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Information for Graduating Students (Fall 2026)

Congratulations on reaching this pivotal moment in your academic journey! As you prepare for North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) 148th Commencement Exercises, let us be your guide to an unforgettable celebration that reflects the milestone you have 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.

Commencement Information

A large group of North Carolina Central University graduates in maroon caps and gowns smile and celebrate together after commencement.

The 148th Commencement Exercises will be held in McDougald-McLendon Arena on:

  • December 11, 2026, at 9 a.m.
    • Graduate, Professional, and Doctoral Ceremony
  • December 11, 2026, at 2 p.m.
    • Undergraduate Ceremony

Important Dates and Deadlines

AUGUST 2026
Graduation Cap, Gown, and Accessories 
Order your graduation cap, gown, and accessories through Herff Jones for Fall 2026 beginning August 4, 2026, through November 17, 2026.

Online Graduation Application Portal (Opens)
All graduation applications for Fall 2026 should be submitted through myEOL beginning August 31, 2026. View instructions on how to submit your online graduation application. 

SEPTEMBER 2026
Online Graduation Application Portal (Closes)
Fall 2026 graduation applications are due by September 18, 2026. Graduation applications submitted after this deadline may result in your name not appearing in the commencement program and/or your diploma not being available on the day of commencement.

OCTOBER 2026
“I” – Incomplete Grades
Any grades of “I” – Incomplete must be resolved by October 13, 2026.

Graduation Readiness Meeting
October 29, 2026, at 10:40 a.m.  
The Zoom Link and password will be emailed to your NCCU email address.

NOVEMBER 2026
Graduation Readiness Meeting
November 10, 2026, at 10:40 a.m.  
The Zoom Link and password will be emailed to your NCCU email address.

Mandatory Student Loan Exit Counseling
Complete the mandatory student loan exit counseling by 12 p.m. on November 27, 2026.

Graduation One Stop
The Graduation One Stop will take place November 11–12, 2026, in the North Carolina Central University Student Center, outside Rooms 2127 and 2128. This event allows students to complete required academic and non-academic steps necessary to participate in commencement.

Graduation One-Stop Hours:

  • November 11–12, 2026: 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Senior Portraits
Photo Specialties will be on campus November 11–12, 2026, to take graduation portraits in the North Carolina Central University Student Center, Rooms 2127 and 2128. A link will be provided at a later date to schedule an appointment. If you have not received your regalia by the time of your appointment, loaner regalia will be available.

Portrait Appointment Times:

  • November 11–12, 2026: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Note: Senior portraits are not mandatory.

Community Engagement (Undergraduate Students Only)
Complete the Community Engagement Academic Graduation Requirement: Direct Service and External Community Partner hours (volunteering) are due by November 15, 2026.

ADA Accessible Seating for Commencement Guests and Students
Guests who use wheelchairs or require mobility-accessible seating should proceed to the lower level of the Commencement Arena. Upon arrival, guests should scan their admission ticket and notify the nearest security officer that they require accessible seating. Accessible seating is located behind the graduate seating section and is available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached

Please note: NCCU does not provide wheelchairs or mobility assistance.

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

For guests with limited mobility who can comfortably navigate a few steps, additional reserved seating is available on the upper level. These seats are also available on a first-come, first-served basis and may provide a broader view of the ceremony.

Guests requiring accommodations other than accessible seating should contact LCI - Student Accessibility Center in advance at [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements. Closed captioning will be available for all ceremonies for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Students participating in Commencement who require accommodations should contact LCI–Student Accessibility Center at [email protected] or 919-530-6325 as soon as possible and no later than November 27, 2026, to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made. Students with mobility-related accommodations are encouraged to attend the Commencement Rehearsal so that any necessary adjustments to the ceremony protocol can be planned in advance.

DECEMBER 2026
Community Engagement (Undergraduate Students Only)
Complete the Community Engagement Academic Graduation Requirement. Deadline: Service-learning hours are due December 4, 2026.

Student Account Balance
Make sure to clear up your student account balance. Pay your $55 non-refundable graduation fee by December 7, 2026. Check your account balance periodically on myEOL.

NCCU Commencement Decorum Video  
Acknowledge acceptance of the mandatory NCCU Commencement Decorum Video by December 7, 2026.

Graduating Senior Survey (Undergraduate Students Only)
Complete the mandatory Graduating Senior survey by December 7, 2026. The survey login and password will be sent to your NCCU email.

  • For assistance or questions about the survey, contact the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis at [email protected].

Guest Tickets

Due to limited seating within the arena, each graduating student will be allotted a certain number of tickets for guests. The number of tickets allotted for guests per student will be provided later. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Permit-to-March

The link and instructions will be emailed to you to download your permit-to-march and guest tickets prior to the link going live at midnight on December 10, 2026. Be sure to complete this step.

Honor Cord Pick-up Schedule
College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
Office of the Dean
Farrison-Newton Communication Building, Room 115
December 10, 2026
10 a.m.–3 p.m.

College of Health and Sciences
Office of the Dean
Mary Townes Science Complex, Room 1207
December 10, 2026
9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

School of Business
Office of the Dean
New School of Business Building, Room 364
Please see Ms. Chandra Tedder
December 10, 2026
10 a.m.–3 p.m.

School of Education
H. M. Michaux Jr. School of Education Building

  • Department of Counseling and Higher Education
    Please see Ms. Juls Joyner (across from Room 2022).
    December 10, 2026
    9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Department of Curriculum and Instruction
    Please see Ms. Carolyn Carothers (across from Room 2097).
    December 10, 2026
    9 a.m.–3 p.m.

School of Law
In the Fish Bowl area of the Law School
December 10, 2026
1–3 p.m.

School of Library and Information Sciences
James E. Shephard Memorial Library, Room 313
December 10, 2026
9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Chancellor’s Reception

The Chancellor’s Reception for graduating students and their families on December 10, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the North Carolina Central University Student Center.

Graduation Rehearsal

Undergraduate, graduate, professional, and doctoral students will have their graduation rehearsals on December 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the McDougald-McLendon Arena.