Commencement Week Information
See below for all of the information that seniors need for Ceremonies leading up to Commencement and Commencement Week.
Information for Seniors
Founder’s Day Convocation
On Sunday, April 7, 2024 Johnson C. Smith University will be celebrating our 157th anniversary of the University’s founding. Undergraduates (Traditional and Non-traditional) and Graduates are required to attend this celebration:
Sunday, April 7, 2024
2 p.m.
Jane M. Smith Memorial Church
- Graduates will assemble in Biddle Hall - Sarah Belk Gambrell Auditorium at 1:00 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 and Non-traditional) and Graduates—who plan to participate in the Commencement exercises.
Thursday, May 16, 2024
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Biddle Hall Auditorium
Graduation Rehearsal Cookout
The graduation barbecue will take place on the block shortly after the Commencement Rehearsal.
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Starts at 1 p.m.
Trust Atrium in New Science Center
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 16, 2024
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Biddle Hall Room 110
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 17, 2024
4 p.m.
Jane M. Smith Memorial Church
- Graduates (Undergraduate – Traditional and Non-Traditional) will assemble in Biddle Hall - Sarah Belk Gambrell Auditorium at 3 p.m.
- Graduates may not process with purses, bags, children, other individuals, or pets.
- Cap and Gown (NOTE: honor cords, tassels, medallions, and fraternity/sorority kente cloth stoles are not permitted for Baccalaureate. 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.).
- Marshals will arrange the order of the procession and will lead you to your reserved seats.
- Graduates will not be permitted to enter the church once the program has begun.
- Men should remove their caps prior to the invocation and place them on their heads just before marching out after the benediction.
- Faculty Marshals will also lead the recessional.
Baccalaureate Parking Locations
Parking on campus for the Baccalaureate Service will be available at the following locations:
• Biddle Hall Parking Lot
• Science Center Parking Lot
• Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium Parking Lot
Commencement Exercises
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Bojangles’ Coliseum
2700 E. Independence Blvd
Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
11 a.m. (Doors will open at 9 a.m.)
- Graduates must assemble at 9 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 guest.
- Graduates may not process with purses, bags, children, other individuals, or pets.
- Student 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.
- Attire:
- 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.)
- 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.
Bag policy and prohibited items at Commencement Ceremonies
Attention Guest and Graduates
For security and courtesy purposes, the following items WILL NOT be permitted into Bojangles Coliseum
Air Horns, Backpacks, Balloons, Duffel Bags, Large Gifts, Noise Makers, Outside Food and Beverages.
Approved Bags: Any non-clear bags that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” in size, which is approximately the size of a hand bag with or without a handle/strap, such as a small clutch purse. Clear bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”.
Prohibited Bags: Any non-clear bag larger than 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 us at 704.372.3600 to arrange for medical exceptions in advance.*
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 accessible parking near the Main Entrance. Anyone using the spaces must display the proper State Identification tag. Spaces are available on a first–come, first served basis.
- American sign language will be offered to guests who are hearing impaired and require interpretation.
- Graduates participating in Commencement who need accessible seating or accommodations 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 am. To reduce traffic congestion, Bojangles’ Coliseum suggests that all guests arrive one hour prior to the event start time.
Photos
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.
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.
Directions to JCSU
Johnson C. Smith University is located at 100 Beatties Ford Road near the intersection of West Trade Street, Fifth Street and Rozzelles Ferry Road in Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte is served by the major airlines, by Greyhound and Trailway buses and by Amtrak. The campus is easily accessible from Interstate 85 and 77.
Driving directions from Atlanta
- Take I-85 North
- Take NC-16 Brookshire Blvd (Exit 36) toward / US-74E/Downtown
- Merge onto NC-16 S toward Charlotte/Bank of America Stadium
- Take the ramp toward Beatties Ford Rd/JC Smith University
- Merge onto French Street
- JCSU campus is on your left.
From I-85 North
- Take I-85 South to I-77 South
- Merge onto I-77 S/US-21 S (Exit 38) toward Columbia
- Take Fifth St./West Trade Street (Exit 10C)
- Turn right onto W. 5th Street
- Turn right onto Beatties Ford Road
- JCSU Campus is on the right.
Directions to Bojangles Coliseum
Bojangles Coliseum is located at 2700 East Independence Boulevard Charlotte, North Carolina 28205.
From I-77 Driving South
- Take the Exit 11 for NC-16/I-277/Brookshire Freeway
- Merge onto I-277 S/NC-16 S
- Take Exit 2B on the left to merge onto East Independence Blvd/US-74 toward NC-27/Independence Blvd
- Take Exit 244 for Briar Creek Blvd
From I-77 Driving North
- Take Exit 9 for I-277/John Belk Freeway/US-74
- Merge onto I-277 N/US-74 E
- Take Exit 2B to merge onto East Independence Blvd/US-74 toward Independence Blvd
- Take Exit 244 for Briar Creek Blvd
From I-85 Driving South
- Take Exit 38 to merge onto I-77 S/US-21 S
- Take Exit 11 for NC-16/I-277/Brookshire Freeway
- Merge onto I-277 S/NC-16 S
- Take Exit 2B on the left to merge onto East Independence Blvd/US-74 toward NC-27/Independence Blvd
- Take Exit 244 for Briar Creek Blvd
From I-85 Driving North
- Take Exit 36 for I-85/NC-16/Brookshire Blvd toward US-74
- Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Charlotte and merge onto Brookshire Blvd/NC-16
- Slight left at Brookshire Blvd/NC-16 S. Continue to follow NC-16 S
- Continue on I-277 S
- Take Exit 2B on the left to merge onto East Independence Blvd/US-74 toward NC-27/Independence Blvd
- Take Exit 244 for Briar Creek Blvd