Important updates on Commencement ceremonies

The University has been closely monitoring the weather forecast for Friday and Saturday, May 13-14. Because we want to be able to celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments, we will move forward with the outdoor Commencement ceremonies as scheduled. However, in consideration of the forecast for the possibility of widespread rain both days, we will shorten the length of the ceremonies with a focus on what is most important — ensuring our graduates have the ability to walk across the stage. We continue to receive questions about moving the ceremonies to Halton Arena. Unfortunately, the arena cannot accommodate the expected attendance of our graduates and their guests.

Severe weather during the ceremonies
Please note that in the event of severe weather conditions during the ceremonies, including lightning detected within an eight-mile radius of Richardson Stadium, all graduates and guests will be asked to evacuate the stadium immediately. Directions will be given as to where to seek shelter indoors until it is safe to return to your seats. University Police and event staff will be on hand to assist in this process.

• Please encourage your guests to sign up for event text alerts, which will be used in the case of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. They can send a text to 67283 with the keyword NinerAlertsEvents (no spaces) to sign up. They will receive a confirmation text, and their subscription to these messages will expire on May 15. Message and data rates may apply.
• Students and faculty will automatically receive these alerts via email and text message if they have a cell phone number in the NinerAlert system. If you do not receive NinerAlerts currently via text, you may follow the same instructions as guests to sign up.

Important reminders

• Umbrellas are now permitted in Richardson Stadium for this event. We ask that graduates, faculty and guests only bring small, collapsible umbrellas and allow appropriate distance within the stadium to minimize the obstruction of others’ view of the ceremony.
• Ponchos will be provided for all graduates, and guests are encouraged to bring ponchos or rain jackets, too.
• The stadium has a clear bag policy. Backpacks and balloons are not permitted in Richardson Stadium.
• Graduates, faculty and guests should plan on wearing footwear that is appropriate for the weather.
• All Commencement ceremonies will be live streamed for those unable to attend.
• Please continue to monitor your UNC Charlotte email and the Commencement website for updates and information regarding your ceremony.

Important reminders for faculty

• Due to the weather, the faculty processional has been canceled. Faculty still have reserved seating in Section 103.
• Faculty are invited to gather in the Judy Rose Academic Support Center prior to the ceremony for coffee and tea.
• Regalia is optional.
• If you choose to wear regalia, you may enter directly through Gate 1.
• If you will not be wearing regalia, please go to the ticket booth at Gate 1 with your University ID. You will be issued a ticket to enter.
• There will be Student Marshals to direct you to the Judy Rose Academic Support Center. We request you join us no later than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.