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Commencement

Congratulations Class of 2025

Congratulations!!! You have reached a milestone in your academic career - graduation. You came into this institution ready to learn, ready to move from good to great, and now we will announce to the world that you have achieved your goal.

In this section

Founders' Day Convocation
Commencement Rehearsal
Senior Cookout
Graduation Packet Pick-Up
Baccalaureate
Commencement Exercise
Great Graduates

The following is a list of the 2025 Commencement activities for Undergraduates [Traditional & Non-Traditional] & Graduates. Following the list are details on each event that you will find helpful as you prepare to celebrate your graduation from Johnson C. Smith University.

 

  • Founder’s Day
    Required for Undergraduates [Traditional & Non-Traditional] & Graduates
    Sunday, April 6, 2025
    2 p.m.*
    Jane M. Smith Memorial Church
    * Graduates assemble in Biddle Hall - Sarah Belk Gambrell Auditorium at 1 p.m.
     
  • Commencement Rehearsal
    Required for Undergraduates [Traditional & Non-Traditional] & Graduates participating in Commencement
    Thursday, May 15, 2025
    11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Biddle Auditorium
     
  • Baccalaureate
    Required for Undergraduates (Traditional and Non-Traditional)
    Friday, May 16, 2025
    4 p.m.*
    Jane M. Smith Memorial Church
    *Graduates assemble in Biddle Hall - Sarah Belk Gambrell Auditorium at 3:00 p.m.
     
  • Commencement
    Sunday, May 18, 2025
    11:00 a.m.*
    Bojangles Coliseum
    * Graduates must assemble at 9:00 a.m. at Bojangles’ Coliseum

Founders' Day
 Founders' Day Convocation Platform Party 2024
Founders' Day Convocation

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Johnson C. Smith University will be celebrating our 157th Anniversary of the University’s Founding. Undergraduates [Traditional & Non-Traditional] & Graduates are required to attend this celebration:

Sunday, April 6, 2025
2 p.m.
Jane M. Smith Memorial Church

 

  • Graduates will assemble in Biddle Hall - Sarah Belk Gambrell Auditorium at 1 p.m.
     
  • Graduates may not process with purses, bags, children, other individuals, or pets.
  • Cap and Gown (NOTE: honor cords, tassels, medallions, fraternity and sorority Kente cloth stoles are not permitted for Founder’s Day. These will be worn during Commencement only).
     
  • Attire:
    • Dress pants or dress skirts that show below the hem of the gown/robe must be dark in color.
    • Collared shirts that show above the neckline of the gown/robe must be white.
    • Ties must be dark in color.
    • Dress shoes must be appropriately formal and dark in color.
    • Religious headwear, if worn, must be dark in color.
    • Earrings must be small (i.e. pearl or other studs).  No dangling jewelry (earrings, bracelets, etc.)

Commencement Rehearsal

Commencement Rehearsal is required for all graduates (Undergraduates [Traditional & Non-Traditional] & Graduates) who plan to participate in the Commencement exercises. 

 

Thursday, May 15, 2025
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Brayboy Gymnasium

Senior Cookout

Thursday, May 15, 2025
1 - 3 p.m.
The Block

Graduation Packet Pick-Up

Candidates for Graduation, who have successfully met all degree requirements, will have their packets available for pick-up in Biddle Hall Room 110. The packet will include their official letter with conferral status, honors tassel if applicable, ceremonial hoods, and diploma, for those with a zero balance.

Thursday, May 15, 2025
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Biddle Hall Room 110

Baccalaureate
 Students processing into the church for Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate Service

Baccalaureate is a celebration that honors graduates (Undergraduate – Traditional and Non-Traditional) and is a Christian-based, interdenominational service. Attendance is required for graduates (Undergraduate – Traditional and Non-Traditional).

 

Friday, May 16, 2025
4 p.m.
Jane M. Smith Memorial Church

Information for Baccalaureate

Commencement
 Graduates at Commencement
Commencement Exercises

Sunday, May 18, 2025
Bojangles’ Coliseum
2700 E. Independence Blvd
Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
11 a.m. (Doors will open at 9 a.m.)

Directions to Bojangles Coliseum
Directions to JCSU
  • Graduates must assemble at 9:00 a.m. in Bojangles for graduate check-in and final instructions as it pertains to Commencement. There will be a separate entry for graduates and guests.
  • Graduates may not process with purses, bags, children, other individuals, or pets.
  • Students who have not successfully completed all degree requirements are not permitted to participate in the processional and are not permitted to wear regalia at the Commencement ceremony.
  •  Cap and Gown along with honor cords, tassels, medallions, and fraternity/sorority Kente cloth stoles are permitted for Commencement. Tassels should be worn on the right side of the cap. During the Commencement exercises, the tassel will be transferred to the left side of the cap, upon instruction from the podium.
  • Given the formal nature of the Commencement, graduates are not allowed to carry anything in the procession or recession (e.g. no book bags, laptops, blue tooth devices, pocketbooks, pets, children, etc.).
  • The processional will depart at approximately 10:55 a.m. and will be led by Faculty Marshals. Once the line-up is finalized and the processional begins, graduates will not be allowed to enter the line. Graduates will march in by colleges in the academic procession.
  • The recessional will proceed in the same order as at the Baccalaureate service: Platform party first, followed by faculty, then alumni in reunion and graduates.
  • There are no tickets for this event. Bojangles’ Coliseum adheres to the American Disabilities Act, all seating is on a first come first served basis.

Attire for Commencement

Dress pants or dress skirts that show below the hem of the robe must be dark in color.

Collared shirts that show above the neckline of the robe must be white.

Ties must be dark in color.

Dress shoes must be appropriately formal and dark in color.

Religious headwear, if worn, must be dark in color.

Earrings must be small (i.e. pearl or other studs).  No dangling jewelry (earrings, bracelets, etc.)

Accessibility

Bojangles’ Coliseum strongly encourages those needing accessible seating to arrive early. All accessible seating will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Every effort will be made on the day of an event to accommodate those needing accessibility seats, but this is based on availability.

  • Parking attendants will direct guests to the accessible lot located near the Main Entrance. Anyone using the spaces must display the proper State Identification tag. Spaces are on a first–come, first-served basis.
  • Sign Language will be offered to guests who are hearing impaired and require interpretation.
  • Graduates participating in Commencement needing accessible seating or accommodations for themselves should contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@jcsu.edu.

Commencement Parking

There is no fee for Parking at Bojangles’ Coliseum during Commencement. The parking lot will be open for graduates and guests at 9:00 am. To reduce traffic congestion, Bojangles’ Coliseum suggests that all guests arrive one hour prior to the event’s start time.

Directions to Bojangels Coliseum

Shuttle Service

Shuttle service will be provided for any graduate or student who does not have transportation. Shuttle service from campus to Bojangles will begin at 7 am in front of the Music Building Annex and will run until 7:30 am for graduates and 9:00 am for all other students. Departure service from Bojangles Coliseum back to campus will start at 1:00 pm and go on until 3:00pm. 

 

NOTE: Graduates must assemble at 9:00 a.m. in Bojangles for graduate check-in.

Photos
 Graduates at Commencement
Commencement Photos

Johnson C. Smith University's Commencement exercises will be professionally photographed and videotaped. Family members and guests will not be allowed to access the coliseum floor area during the program.

Graduates and family members can order photos directly from Grad Images. After graduation, order online at www.gradimages.com or call 800.261.2576.

Grad Images

First Aid

Licensed First Aid Technicians/EMT’s are on staff for the event.  If you need first aid assistance, contact the nearest Usher, Security Guard or Police Officer. The Bojangles’ Coliseum First Aid station is located on the lower level. In the event of an emergency, please follow the directions of the emergency personnel and staff.

Accommodations

Johnson C. Smith University has negotiated special rates for our guests at area hotels just a short drive from campus. Please visit http://jcsuevents.com/lodging for a list of participating hotels.

For any questions, please contact Tenessa Moore, Conference and Event Services Manager at 704.330.1495 or Tavia Smith, Event Services Coordinator at 704.330.1438.