FAQ

How do I make sure that I am eligible to graduate?
To be eligible to graduate from Queens University of Charlotte, students are required to complete an Application for Graduationpreferably one year prior to the date they expect to graduate.

What if I want to walk early?
Queens University of Charlotte holds its annual commencement ceremony at the end of each spring semester. Since there is only one commencement ceremony each year, students who are close to completing their requirements may be allowed to participate by “walking early”, provided they met the criteria listed below:

  • Have (2) or fewer courses (8 semester hours or less) to complete.
  • Have at least a 2.0 cumulative and major GPA at the end of the spring term.
  • Agree to return to complete the remaining credit hours during the immediate summer and/or fall term.
  • In addition to the application for graduation, any student expecting to “walk early” must also complete the Request to Participate in Early Commencement Form and return this form to the Registrar’s Office one month prior to the appropriate ceremony.
  • Students participating in Early Commencement will not receive their diploma or honors regalia until all requirements are completed. “Walking early” does not equate to graduating from Queens.

A student may participate in only one commencement ceremony per degree.

Do family and friends need tickets for the ceremony?

Tickets are not required unless severe inclement weather does not permit an outdoor ceremony. In the event of severe inclement weather,the ceremony will be held indoors at the Levine Center for Wellness and Recreation.

Rain tickets will be issued to each graduate at rehearsal. The number of rain tickets given to each student is based on the total number ofgraduates who will be participating in the ceremony. Since this exact number will not be known until the week of Commencement, wecannot guarantee how many tickets each student will receive. Ample overflow seating with a closed circuit monitor will available on campus for all others who do not have a rain ticket.

Will I receive my diploma during the Commencement ceremony?
All students will receive a diploma cover during the actual ceremony. All graduation requirements and all financial obligations must be satisfied in order to receive the official diploma. May graduates will be informed of where to pick up diplomas immediately following the ceremony.

Are my major and concentration/minor listed on my diploma?
Queens University of Charlotte lists only the degree on the diploma (BA, BS, BBA, MA, MS, etc.). The major and/or minor will not be listed on the diploma. This information will be reflected on the official transcript.

How will my name appear on the diploma?

Students should carefully review the spelling of his/her name before submitting the Application for Graduation; this is how names will be listed on the commencement program and on the diploma.

Will academic honors be noted on my diploma and in the program?

Latin honors reflected in the printed Commencement program will be based on student status as of Fall 2017. Actual honors announced and indicated on the diploma and transcript reflect the honor earned at the completion of all degree requirements.

To receive the designation of Latin Honors students must earn a minimum of 60 hours at Queens. ***Graduate students do not receive honors.

Cum Laude: 3.500 - 3.649
Magna cum Laude: 3.650 - 3.849
Summa cum Laude:3.850 - 4.000

How and when will I receive my diploma if I do not attend the ceremony?

August and December graduates will receive diplomas by mail; unless previous arrangements have been made for diploma pick-up. Students graduating in August or December do not have to wait until May to receive their diploma. If you do not attend the ceremony and no preference was listed on your form, your diploma will be mailed to the address the University has on file for you.

What if I need special accommodations in order to participate in the ceremony?

Accommodations such as assistance with mobility or written materials in an alternative format are definitely available. Please contact Cort Schneider, Director of Student Accessibility Services, at 704-337-2508

or before April 24 if you require accommodations.

Where can I park?

To ensure guests have adequate parking for the ceremony, several nearby parking lots will be utilized to supplement campus parking. Lots will either be within walking distance or shuttles will be provided to transport guests to/from the campus.Advance parking registration for all campus and external lots will be required. Registration will open in early April, so graduates should be on the lookout in the Spring for emails with more information.

Is there parking and/or seating for guests with special needs?

A drop-offpoint for guests with mobility impairments will be located in the Evans Clock Tower lot off of Radcliffe Avenue. Shuttles from remote lots are not handicapped accessible, so please drop off guests with

mobility impairments in the Evans Clock Tower before proceeding to remote lots.

Guests with Special Needs

Guests who need accommodations for to attend the ceremony should contact Cort Schneider, Director of Student Accessibility Services, at 704-337-2508or before April 24. Seating in close proximity to Evans Clock Tower will be available for guests whoare mobility impaired. An interpreter will be available at all ceremonies, and seats will be reserved in close proximity for guests who are hearing impaired.

Why do we have a rehearsal?

Rehearsals are required so that you are familiar with all ceremony procedures. You will also receive important information and instructions at the rehearsal that will be necessary for the ceremony. Rain tickets will also be issued at the rehearsal.

Can children come to the services?

Yes, children are welcome to come to any and all of the ceremonies, however, please be considerate of other guests and remove children who become loud or disruptive. Family-friendly space and restrooms are available in Hayes Residence Hall.

Can I take my own photographs and video?

Yes, but please be respectful of all other family and friends. For safety reasons, no photography is allowed in the center aisles. Photo opportunity spaces are reserved at each corner of the stage.

Will a class photo be taken?

Yes. A group photo of all graduates will be taken prior to line-up before the ceremony on Saturday morning, May 5, at 8:30 a.m. Meet on the lower level concourse of the Levine Center.

When can I pick up my cap and gown?

Caps and gowns may be ordered online at the Herff Jones website before March 12, and will be available for pickup

at the QueensBookstore beginning April 20.

What should I wear?

Women should wear a dress, skirt or nice slacks, and men should wear dark dress pants. Dark shoes are appropriate. Shoes with flat bottoms are recommended.

Will the Dining Hall be open the day of Graduation?

Yes, for breakfast only.

Will the bookstore be open the day of Graduation?

Yes.

How long does the ceremony last?

The ceremony will last approximately two and a half hours.