A record 5,100-plus students to be recognized at Spring Commencement

May 3, 2024
Categories: General News Tags: Academic Affairs

On Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, UNC Charlotte will hold Spring Commencement ceremonies for 2024 graduates in Dale F. Halton Arena. During four ceremonies, the University will recognize what is expected to be a record-breaking class. According to the Registrar’s Office, more than 5,100 students will complete their degrees and graduate certificates, exceeding the previous number from spring 2021.

Friday’s 10 a.m. ceremony is for the undergraduates in the Belk College of Business and College of Health and Human Services. Sarah Herrera, social work, will give the student address; Kenan Moore, marketing, will serve as bell ringer; and Karen Ford-Eickhoff, clinical professor of management, will serve as university marshal. Members of the Class of 1975 will be in attendance, celebrating their 49th Reunion.

The 3 p.m. ceremony is for undergraduates in the College of Arts + Architecture, College of Computing and Informatics, Cato College of Education and William States Lee College of Engineering. Amelia Todd, architecture, will give the student address; Anvi Tirunagari, data science, will serve as bell ringer; and Carlos Cruz, associate professor of theatre, will serve as university marshal.

Saturday’s 10 a.m. ceremony is for undergraduates in the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences and College of Science. Ella Kellner, biology, will give the student address; Sasha Sembur, communication studies and political science, will serve as bell ringer; and Terry Shirley, senior lecturer of geography and earth sciences, will serve as university marshal.

The 3 p.m. ceremony is for all graduate students — doctoral, master’s and graduate certificates for all programs. Abhishek Shibu, nanoscale science, will give the student address; M. Unique Kumtap, public health, will serve as bell ringer; and Jean-Claude Thill, Knight Distinguished Professor, will serve as university marshal.

Upcoming Commencement celebrations

Official 49er Ring Ceremony, Thursday, May 9
Donning of the Kente, Thursday, May 9
Legacy Draping Ceremony, Thursday, May 9
William States Lee College of Engineering Commencement Reception, Friday, May 10
Cato College of Education Commencement Reception, Friday, May 10
College of Science Commencement Reception, Saturday, May 11

Important Commencement reminders

Volunteers are still needed for the commencement ceremonies for guest and graduate assistance, especially for the Saturday ceremonies. Register to volunteer.

About Halton Arena

Parking and Transportation for Friday, May 10

The following changes to parking and transit operations will occur to accommodate expected parking demand for the two Friday commencement ceremonies.

  • Craver Road will close at 8 a.m., Friday, May 10, and reopen around 7 p.m.
  • The following decks/lots will close to prepare for commencement parking at 11 p.m., Thursday, May 9: West Deck, Cone Decks 1 and 2, SAC ADA Lot and SAC North and Lots 7 and 7A.
  • Parking at East Deck, South Village Deck or North Deck is recommended for those not attending commencement
  • Commencement shuttles will run from East Deck and UNC Charlotte Main Light Rail Station to Craver Road from 8 a.m. until around 7 p.m. A separate shuttle will operate from the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center to Craver Road during the same period.
  • Niner Transit will operate two Green buses for those who are not attending commencement. Paratransit will operate on-demand service
  • View real-time Niner Transit, Paratransit and shuttle locations with the Passio GO! App.

Parking and Transportation for Saturday, May 11

The following changes to parking and transit operations will occur to accommodate expected parking demand for the two Saturday commencement ceremonies.

  • Craver Road will close at 8 a.m., Saturday, May 11, and reopen around 7 p.m.
  • Parking will be reserved for commencement attendees only in the following lots/decks: West Deck, Cone Deck, SAC ADA Lot and SAC North and Lot 7 and 7A
  • Commencement shuttles will run from East Deck and UNC Charlotte Main Light Rail Station to Craver Road from 8 a.m. until around 7 p.m. A separate shuttle will operate from the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center to Craver Road during the same period
  • Paratransit service will be available for commencement attendees from East Deck and Union Deck.
  • View real-time Paratransit and shuttle locations in the Passio GO! app. Look for “commencement” and toggle the switch on to see the commencement route.

Please reach out to Parking and Transportation Services at 704-687-0161 or email pats@charlotte.edu with any questions.