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Date: May 1, 2025
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Location: Bojangles Coliseum
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Address: 2700 East Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205
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Time: 1 pm
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Doors opens at: Noon
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Arrival time for students: Noon
The commencement ceremony lasts approximately 90-120 minutes.
Arrival Instructions
We cannot wait to celebrate this important milestone with graduating students, their loved ones, and the entire JWU community!
Review this information carefully — it is given in place of a practice session. Your cooperation with and understanding of what is expected of you will guarantee a smooth, enjoyable ceremony for you, your family and guests.
Tickets
Tickets are not required for the ceremony.
Students
Before Arrival
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Review the order of exercises. This will be available in mid-April.
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Put on your cap and gown before arriving. (Review how to order regalia here.)
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Leave coats, valuables and other items with parents, friends or guests (you cannot store any personal belongings at Bojangles Coliseum).
- Do not bring any bags, purses or personal items that won't fit in your pocket. There is no way to secure them and you do NOT return to the line-up room after the ceremony.
- Balloons, flowers or wrapped gifts are not allowied in the coliseum. Bojangles security will not allow these items in the building.
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Use restroom facilities; you will not be permitted to leave your seats once the ceremony begins.
Upon Arrival to Bojangles Coliseum
- Graduates’ arrival time is Noon.
- Graduates enter via the Bridge; allow time to go through security. See map below.
- Once through security, proceed to:
- Name Card tables: Alphabetized by last name; pick up your Name Card.
- GradImages table: Complete your information for your grad photos.
- Herff Jones Table: For assistance with your cap, gown or hood if needed.
- First Destination Career Survey table: To complete survey.
- Enter the large conference room and locate your college banner.
Guests
- Doors open at noon.
- All guests will go through security prior to entering.
- Balloons, flowers or wrapped gifts are not allowed in the coliseum. Bojangles security will not allow these items in the building.
- If you are bringing a bag or purse, it MUST meet the following coliseum guidelines:
- Approved bags: Any non-clear bags that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" in size, which is approximately the size of a handbag with or without a handle/strap, such as a small clutch purse. Clear bags cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12".
- Prohibited bags: Any non-clear bag larger that 4.5" x 6.5" and clear bags larger than 12" x 6" x 12" are not allowed.
- All permitted items inside the venue are subject to search upon entry and at any point while on Bojangles Entertainment Complex property. Exceptions can be made upon request for medically necessary items. Please call Bojangles at 704-372-3600 to arrange for medical exceptions in advance.
FAQs
Seating
Is there a way to know where I will be sitting? Do graduates sit in alphabetical order?
- Graduates are not seated alphabetically; they are seated by college.
- Once seated, you and your guests may communicate via text message to determine your locations — please do this once you are seated and not during the ceremony.
Attendance
All graduates, guests and attendees are expected to remain for the entire duration of the ceremony.
- Leaving early demonstrates extreme disrespect. End times are approximate; allow additional time for reservations and other plans.
Photos
- The commencement ceremony is professionally photographed by GradImages.® For information on ordering photos, please contact GradImages at 800-261-2576.
A Note on Conduct
The university makes every attempt to plan and conduct a meaningful dignified ceremony. The significance of this day, the recognition of your academic achievements, should be observed with respect. Disorderly conduct, rowdiness or the presence of alcohol or drugs will be grounds for immediate ejection, and may result in your diploma being retained by the university.