COMMENCEMENT
Meredith College 2024 Commencement
- The Class of 2024 celebrations will be held Saturday, May 11, with two sessions – one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 11 a.m.
- Graduates will be able to register for one of the two Commencement Ceremonies.
- The ceremonies will be held in the courtyard area with Johnson Hall as the backdrop for these celebrations. Graduates may choose with whom they sit.
- The College will provide a Live Stream to allow for additional participation.
- Each graduate will be eligible to receive six tickets for guests.
- Graduate students are welcome to participate in commencement.
- To ensure proper pronunciation of their names, students can leave a message on the pronunciation hotline: (919) 760-2020.
Commencement Weekend Schedule of Major Events
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Location: Carswell Concert Hall
- 2 – 3 p.m.
- Jones Auditorium
- 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- Amphitheatre
- Rain Site: Jones Auditorium with line up in Studio/Carswell
Class Day Rehearsal is Thursday, May 9, 2024
- 4 – 6 p.m. for Sophomores
6 – 7 p.m. for Seniors - Amphitheatre
- Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Location: Jones Auditorium
- Reception to follow in Jones Lobby
- Time: 6-7 p.m.
- Location: Carswell Concert Hall
- Reception to follow in Wainwright Lobby/Patio
- 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
- Courtyard
- Graduates should arrive 30 minutes prior to their ceremony’s start time. Please do not arrive more than 45 minutes prior.
- Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Mall between Harris and Science and Mathematics Building
- Rain site: Kresge Auditorium
- Reception in Harris Hall
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Location: Carswell Concert Hall
- Reception to follow in Wainwright Lobby/Patio
Commencement Registration FAQs
The 2024 Commencement Ceremonies will be held in the Courtyard behind Johnson Hall. Hooding Ceremonies for graduate programs will be on various dates and locations on campus. Please check with your program coordinator for more information on Hooding Ceremonies.
Children two (2) years of age and under do not need a ticket, provided they stay in a lap. Strollers are not encouraged as they block aisles.
Caps, gowns, and graduate degree hoods are available for purchase through the Campus Store. Details have been provided to your Meredith email address. Please direct questions to the Campus Store at (919) 760-8545 or campusstore@meredith.edu.
Ensure you are using your Meredith student email (@email.meredith.edu or @meredith.edu). If your email still isn’t working, contact commencement@meredith.edu for assistance.
Accessibility accommodations can be requested for graduates or graduate guests using this Google Form. Graduates should submit the form, regardless of whether the request is for the graduate or one of the graduate’s guests.
- If you are attending the 8:30 a.m. ceremony, you should enter through the Hillsborough Street entrance. You may park in Parking Lots 1, 2, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
- If you are attending the 11 a.m. ceremony, you should enter campus through the Faircloth Street gate. You may park in Parking Lots 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Please see the Meredith College Campus Map for additional guidance.
Yes, when you attend the Courtyard Commencement Ceremony, you should arrive wearing your hood, since hooding ceremonies are being held separately.
Diplomas will be, or have been, mailed to the address listed on your application for graduation.
A comprehensive rain plan will be shared with graduates prior to Commencement. Students will be notified of this decision via the Commencement website, email, and social media. Notification will only be sent in the event that the ceremony must be moved indoors.
Senior portraits have been taken. Depending on when you sign up, you may still be able to have your image taken at one of our vendor’s senior portrait studios by going to prestigeportraits.com/studio.
To ensure all families are able to see their graduates, please refrain from bringing large items such as posters, “fat heads,” and balloons to the ceremony as they can block other attendees’ view.
Academic Regalia
Undergraduate Regalia
Undergraduate students wear maroon gowns and maroon mortarboards.
The tassel worn pertains to the academic degree being received.
- Bachelor of Arts: black tassel
- Bachelor of Music: pink tassel
- Bachelor of Science: gold tassel
- Bachelor of Social Work: white tassel
Undergraduate students in regalia wear the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard. During the Commencement ceremony the students change the tassel to the left side, signifying they have earned their degrees.
Undergraduate students may decorate the top of the mortarboard.
Many participants wear international flag patches, which are worn by students, faculty, and staff who have lived, studied, or done research abroad, including international students and faculty. These patches are the only embellishments permitted on the commencement gowns. Graduates may not embroider or otherwise decorate their gowns.
Graduate Regalia
Graduate students wear a black gown, undecorated black mortarboard, black tassel, and a hood.
Hoods, which are given during the Graduate Hooding Ceremony, reflect the color of the academic discipline.
- Business: drab
- Education: light blue
- Nutrition: gold
- Psychology: gold
- Criminal Justice: blue
Graduate students in regalia wear the tassel on the left side of the mortarboard as they have already graduated (earned the undergraduate degree). They do not change the tassel during the Commencement ceremony.
What kind of enhancements can graduating students add to their commencement attire?
The College’s Policy on Cultural Identity Enhancements to Academic Regalia at Meredith College’s Commencement Ceremonies states:
Meredith College’s commencement exercises are a dignified celebration of our graduates’ academic achievement. Caps and gowns, also known as academic regalia, are worn to signify this achievement. To honor cultural heritage and identity, graduates are encouraged to wear adornments such as cultural stoles reflecting their cultural heritage and salient identities, provided they are respectful of others and refrain from making political statements.
To ensure the ceremony is conducted with the appropriate tradition and respect for the event, the College reserves the right to restrict items during graduation if such items may result in a disruption or interference with the graduation ceremony.
These practices will be periodically reviewed and amended as necessary to accommodate changes in graduation traditions, recognition practices, or the College’s guidelines.
Cultural Stole and Cord Policy FAQs
Meredith College’s commencement exercises are a dignified celebration of our graduates’ academic achievement. To ensure the ceremony is conducted with the appropriate respect for the event, the College reserves the right to restrict items during graduation if such items may disrupt or interfere with the graduation ceremony.
In support of diversity and cultural expression, graduates can wear enhancements representing their cultural heritage provided they are respectful of others and refrain from making political statements.
A cultural stole is a piece of regalia graduates may wear to express and honor their cultural heritage. It allows students to proudly display their heritage, ethnicity, and cultural affiliations. Cultural stoles typically feature colors, symbols, or patterns that are significant to the graduate’s cultural background.
Kente: A Kente stole is a woven cloth, originating from Ghanaian tradition, that was historically reserved for royalty but has now become a symbol of pride and accomplishment. It is worn draped over the shoulders like a scarf, similar to traditional graduation stoles. Typically, Kente stoles are worn to signify various achievements, graduations, or significant life events. *Kente Stole History
Sarape Sashes: These sashes are inspired by traditional Mexican sarapes, featuring vivid bands of colors and often adorned with embroidered letters or symbols. Sarape sashes are a symbol of celebration and cultural pride, representing the rich heritage of Mexico and Latinx communities.
LGBTQ+: Serve as a visual representation of the wearer’s identity within the LGBTQ+ community. These stoles commonly showcase the rainbow flag, which has become universally acknowledged as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride.
*These are examples rather than an exhaustive list.
An example of a political statement that would be discouraged during a commencement ceremony is a graduate wearing an enhancement expressing strong opinions on a controversial political topic or endorsing a specific political ideology, candidate, or political movement. For instance, advocating for a political policy, making partisan remarks, or engaging in explicit political activism during commencement would be considered inappropriate.
During commencement ceremonies, many students, faculty, and staff wear international flag patches to signify that they have lived, studied, or done research abroad. These patches are the only embellishments permitted on the commencement gowns.
Graduates may not embroider or otherwise decorate their gowns. Decorating mortarboards (commonly called caps) is allowed and is a longtime tradition at Meredith.
Members of official academic honor societies can wear approved cords or other visual recognitions of that society. For example, members of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, can wear a cord and members of the newly formed Meredith chapter of the national Phi Kappa Phi campus-wide academic honor society can wear medallions. Cords for participation in activities or organizations are not approved.
At Meredith, Joselyn Marroquin Aparicio, ’22, discovered a passion for studying the reproductive system and maternity health. She hopes to encourage other Latina women to pursue their dreams and earn a college degree.
Psychology major Sophie Lee, ’22, came to Meredith ready to take on new challenges. Identifying her strengths helped her decide on a career path, which includes pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational psychology at Meredith.
Class president and environmental sustainability major Casey Corpening, ’22, is a Meredith College and NC Teaching Fellow. After graduation, Casey is applying her strengths to the classroom as a middle school teacher in the Wake County Public School System.
Tag us on Social Media
#MCGrad24, #MCGoingStrong, #MeredithCollege
"Time with family and friends means the world to me! I love coffee, dogs, the beach, outdoor walks/runs, and eating cheese + wine! I am have always been passionate about athletics and aim to become a sports dietitian."
"I chose Meredith for grad school because I love the small school atmosphere of Meredith and truly feel like it’s going to be a great place for me to grow and learn! I cannot wait to be a part of this amazing community!" #gradschool #gradstudent #rd2b #rd2be #mcgoingstrong #mcgradstrong #ncstate
"Time with family and friends means the world to me! I love coffee, dogs, the beach, outdoor walks/runs, and eating cheese + wine! I am have always been passionate about athletics and aim to become a sports dietitian."
"I chose Meredith for grad school because I love the small school atmosphere of Meredith and truly feel like it’s going to be a great place for me to grow and learn! I cannot wait to be a part of this amazing community!" #gradschool #gradstudent #rd2b #rd2be #mcgoingstrong #mcgradstrong #ncstate
HIRE US TO SECURE YOU A`S IN YOUR ESSAYS!!!!
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HIRE US TO SECURE YOU A`S IN YOUR ESSAYS!!!!
#queensuniversityofcharlotte
#dixiestateuniversity
#xavieruniversityoflouisiana
#mcneesestateuniversity
#lebanonvalleycollege
#californiabaptistuniversity
#wartburgcollege
#unionuniversity
#coloradomesauniversity
#brighamyounguniversity
#southeasternuniversity
#meredithcollege
#salvereginauniversity
#governorsstateuniversity
#eaststroudsburguniversity
#endicottcollege
#universityoflynchburg
#mercyhurstuniversity
#keiseruniversity
#norfolkstateuniversity
#sanfranciscoartinstitute
#guilfordcollege
#houstonbaptistuniversity
#fiskuniversity
#manhattanvillecollege
#bemidjistateuniversity
#morehouseschoolofmedicine
#hussonuniversity
#curtisinstituteofmusic
#dallasbaptistuniversity
I am a half Palestinian, half American, Muslim, born and raised in NC! I have played soccer since I was 3 years old and have always been into health and fitness. I really enjoy working out, traveling, baking, and studying Arabic. Ultimately, I would like to specialize in pediatric dietetics, as working with my kids has always been a passion of mine."
"After attending Meredith`s open house, I knew I needed to put them as one of my top choices for grad school. I really love how they represented support and community throughout their program. They have an outstanding reputation and a wonderful community of faculty, staff, and peers, that I truly believe will help me become successful in my graduate work and ultimately my career. I have always been attracted to small knit programs, and the feeling of support and guidance I received during my application process, truly set them apart from other schools. I could not be more excited to begin my journey with Meredith!" #gradschool #gradstudent #rd2b #rd2be #mcgoingstrong #mcgradstrong
I am a half Palestinian, half American, Muslim, born and raised in NC! I have played soccer since I was 3 years old and have always been into health and fitness. I really enjoy working out, traveling, baking, and studying Arabic. Ultimately, I would like to specialize in pediatric dietetics, as working with my kids has always been a passion of mine."
"After attending Meredith`s open house, I knew I needed to put them as one of my top choices for grad school. I really love how they represented support and community throughout their program. They have an outstanding reputation and a wonderful community of faculty, staff, and peers, that I truly believe will help me become successful in my graduate work and ultimately my career. I have always been attracted to small knit programs, and the feeling of support and guidance I received during my application process, truly set them apart from other schools. I could not be more excited to begin my journey with Meredith!" #gradschool #gradstudent #rd2b #rd2be #mcgoingstrong #mcgradstrong
Double Costa Rica #WorldWideWednesday Highlight! 👏🇨🇷
Grace Upton, ’25, a #MeredithCollege Biology and Environmental Sustainability student, completed a 6-week study abroad program in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Hear what she has to say about her experience in a #MeredithCollege Affiliate Program through @Cieestudyabroad
“I loved being able to meet other students from across the United States who were also passionate about Conservation Biology and ready to explore a new culture! We bonded quickly as a group through our shared studies and adventures. However, our most impactful experiences were not at volcanos or zip lines, but in our local Monteverde community. We got to know our campus staff, host families, and local dance instructor very well, and it created a strong sense of family here that I will not soon forget.
I would recommend that any #MeredithCollege student study abroad to learn more about others and about themselves!”
We are less than a month away from announcing our 2025 study abroad opportunities. Make sure you are following @Mcgoglobal for more information on 2025 programs and other study abroad information.
#MCGoGlobal #MCGoingStrong
Double Costa Rica #WorldWideWednesday Highlight! 👏🇨🇷
Grace Upton, ’25, a #MeredithCollege Biology and Environmental Sustainability student, completed a 6-week study abroad program in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Hear what she has to say about her experience in a #MeredithCollege Affiliate Program through @Cieestudyabroad
“I loved being able to meet other students from across the United States who were also passionate about Conservation Biology and ready to explore a new culture! We bonded quickly as a group through our shared studies and adventures. However, our most impactful experiences were not at volcanos or zip lines, but in our local Monteverde community. We got to know our campus staff, host families, and local dance instructor very well, and it created a strong sense of family here that I will not soon forget.
I would recommend that any #MeredithCollege student study abroad to learn more about others and about themselves!”
We are less than a month away from announcing our 2025 study abroad opportunities. Make sure you are following @Mcgoglobal for more information on 2025 programs and other study abroad information.
#MCGoGlobal #MCGoingStrong
We are less than a month away from the 2025 Study Abroad Fair and for this week’s #WorldWideWednesday, we travel to Costa Rica to hear from Hailey Martin, ’25.
Hailey is a Biology student who completed field research in Costa Rica. Hear what Hailey has to say about her experience ⬇️
“Studying abroad in Costa Rica was like a complete fever dream. It was hard for me to accept that I was able to be a part of this experience. I was able to be fully immersed in fascinating biodiversity from curious wildlife to magnificent flora. The most meaningful part of this experience was being able to work alongside Costa Rican native Fabricio Camacho. He showed us the highlands and lowlands of Costa Rica and shared his knowledge of Agroforestry.
The extent of knowledge I gained from this program is miles long. Other than academics, I learned we have an enormous negative impact on the biodiversity that surrounds us and that even the smallest of changes we make to our routines could greatly benefit our ecosystems.
I believe every #MeredithCollege student should give study abroad a chance. Outside of college you can really only travel to countries as a tourist but with study abroad, you may have the opportunity to access things that only locals know about. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
Make sure you follow @Mcgoglobal and mark your calendar for the 2025 Study Abroad fair on September 24.
#MCGoGlobal #MCGoingStrong
We are less than a month away from the 2025 Study Abroad Fair and for this week’s #WorldWideWednesday, we travel to Costa Rica to hear from Hailey Martin, ’25.
Hailey is a Biology student who completed field research in Costa Rica. Hear what Hailey has to say about her experience ⬇️
“Studying abroad in Costa Rica was like a complete fever dream. It was hard for me to accept that I was able to be a part of this experience. I was able to be fully immersed in fascinating biodiversity from curious wildlife to magnificent flora. The most meaningful part of this experience was being able to work alongside Costa Rican native Fabricio Camacho. He showed us the highlands and lowlands of Costa Rica and shared his knowledge of Agroforestry.
The extent of knowledge I gained from this program is miles long. Other than academics, I learned we have an enormous negative impact on the biodiversity that surrounds us and that even the smallest of changes we make to our routines could greatly benefit our ecosystems.
I believe every #MeredithCollege student should give study abroad a chance. Outside of college you can really only travel to countries as a tourist but with study abroad, you may have the opportunity to access things that only locals know about. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
Make sure you follow @Mcgoglobal and mark your calendar for the 2025 Study Abroad fair on September 24.
#MCGoGlobal #MCGoingStrong
Heading back to Spain for another #worldwidewednesday to hear from @mcpsychdepartment, Spanish, and social work student Lydia Bonecutter, ’25, who shares about another @Cieestudyabroad experience ⬇️
“I would describe my time in Spain as enlightening and fulfilling. I was able to study, travel, and explore so many things that I would have never dreamed about doing. The people I met in Sevilla were the most meaningful to me. I met so many wonderful people—professors, friends, and others. I have learned a lot about myself. I learned more about what I want to do with my career and gained more self-confidence.
Other Meredith students should consider studying abroad because it genuinely opens their eyes to different cultures and helps them to explore themselves while navigating a new environment.”
‼️The 2025 Study Abroad fair is almost a month away! Make sure you follow @Mcgoglobal for program announcements and join them on September 24 for the Study Abroad Fair.
#MCGoGlobal #mcgoingstrong
Heading back to Spain for another #worldwidewednesday to hear from @mcpsychdepartment, Spanish, and social work student Lydia Bonecutter, ’25, who shares about another @Cieestudyabroad experience ⬇️
“I would describe my time in Spain as enlightening and fulfilling. I was able to study, travel, and explore so many things that I would have never dreamed about doing. The people I met in Sevilla were the most meaningful to me. I met so many wonderful people—professors, friends, and others. I have learned a lot about myself. I learned more about what I want to do with my career and gained more self-confidence.
Other Meredith students should consider studying abroad because it genuinely opens their eyes to different cultures and helps them to explore themselves while navigating a new environment.”
‼️The 2025 Study Abroad fair is almost a month away! Make sure you follow @Mcgoglobal for program announcements and join them on September 24 for the Study Abroad Fair.
#MCGoGlobal #mcgoingstrong
For this week’s #WorldWideWednesday, we travel to Madrid, Spain, and then over to Kyoto, Japan, to hear from @Meredith_school_of_Business and Spanish student Lizbeth Burgos De Pena, ’24, who participated in a @Cieestudyabroad Open Campus Study Abroad Program!
Hear what Lizbeth has to say ⬇️
“My study abroad experience was eye-opening and life-changing. Navigating new countries on my own taught me valuable life lessons and fostered self-realization. The most meaningful part was building lifelong relationships with my host family, friends, and locals, making the journey fulfilling.
Studying abroad made me more globally competent and taught me to embrace stepping out of my comfort zone. I gained confidence in traveling independently and navigating the world. Academically, I broadened my horizons by studying different subjects in diverse educational settings. I practiced my first language in Spain and learned a new one in Japan while immersing myself in different cultures.
#MeredithCollege students should consider studying abroad for the chance to learn, meet amazing people, and experience personal growth.”
‼️ The 2025 Study Abroad Fair is almost a month away! Join @MCGoGlobal on September 24 and make sure you follow @Mcgoglobal for program announcements!
#MCGoGlobal #mcgoingstrong
For this week’s #WorldWideWednesday, we travel to Madrid, Spain, and then over to Kyoto, Japan, to hear from @Meredith_school_of_Business and Spanish student Lizbeth Burgos De Pena, ’24, who participated in a @Cieestudyabroad Open Campus Study Abroad Program!
Hear what Lizbeth has to say ⬇️
“My study abroad experience was eye-opening and life-changing. Navigating new countries on my own taught me valuable life lessons and fostered self-realization. The most meaningful part was building lifelong relationships with my host family, friends, and locals, making the journey fulfilling.
Studying abroad made me more globally competent and taught me to embrace stepping out of my comfort zone. I gained confidence in traveling independently and navigating the world. Academically, I broadened my horizons by studying different subjects in diverse educational settings. I practiced my first language in Spain and learned a new one in Japan while immersing myself in different cultures.
#MeredithCollege students should consider studying abroad for the chance to learn, meet amazing people, and experience personal growth.”
‼️ The 2025 Study Abroad Fair is almost a month away! Join @MCGoGlobal on September 24 and make sure you follow @Mcgoglobal for program announcements!
#MCGoGlobal #mcgoingstrong
Our new grad student leaders, first day of class, and "masters mingle and meal". Bring on the fall semester.
We are ready!
#FDOC #fall2024 #fallsemester #GradSchool #nutrition #mcgoingstrong
Our new grad student leaders, first day of class, and "masters mingle and meal". Bring on the fall semester.
We are ready!
#FDOC #fall2024 #fallsemester #GradSchool #nutrition #mcgoingstrong
