up your alumni pin and have a photo taken with a Poole-branded backdrop.
• Each student will receive an email from the photographer with a link to the photographer’s website and instructions to view their graduation photographs.
• If you do not receive an email within ten days of the ceremony, please contact info@photospecialities.com or call 919-967-9576

For additional questions, please contact poole_graduation@ncsu.edu 24 hours prior to the ceremony.

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