May 2026 Graduation Ceremonies
The May 2026 Graduation Ceremonies will be held the week of May 7-9th depending on degree and college. Below is the confirmed information so far.Ìý Graduation Candidates will receive an email from Ms. Melissa McLamb with all logistical information for the day by late March. If you do not receive this email, please make sure you have submitted a graduation application and are listed on the Application Received List once the cycle opens.ÌýÂ
CEREMONY DATES, TIMES, & LOCATIONS
This ceremony includes all graduate candidates in the School of Medicine.
Date and Time: Thursday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m.
Location: John W. Pope Convocation Center, Buies Creek, NC
Tickets: Tickets are not required. Further information will be sent out by the School of Osteopathic Medicine and posted to their graduation website:
This ceremony includes all graduate candidates in the Law School.
Date and Time: Friday, May 8th at 10:00 a.m.
Location: The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh, NC
Tickets: Tickets are required for this event. For more information, please see the Law School’s graduation website:
This ceremony includes all undergraduate and graduate candidates in the CPHS including locations at Adult and Online Education and Main Campus for Clinical Research, Pharmaceutical Science, Nursing, Physician Assistant Practice.
Date and Time: Friday, May 8th at 3:00 p.m.
Location: John W. Pope Convocation Center, Buies Creek, NC
Tickets: Tickets are not required For more information, please see the CPHS graduation website:
This ceremony includes all graduate candidates in the Divinity School.
Date and Time: Friday, May 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Hobson’s Performing Arts Center, Buies Creek, NC
Tickets: Tickets are not required Further information will be sent out by the Divinity School.
This ceremony includes all undergraduate and graduate candidates in the CAS from Adult and Online Education and Main Campus.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 9th at 9:00 a.m.
Location: John W. Pope Convocation Center, Buies Creek, NC
Tickets: Tickets are not required
This ceremony includes all undergraduate and graduate candidates in the SEHS, SENG & LFSB schools from Adult and Online Education and Main Campus.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 9th at 2:00 p.m.
Location: John W. Pope Convocation Center, Buies Creek, NC
Tickets: Tickets are not required.
Please view the Application Received List on the Graduation Application page to check your name and participation status.
General Information
LIVESTREAM VIEWING: All ceremonies will be live-streamed via the .
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY: We will have professional photographers and videographers recording all ceremonies. This means no external videography or photography is allowed (except for cell phones and small cameras while seated).
NAMES: The names of graduates in attendance at the ceremony will be called from the stage. Degrees of graduates not in attendance will be awarded in absentia. All graduates’ names will be listed in the program and posted to the website.
DIPLOMAS: We have moved to Parchment Diploma Services for printing and mailing of all diplomas. We will process and place the order for diplomas after the graduation ceremony. Parchment Diplomas Services assures that the arrival of diplomas to the student homes takes about a 4-6 weeks. More information about this service as well as their new electronic diploma option will be provided via email closer to the end of the term.Ìý
GRADUATION CEREMONY ATTIRE:  Please be aware that approved ceremony attire/regalia to be worn by graduation candidates consists of the University issued cap, gown, tassel, hood (if applicable, purchased from the CU Bookstore), Latin honor cord (if applicable to be distributed by the Registrar’s Office representative the day of the ceremony), Freshman Medallion (if applicable), and approved graduation adornments associated with official university organizational membership.Ìý Please note that official university organizations are vetted within the structure of the Vice President for Student Life for undergraduates and through the relevant Dean’s Office for graduate and professional programs.
Cap decoration is allowed for individuals who would like to do so. The only requirement is that cap decorations remain flush with the cap so that the view of other candidates is not impeded by the decoration.
Business casual attire is recommended to be worn under the regalia.
HANDICAP/ACCESSIBLE PARKING AT THE CONVOCATION CENTER: The day of the ceremony, Campus Safety and Sheriff’s Department personnel will direct anyone with mobility issues to designated handicap parking. If you have a handicap placard, please have that displayed and visible. Transportation golf carts will be available exclusively for those parked in the designated handicapped parking areas. Handicap parking will be available in the Student Union lot (located in front of the Convocation Center) and behind the Convocation Center. Handicap Parking is limited and based on a first come, first serve basis.
HANDICAP/ACCESSIBLE SEATING AT THE CONVOCATION CENTER:Â Seating is located along the top of the Concourse and is on a first come, first serve basis. There is elevators located at the front lobby and side entrances for ease of access to the Concourse.Ìý
CLEAR BAG POLICY AND PROHIBITED ITEMS AT THE CONVOCATION CENTER: ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ has adopted a clear bag policy and a list of prohibited items at all of their on campus venues. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new policies before arriving at the venue to minimize time spent searching bags at security checkpoints.
Bags that are approved include:
 – Clear tote bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
 – One-gallon clear plastic zip-style bags
 – Small purses or clutch bags that do not exceed 6.5″ x 4.5″
 – Medical Bags
 – Diaper bags (must be accompanied by a child)
Bags that are not permitted include:
 – Backpacks
 – Printed patterns or tinted plastic bags
 – Drawstring bags
 – Fanny packs
 – Camera or binocular cases
 – Large purses or bags
Prohibited items:
 – Weapons
 – Balloons
 – Glass Vases
 – Outside food or drink (unless purchased on campus or deemed medically necessary)
 – Sound or voice amplification devices
 – Strollers are not allowed beyond the second floor entry doors
 – Large posters
Service Animals:
Service Animals, as defined by ADA, are allowed in ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ athletics and performance facilities. However, emotional support, therapy, companion and comfort animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted in ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ athletics and performance facilities.
GRADUATION MEMORABILIA: To order diploma frames, announcements, rings, etc. visit the Registrar’s Graduation Memorabilia page.
Family & Friend Attendee Resources
- Ìý´Ç°ùÌý
- View hotel accommodations near Buies Creek
- Get directions to Main Campus
- Individuals who are unable to attend a graduation ceremony may view live or recorded ceremonies online.
- Please note the Clear Bag Policy outlined above for the graduation venue.