147th Commencement Exercises

147th Commencement Exercises

North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) 147th 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 8, 2026, at 9 a.m. for graduate, professional, and doctoral students

Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. for the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities

Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 2 p.m. for the College of Health & Sciences, School of Education, and 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 147th 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

147th Commencement Exercises: Highlights

Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

The Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies for baccalaureate, graduate, and professional students will take place at the McDougald-McLendon Arena. 

Ceremony Schedule

Friday, May 8, 2026

  • 9 a.m. – Graduate and professional students

Saturday, May 9, 2026

  • 9 a.m. – Undergraduate Ceremony (College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities)
  • 2 p.m. - Undergraduate Ceremony (College of Health and Sciences, School of Education, and School of Business)

Note: 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

Events for Graduating Students

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

  • When: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 3–5 p.m.
  • Where: NCCU Student Center 

Spring Commencement Parking

Parking Map 


ADA Accessible Seating for Commencement Guests and Students

Guests requiring wheelchairs or mobility-accessible seating should proceed to the lower level of the Commencement Arena. Upon arrival, guests should scan their admission ticket and inform the nearest security officer that accessible seating is needed. Accessible seating is located behind the graduate seating section and is available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

Note: Please be aware that NCCU does not provide wheelchairs or mobility assistance.

Due to limited space, only one companion may accompany each guest in the accessible seating area. Additional members of the party may be seated in the general seating areas. If the ADA seating area reaches capacity, guests with accommodations may be relocated to a designated virtual viewing area.

For guests with limited mobility who are able to navigate a few steps, additional reserved seating is available on the upper level. These seats are also first-come, first-served and may offer a wider view of the ceremony.

If any guest requires a special accommodation other than accessible seating, please email [email protected] in advance so that we can assist. Captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing will be available for all ceremonies.

Students participating in Commencement who require any type of accommodation should contact Student Accessibility Services at [email protected] or 919-530-6325, no later than April 24, 2026, to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

Commencement Speakers

Professional portrait of Gwendolyn Boyd smiling, wearing a white blazer and pearl necklace against a clean white background.

Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd

Engineer and former university president

(Graduate and professional ceremony, May 8)

Professional headshot of Dena J. King smiling in a black blazer and statement necklace against a blurred office background.

Dena J. King

Atty. Dena King, former U.S. Attorney for Western District of North Carolina 
(Baccalaureate ceremony for the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, May 9)

Professional portrait of Ray Lewis seated in a wood-paneled room, wearing a blue suit and tie, smiling with studio lighting equipment visible in the background.

Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis, Pro Football Hall of Famer and author. 
(Baccalaureate ceremony for the College of Health & Sciences, School of Education, and School of Business, May 9)