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Commencement

2024 Commencement Information

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.

The following is a list of the 2024 Commencement activities for Undergraduates (Traditional and Non-traditional) and 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.

Information for Seniors

Founders' Day Convocation

Required for Undergraduates (Traditional and Non-traditional) and Graduates
Sunday, April 7, 2024
2 p.m. *
Jane M. Memorial Church
*Graduates assemble in Biddle Hall - Sarah Belk Gambrell Auditorium - at 1 p.m.

Commencement Rehearsal 

Required for Undergraduates (Traditional and Non-traditional) and Graduates participating in Commencement
Thursday, May 16, 2024
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Biddle Auditorium

Baccalaureate

Required for Undergraduates (Traditional and Non-traditional) and Graduates participating in Commencement
Friday, May 17, 2024
4 p.m.*
Jane M. Smith Memorial Church
*Graduates assemble in Biddle Hall - Sarah Belk Gambrell Auditorium - at 3 p.m. 

 

Speaker
 Dr. Michaela O’Neal Farmer, ‘96 headshot
Baccalaureate Speaker

This year's Baccalaureate Speaker will be JCSU alumnus Dr. Michaela O’Neal Farmer, ‘96. 

Dr. Farmer's Bio

 

Commencement

Sunday, May 19, 2024
11 a.m.*
Bojangles Coliseum
*Graduates must assemble at 9 a.m. at Bojangles Coliseum

 

 

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.*

Bojangles Bag policy
Speaker
 Georgia Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock Headshot
Georgia Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock

Georgia Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock will be the keynote speaker at Johnson C. Smith University’s 151st Commencement Exercises. Johnson C. Smith University President, Dr. Valerie Kinloch, made the announcement during her Inauguration Ceremony as the 15th President of JCSU, Friday, April 5, 2024. 

Read more
Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock Bio

Convocation Links

Information for Seniors