Commencement
Baccalaureate and Commencement
Our goal, as always, is to develop successful leaders and informed citizens – who can think critically, act justly, and live faithfully. We’re proud to watch our graduates walk, “across the bricks,” and receive their diplomas as they become Greensboro College alumni.
For the 2024-2025 Academic year, Commencement Weekend events will be held Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, 2025.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, May 9th @ 9:50 a.m. Commencement Rehearsal
Friday, May 9th @ 5 p.m. Baccalaureate/Cap & Gown Ceremony
Saturday, May 10th @ 10 a.m. Commencement Ceremony
Livestream link to watch online: Greensboro College Youtube Livestream
Commencement Rehearsal
Friday, May 9, 2025
Graduating Students Assemble: 9:50 a.m. in the Cowan Humanities building lobby
The rehearsal will include information about the Baccalaureate/Cap and Gown Ceremony and the Commencement Ceremony.
All graduating students participating in Commencement are required to attend rehearsal. Please arrive on time. Rehearsal lasts approximately two hours.
Please note that although a decision to enact the Rain Plan will not be made until later on Friday, graduating students will receive their allotted guest tickets for Commencement at rehearsal as a precaution.
If it is impossible for you to attend the rehearsal, please email peak@greensboro.edu in advance.
Baccalaureate/Cap and Gown Ceremony
Friday, May 9, 2025
The Baccalaureate/Cap and Gown Ceremony is a time-honored tradition at Greensboro College. This is an opportunity for you as a graduating student to pay respect to someone you feel has assisted you in completing your degree. This person can be a GC staff or faculty member, a family member, or a friend (they cannot be another graduating student) and is known as your “capper.” Your “capper” will escort you into the Baccalaureate/Cap & Gown Ceremony and prepare you for Commencement by assisting you with the official robing. They will place your robe, hood, and cap on you during the Baccalaureate/Cap & Gown Ceremony.
Graduating Students and “Cappers” Assemble: 4 p.m. in the Hannah Brown Finch Memorial Chapel
Ceremony Begins: 5 p.m. in the Gail Brower Huggins Performance Center, Odell Building
Faculty Address: TBD
Baccalaureate Speaker: TBD
Live-streaming will be provided for those who cannot attend in person. The link to view the ceremony virtually will be available on the morning of Friday, May 9, 2025, on the Greensboro College website and YouTube channel.
Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Graduating Students Assemble: 8:30 a.m. in the Cowan Humanities building lobby
Ceremony Begins: 10 a.m.
Location: Front Campus (in case of inclement weather, the Rain Plan will be in effect)
Student Address: TBD
Commencement Address: TBD
Live-streaming will be provided for those who cannot attend in person. The link to view the ceremony virtually will be GC Graduation 2025 – Live on Youtube
There is not a limit on the number of guests a graduating student may bring to Commencement on Front Campus. This is subject to change if the Rain Plan is in effect.
Requirements for participating in the Commencement Ceremony
Greensboro College holds Commencement once a year in May. Students who graduate in August or December are invited to participate in Commencement ceremonies the following May.
All undergraduate students who have completed all academic requirements may participate in Commencement Weekend. Additionally, students who meet the following criteria may participate if they wish:
- Undergraduate students lacking 8 credit hours or fewer for graduation upon completion of the Spring semester and are registered for those hours in the summer session immediately following that Spring semester may participate. Students must notify the Registrar by April 15 of their intention to participate in Commencement Weekend.
- Undergraduate students who are enrolled in the radiologic technology clinical program may participate in the May Commencement ceremonies preceding the summer when they will finish their clinical program.
Graduating Student check-list
- Check your degree audit in Empower to ensure that you have met all academic requirements. If you have questions about your degree audit, ask your advisor or the Registrar. The Registrar’s Office is in 205 Main Building, and can be contacted via email at registrar@greensboro.edu, or phone at 336-272-7102, extension 5207.
- Submit an Application for Graduation on your Empower Pride Page by the following deadlines:
- March 1 for May and August graduates
- October 1 for December graduates
- If any information changes after you have submitted your Application for Graduation, notify the Registrar’s Office immediately at registrar@greensboro.edu
- Satisfy all financial obligations to Greensboro College. This must be completed in order to receive a diploma or an official transcript.
- Order your cap and gown, invitations, and class rings.
- Accomplish this and receive additional Commencement information by attending Senior Salute on January 29, 2025 from 1 – 6 p.m. in the Main Building Center.
- If you cannot attend Senior Salute, you can order your cap and gown through the GC Pride Shop by contacting Cliff Braly at 336-272-7102, ext. 5233 or emailing at bralyc@greensboro.edu.
- Ask someone to be your “capper” for the Baccalaureate/Cap and Gown Ceremony. It is an honor for the person you ask, so choose wisely.
- Attend Commencement Rehearsal on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 9:50 a.m. in Cowan Humanities building lobby.
Diplomas
Students who graduate in May will receive their diplomas during the Commencement Ceremony, assuming all academic and financial obligations to the College are satisfied. August and December graduates will be mailed their diplomas by the Registrar’s Office to the addresses provided by the students on their Application for Graduation, unless they prefer to pick up their diplomas in person. Please contact the Registrar’s Office to pick up a diploma in person. Graduating students who live outside the United States are responsible for mailing costs.
Graduating students’ names will be printed on the diplomas as indicated on the students’ Application for Graduation.
Senior Salute Event
Greensboro College sponsors a Senior Salute event each spring semester. The Senior Salute will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in Main Building Center. You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Order a cap and gown and save $10 (payment not required when ordering)
- Order graduation announcements, accessories, and a class ring (payment due at Senior Salute) Jostens will offer event specials on jewelry
- Take your senior portrait, sign up link https://gcgradsalute.youcanbook.me
- Vote for your Senior Class speaker for graduation
- Vote on the faculty member to speak at Baccalaureate Cap & Gown Ceremony
- Vote for Class dolls and Class song
- Check status of your student account
- Chat with the Alumni staff and BAC@GC
If you are unable to attend, you can order rings, announcements, and accessories by contacting Jostens at 1-800-854-7464 or www.jostens.com. You can order your cap and gown through the GC Pride Shop by contacting Cliff Braly at 336-272-7102, ext. 5233, or emailing at bralyc@greensboro.edu.
Photography
Photo Specialties, a professional photography company, will be present at Commencement. Graduating students will be photographed individually as they receive their diplomas. Package information will be available after the ceremony. Proofs and packages will be available on their website: www.photospecialties.com. For more information, see info@photospecialties.com or call 919-967-9576. Students are not required to purchase photographs.
Special Needs
The College has reserved parking spaces for guests with mobility impairments; however, the total number of these parking spaces is limited. A valid disability placard is required for parking in reserved parking spaces. Those using wheelchairs or with other special needs are strongly encouraged to arrive on campus no later than 9:30 a.m. to be seated before Commencement begins at 10 a.m.
Spaces will be reserved within seating sections for wheelchairs at the Baccalaureate ceremony and the Commencement ceremony.
If there will be a need for an ASL interpreter or any other accommodations at the Baccalaureate and/or Commencement ceremony, please inform Georgie Bogdan, Director of Academic Accessibility at georgieann.bogdan@greensboro.edu by April 1 so that arrangements can be made.
Rain Plan
Commencement is typically held outside on Front Campus. In the event of light rain, Commencement will continue to be held outside. Graduating students, faculty members, and the platform party are not permitted the use of umbrellas, but they will be provided with a poncho to wear over their regalia. Guests are welcome to bring umbrellas as they wish. Diplomas will be distributed to Graduating students immediately following the ceremony in Main Building Center.
If heavier rain or severe weather is forecast, the College will invoke its rain plan:
- Commencement will be held in Gail Brower Huggins Performance Center in the Odell building.
- Each graduating student will receive two (2) tickets for family/friends to attend. (Graduating students do not need tickets for themselves, but each guest must have a ticket, regardless of age.) Graduating students will receive their tickets Friday morning, May 9th at Commencement rehearsal. If you do not need your tickets, you are welcome to give them to another graduate who needs more.
- If you cannot attend rehearsal, you may pick up your tickets from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. before Baccalaureate on Friday, May 9th in the lobby of Odell building. If you cannot attend either rehearsal or Baccalaureate, you may pick up your tickets 8 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Saturday in the lobby of Odell building.
- Commencement will be live-streamed via YouTube on the college’s website. The link will be accessible from the home page and will be available to watch on or off campus.
Hotel accommodations
Greensboro College is excited to partner with local hotels to provide a discounted rate for families and guests of graduating students during Commencement Weekend. Discounted rooms are available May 8 – 11, 2025 and must be reserved by the graduate or their guests no later than Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the following hotels:
Fairfield Inn & Suites
3308 Isler Street, Greensboro, NC
$149/night
Click here to book
Homewood Suites by Hilton
6011 Landmark Center Boulevard, Greensboro, NC
$189/night
Click here to book
DoubleTree by Hilton Greensboro
3030 W. Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC
$159/night
Click here to book
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tickets required for ceremonies?
Tickets are not required for the Baccalaureate/Cap and Gown Ceremony or for Commencement, held outside on Front Campus. If the weather is inclement and the Rain Plan is in effect, guests must have tickets, which are allotted to graduating students. (See Rain Plan for details.)
What should I wear to each ceremony?
Commencement ceremonies are meant to be dignified and joyous events to celebrate the significant achievements of graduating students. To that end, graduating students’ attire is part of the overall atmosphere. It is recommended that graduating students dress as they would to attend a formal ceremony of any kind. Graduating students will wear caps, gowns, and hoods during the Commencement ceremony.
How long will the ceremonies last?
The Baccalaureate/Cap and Gown ceremony usually lasts about one hour and 15 minutes. The Commencement ceremony usually lasts just under two hours (excluding the time for graduating students to gather prior to the ceremony).
Is attending the Baccalaureate/Cap & Gown Ceremony required?
No, but it is strongly encouraged. This ceremony begins Commencement Weekend in a beautiful setting and prepares the graduating class for the Commencement ceremony the next day. The Cap and Gown portion of the ceremony provides the unique opportunity for you to honor someone who has been important to you as you’ve completed your college degree. This person, your “capper,” will sit beside you and place your cap, gown, and hood on you during the ceremony. It’s a very meaningful way to start your Commencement Weekend.
Where can I get a senior medallion?
Graduating students are expected to attend Spring Convocation on January 16, 2025 at 11:15 a.m. in the Gail Brower Huggins Performance Center in Odell Building. Graduates will have their names read and walk across the stage to accept their medallion. Graduates who are unable to attend Spring Convocation, they will receive one at Commencement Rehearsal.
I graduated in August/December and already have my diploma. What will I receive during the Commencement ceremony?
You will be handed a diploma cover with no diploma inside. No one will know the difference. We ask that you please return this diploma cover to the Registrar, who will be stationed at Finch Chapel immediately following the ceremony to collect empty diploma covers.
Do I need to bring my cap and gown to the rehearsal?
No.
Where can I get honor cords to wear?
Usually, the honor society of which you are a member will order and supply the honor cords. See your honor society’s advisor for details. There may be an additional fee. Greensboro College does not supply honor cords for graduates who earn the distinction of cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude.
Where can I order my cap and gown and other graduation materials?
Attend Senior Salute, and you can take care of everything there! If you miss Senior Salute, you can order your cap and gown through the Greensboro College Pride Shop. There are deadlines for ordering, so be sure to order no later than February 28. You can order custom graduation announcements from Jostens at 1-800-854-7464 or at www.jostens.com. Generic invitations are available at the Greensboro College Pride Shop.
Am I allowed to decorate my cap and/or wear cords/stoles with my gown?
Yes, you may decorate your cap, but please be mindful that your decorations will not offend any individual or groups of people. Cords and stoles that you provide are allowed. The only cords or stoles that Greensboro College provides are for certain academic honor societies; please consult with your honor society advisors.
Where can I go for last-minute commencement needs?
The Greensboro College Pride Shop will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the Friday of the Baccalaureate/Cap and Gown Ceremony, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Saturday of Commencement to assist you with any last-minute commencement needs. You can also email Cliff Braly, the shop’s store manager, at bralyc@greensboro.edu or call 336-272-7102 ext. 5713
Do you have a list of local hotels?
For hotels and other lodgings, please visit the Greensboro Chamber-Hotels for listings.
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To see the previous year’s (2024) Baccalaureate and Commencement events , click the links below.
Download the 2024 Baccalaureate Program here
Download the 2024 Commencement Program here
