Commencement Inclement Weather Plan

In case of inclement or threatening weather, Commencement will be held in the John M. Belk Arena in Baker Sports Complex.

The inclement weather plan (only) will be a ticketed event, with no exceptions for entry to Belk Arena.

Ticketing Process

At this time, we plan to hold the ceremony outside with no limitations on number of guests. If a rain call is made, we will move inside.  As of now, the ticket count for each student is 7 tickets. 

All tickets are for general seating. Each ticket will be checked at the interior entrances to the arena.

Please read carefully below for process details:

• Seniors will receive instructions on how to reserve up to seven tickets. 
• Faculty and staff will receive instructions on how to reserve up to two tickets. Faculty participating in the ceremony do not need tickets for themselves but may claim tickets for family and friends.
• Community members, including non-senior students, may claim up to two tickets out of a limited pool of available tickets.

No one may be admitted to Belk Arena for graduation without a ticket.

Please plan ahead. Students will not be available to help their families on graduation day; they'll be lining up in their caps and gowns!

Those without tickets may join current students, staff, faculty emeriti, townsfolk and other members of the college's extended family for a "watch party" in the Alvarez College Union. The ceremony will be streaming live in two locations there: the C. Shaw Smith 900 Room and the Duke Family Performance Hall.