Information for Graduating Students

Congratulations on reaching this pivotal moment in your academic journey! As you prepare for North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) 143rd 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 143rd Commencement Exercises will be held in McDougald-McLendon Arena on Saturday, May 4, 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.

• The Graduation One-Stop-Clearance check will be held on March 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the second floor of the New Student Center. Refreshments will be served. 
• Order your graduation cap, gown, and accessories through Herff Jones.
  • collegegrad.herffjones.com.
  • The deadline to order is April 12, 2024.
• Pay your $55 graduation fee. The payment deadline is April 29.
  • Make your payment through myEOL. Click on payment instructions for payment options.
• Make sure to clear up your student account balance by April 29.
  • 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 the necessary payments through myEOL. Click on payment instructions for payment options.
• Complete the mandatory student loan exit counseling by April 19.
  • If you have 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 Perkins Loans, instructions on how to complete this requirement will be sent to your NCCU email.
• Acknowledge acceptance of the mandatory NCCU Commencement Decorum Video by April 29.
  • As a requirement for participation in the Commencement Ceremony, you will need to acknowledge acceptance of the Commencement Decorum. Click and follow the instructions provided.
• Complete the mandatory Graduating Senior survey by April 29 (undergraduate students only).
  • The 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) must be completed by April 15.
    • Service-learning hours are due by May 1.
  • Review the Community Engagement Academic Graduation Requirement Regulation.
  • Log in to Get Connected to check your hours online.
  • Find community engagement opportunities on Get Connected.
  • Check in every Tuesday at 10:40 break for a Community Engagement Info Session.
  • 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].

• For graduate and professional students: May 2 at 6 p.m. in the McDougald-McLendon Arena.
• For undergraduate students: May 3 at 11 a.m. in the McDougald-McLendon Arena.

• Thursday, May 2, 2024, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Upper-level Student Center
• Thursday, May 2, 2024, 6 p.m., Graduate/Professional/Doctoral Rehearsal, McDougald-McClendon Arena
• Friday, May 3, 2024, 8 a.m., Undergraduate Rehearsal, upper-level McDougald-McClendon Arena
• Friday, May 3, 2024, 12–4 p.m., Upper-level Student Center
• Saturday, May 4, 2024, Set up in lower level of Arena for those who have not picked up their permit-to-march, guest tickets, and honor cords.

Legacy Student Stole Sign-up: Deadline April 15, 2024

Are there generations of Eagles in your family tree? If so, congratulations on making the Nest a family tradition. The Alumni Relations Office hosts special events and opportunities for our Legacy families throughout the year. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with second-, third-, and fourth-generation Eagles. Please complete the form below to share information about your family members who are NCCU alumni.

Register Now

Senior Class Picture
Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 1 p.m.
O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium

New Alumni Pinning
Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3 p.m.
NCCU Student Center Event Hall

Register Now

Senior Class of 2024 Day Party
Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m.
The Living Room | 1007 W. Main St., Durham, NC

Register Now

The Chancellor’s Reception for Graduating Students and Their Families
Friday, May 3, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
NCCU Student Center

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

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 Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies, please complete the Spring 2024 Commencement Accommodation Registration Form.

Please note that floor seating arrangements are limited and individuals that 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].

We are excited to announce that senior portraits for the graduating class of 2024 will be held on April 8 and 9, 2024. The sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be located in the Student Center at 500 Nelson St., specifically in rooms 2127 and 2128.

We encourage you to schedule an appointment in advance to ensure you secure your preferred time slot. Book an appointment now.

Capture this significant milestone in your academic journey and create lasting memories. We look forward to seeing you there!