We will follow University and UNC System COVID-19 protocols that are in place at the time of the ceremony. Closer to the date, please visit the Shield our Spartans for the current protocols.
The UNCG commencement ceremony is a formal, traditional, academic exercise. The ceremony will begin with a processional of all participants, followed by greetings and speeches from academic dignitaries, the conferring of degrees, recognition of graduates as names are called, tassel turning ceremony, singing of the Alma Mater, the ringing of the University Bell, and the recessional. The UNCG School of Music will provide music. The ceremony is expected to last about 2.5 hours.
Tips for an Enjoyable Commencement Experience
Please note that participation in the ceremony does not presume graduation from the university. Degrees are conferred only after all academic requirements are met and the Board of Trustees has taken official action. We congratulate you on your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you at the ceremony. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions about the commencement ceremony.
At the end of the Commencement Ceremony, the University Bell will ring in honor of the Graduates. The University Bell sounded the opening of the State Normal and Industrial School (now UNCG) on October 5, 1892. For forty years—until electric bells were installed—it marked significant moments of the day. The University Bell hung from a belfry in the Anniversary Plaza from 1967 until 1987 when it was removed for the purpose of restoration. The Class of 1940, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its graduation, commissioned the restoration of the University Bell.
The Mace is a ceremonial insignia of the University in a tradition that dates back to antiquity. Hand-chased in sterling silver, it bears academic motifs depicting the history of the institution and is carried by the Faculty Marshal on official occasions. The Mace of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro was presented by the Class of 1926 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of its graduation and the bicentennial of the nation. It was first carried at commencement in 1978.
Traditionally tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left during a special portion of the ceremony for high school graduates. For college graduates, Bachelor again wear tassels on right side until their degrees are conferred, then move to left. Graduate students wear on left from the beginning.
Start your new chapter as a UNCG alumna or alumnus by making a small gift in honor of your accomplishment — one that will help other students like you finish their studies and earn their degree.
Graduating students who make a gift of at least their class year (for example, $20.23) during the academic year will be eligible to wear a special cord during Commencement to recognize your dedication and commitment to UNCG. Learn more at alumni.uncg.edu/cords.
Congratulations, Spartans! When you celebrate your achievements this year and take pictures with your friends and family so you can cherish this moment forever, remember glitter is litter (#GlitterIsLitter) and will remain in the environment forever, too. Please help keep our beautiful award-winning campus clean. Instead of using glitter, confetti, streamers, or balloons in your pictures, we recommend using bubbles or the filters on your phone. Learn more about UNCG’s zero-waste efforts.
The following is not a comprehensive schedule of all Fall 2023 school and department ceremonies taking place. Students with questions regarding their school or department ceremony should contact their respective academic department for more information.
Schools or departments that would like their ceremony information to be provided below can contact [email protected] for assistance.
Ceremony | Date | Location | Contact |
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