Faculty & Staff Participation

Ceremony Information Ceremony Information

Commencement would not be possible without faculty and staff. Learn how you can help celebrate our graduating Seahawks! All ceremonies are in Trask Coliseum.

Faculty Participation

Commencement is a special event that recognizes the University of North Carolina Wilmington's (UNCW) graduating students for their hard work and academic achievements.

Each semester, faculty are encouraged to participate in UNCW's commencement exercises to show their support for students. Faculty who choose to attend should wear regalia as they will participate in the commencement processional.

Key Deadlines:

If you would like Academic Affairs to rent regalia for you, please complete this survey by October 24.
If you plan to wear your own regalia, please complete this survey by November 21.

Fall 2025 commencement exercises will be held Saturday, December 13 in Trask Coliseum. Details on each ceremony are below.

Faculty are asked to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony for the faculty lineup so that we have an accurate count of actual attendance.

RSVP to Participate

Assist with Name Card Pickup

Volunteers are needed to help prepare graduates for Commencement! Faculty and staff are invited to assist with the distribution of graduate name cards during the week of commencement.

Taking Flight: Name Card Pickup
Wednesday, December 10 | 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Azalea Coast Room

Sign up today!

Commencement Assistants

As a Commencement Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in helping the day run smoothly and ensuring every graduate and guest feels supported and celebrated. This is a great opportunity to step outside your regular role, engage with the campus community in a new way, and contribute to an event that marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

Key responsibilities include:

Guiding graduates through the lineup and procession with confidence and enthusiasm
Scanning tickets and welcoming guests with professionalism and a friendly smile
Distributing programs to attendees as they arrive
Assisting guests with ADA seating to ensure accessibility and comfort for all

Summary of responsibilities
Front of House Shift Opportunities	Back of House Shift Opportunities
Commencement assistants are needed to scan guest tickets, distribute programs, and assist guests who require assistance finding their seats. Morning Shift (7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) Afternoon Shift (2 p.m. – 8 p.m.)	Commencement Assistants are needed to help with the day-of graduate name card pick-up and assist with the graduate line-up. Graduate Ceremony (7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.) CSB/CHHS/WCE Undergraduate Ceremony (11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.) CHSSA/CSE Undergraduate Ceremony (3:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.)

Compensation for Working at Commencement

Commencement work will receive monetary compensation; Comp time is currently not an option. Priority will be given to BOH staff who commit to working at least 2 shifts on Saturday.

Mandatory Training

Commencement Assistants are required to attend training on Wednesday, December 10 at 8:30 a.m. in the Carolina Beach Room. In-person attendance is required for first-time Commencement Assistants. Returning Commencement Assistants are invited to attend. If you choose not to attend, returning CAs will be provided updates via email and will need to pick up their parking pass from the Transition Programs office on Thursday or Friday after the training.

Review the Compensation Details
(requires UNCW login)

Apply to serve

Thank you in advance for your commitment to making Commencement a successful celebration of our graduates!