Information for Commencement Guests
Bank of Colorado Arena
Graduate Fall Commencement –Bank of Colorado Arena
IMPORTANT: Doors for each ceremony will open one hour prior to the ceremony, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the Bank of Colorado Arena reaches occupancy limitations, guests will be redirected to the lower level of Michener Library and the Lindou Auditorium for the live broadcast.
International Fire Code (IFC) Section 1004 determines the occupancy limitations of this facility while considering the means of egress. Due to these regulations, the occupancy rating cannot exceed the established limitations.
Undergraduate Fall Commencement – Bank of Colorado Arena
IMPORTANT: Doors for each ceremony will open one hour prior to the ceremony, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the Bank of Colorado Arena reaches occupancy limitations, guests will be redirected to the University Center ballrooms for the live broadcast.
International Fire Code (IFC) Section 1004 determines the occupancy limitations of this facility while considering the means of egress. Due to these regulations, the occupancy rating cannot exceed the established limitations.
Ceremony
- The ceremony will be approximately two hours
- Order of activity at ceremony
- Processional
- Student farewell address
- Welcome and Introductions
- Charge to the graduates
- Presentation of graduate dean's citations (graduate ceremony only)
- Presentation of the graduates
- Conferring of degrees
- Welcome from the Alumni Association
- Recessional
- The area near the stage is restricted before and during the ceremony for safety and access reasons
- For your own safety and that of others please do not block the emergency exits or aisles
- As a courtesy to the other guests, we ask that when taking photographs do not block the view of those around you
- Please silence your phone during the ceremony
- Guests should remove hats or ball caps during the National Anthem, Alma Mater and Honor Guard presentation of colors
- Do not stand on bleachers or chairs during the ceremony
What is allowed into the ceremony?
Note: All personal items are subject to search by the UNC Police Department
- Personal items (purses, camera bags, diaper bags).
- We ask that guests refrain from bringing back packs to the venue
Special Needs for Guests at Butler Hancock Athletic Center
The University offers disability parking, a guest drop off location near the venue and a courtesy cart on the west side of Butler Hancock Athletic Center (see courtesy cart locations on the parking map) to accommodate guests with mobility needs.
Note: UNC offers sign language interpretation at all commencement ceremonies. For more information, visit our FAQ page.
Webcast viewing
- UNC's Commencement ceremonies will be webcast live on the Commencement homepage.
Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
Join UNC’s Virtual Commencement Experience!
Use the tag #UNCBearGrad when you share your graduation stories and images on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Then, go to www.unco.edu/commencement to find the collective commencement celebrations of your fellow UNC Bears.
Need More Information?
- Visit the FAQ page
- For questions regarding undergraduate commencement:
Contact the Registrar’s Office at (970) 351-2231, option 3 or email graduation@unco.edu - For questions regarding graduate commencement:
Contact the Graduate School at (970) 351-1803 or laura.hulsey@unco.edu
