Commencement

Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

Diplomas 

When will I receive my diploma?

• Diplomas are shipped to all graduates via USPS or Fedex a few weeks after their final semester ends. 

I already have my diploma. Do I need to bring it with me to Commencement? 

• No

Regalia 

Where do I order my cap and gown? 

• Participation in the commencement ceremony requires students to purchase regalia from Herff Jones. The regalia package should contain the gown, cap, hood, and tassel associated with the specific program of study being completed. Honor cords will be distributed to graduates at the event. The deadline to order regalia is Thursday, April 9, 2026. 

May I decorate my cap? 

• Yes, graduates are allowed to decorate their graduation caps. All decorations must be appropriate and consistent with the Christ-centered values of CU. Please ensure that any designs or messages do not include profanity, offensive language, or imagery that could be considered inappropriate.  

May I hem my gown? 

• The length of the gown should reach midway between your knee and ankle. If your regalia exceeds this length, you may hem it.   

Tickets 

Do I (the graduate) need a ticket? 

• No

Do my guests need tickets? 

• Yes. Guest tickets are distributed via email to the graduates approximately two weeks before the ceremony. 

Do guest tickets cost? 

• No

Is there a guest ticket limit? 

• Yes, graduates are guaranteed up to eight tickets. However, graduates may request more than eight tickets on their graduation application, and if additional tickets are still available after initial distribution, those additional tickets may be distributed to graduates who requested more than eight tickets.  

Do children need tickets? 

• Children aged three years and under do not need a ticket. Children aged four years or older need a ticket unless they will be on someone's lap.

Requirements for Attendance 

I have an account hold/block. May I still attend commencement? 

• No, students must have a $0 account balance by April 15th in order to walk in the ceremony. 

I still have summer classes left to take. Can I participate in the ceremony? 

• Undergraduate and master’s students who have two classes or less left in the Summer semester may walk in the May ceremony. Doctoral students must have successfully defended their dissertation by the last day of Spring 15-week classes in order to participate in the ceremony.  

Time, Location, and Streaming 

When is the ceremony?

• Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET

Where is the ceremony?

• Two Cities Church
  1001 N Patterson Ave
  Winston Salem NC 27101

When should graduates and guests arrive? 

• Graduates are expected to arrive at 2:00 PM ET to allow plenty of time for lineup. Doors will open for guest seating at 2:00 PM ET. 

How long will the ceremony last? 

• 1.5-2 hours 

Will the ceremony be live-streamed? 

• Yes, the link will be provided via email the day of the ceremony. 

Rehearsal 

Is the rehearsal mandatory? 

• Yes, all graduates, faculty, and staff who have an active role in the ceremony are required to attend rehearsal. 

Parking

Where should I park?

• The entire church parking lot will open for free parking. There is also additional public parking near the church. Please consult the parking map below for further details.