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Contact Information

University Registrar's Office
206 Killian Annex
Cullowhee, NC 28723

Telephone:
(828) 227-7216

Fax:
(828) 227-7217

Staff Directory

Office Hours:
8:00am-5:00pm
Monday-Friday

e-mail: registrar@email.wcu.edu

 

ATTENTION PROSPECTIVE GRADUATES FOR SPRING OR SUMMER 2008!

THERE WILL BE TWO COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES IN MAY! CHECK THE DATE & EVENT SECTION BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS!

Western Graduation/Commencement

Date: Saturday, May 10 2008
Time: 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM
Location: Ramsey Activity Center

Application Process Caps & Gowns
Area Accommodations Dates & Events
Directions Diplomas
Special Accommodations Appropriate Dress
Photos  

 

Application for Graduation

Students should apply for graduation when they have reached senior status or completed ninety or more semester hours.

Please check with your College or refer to the Academic Calendar for application deadline.


Caps and Gowns

Cullowhee-based Graduate and Undergraduate students may purchase caps, gowns, hoods and invitations from the University Bookstore. Please make these purchases by Friday, May 9th . For price information please contact the University Bookstore at 828 227-7346.

Asheville-based students may order caps, gowns, hoods and announcements from the WCU Asheville office at 828 251-6642.

Distance Learning students may order caps, gowns, hoods and invitations by contacting the Catamount Bookstore at 828 227-7346.

For additional information go to the Bookstore web site: http://books.wcu.edu, click Go to WCU Bookstore Online or email bookstore@email.wcu.edu.


Diploma

You will receive a Western Carolina University diploma cover on the stage when your name is read. With the completion of all requirements for graduation, your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address approximately 4-6 weeks after the ceremony.

If this address is not current, you may update your address by emailing the Registrar's Office at registrar@email.wcu.edu. Please indicate the address change is for your diploma.


Dates and Events

Separate commencement ceremonies, one for undergraduates and one for graduate & doctoral students will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008 in the Ramsey Activity Center on the campus of Western Carolina University.

  • Graduate & Doctoral Commencement is at 10:00 a.m.
    • Click here for rehearsal, lineup and ceremony times and the morning traffic map.
  • Undergraduate Commencement is at 4:00 p.m.
    • Click here for rehearsal, lineup and ceremony times and the afternoon traffic map.

Photos

As each graduate is handed his/her diploma, a picture will be taken by a professional photographer.

You will receive an email from the photographer with a link to their web site, www.photospecialties.com, and a password that allows you to view and order your graduation photos online. A free color proof will also be mailed to your permanent address so that you will have the opportunity to purchase these prints. You are under no obligation to purchase prints. If you do not receive a proof within a week of the ceremony, please contact info@photospecialties.com or call 1-800-722-7033.


Special Accommodations

Students needing Special Accommodations for disabilities should contact the Registrar's Office at (828) 227-7216.

Audience members needing special accommodations for disabilities should contact the Ramsey Activity Center at (828) 227-7677 for instructions.



Area Accommodations

Incoming traffic to the campus for commencement is heavy. Family and friends should plan to arrive for the ceremony by 1:00 pm. Click here for a printable WCU Campus Map. The Ramsey Regional Activity Center, where graduation will be held, is building number 9 on the map.

The mountains of Western North Carolina attract thousands of tourists each year. So, remember to make your hotel reservations in advance. For a list of area accommodations, telephone the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 586-2155 or (800) 962-1911, or click on www.mountainlovers.com. For additional information on places to stay, visit the following web site: www.visitsmokies.org.


Appropriate Dress for the Ceremony

Men should wear a white shirt and tie, dark trousers, dark dress shoes, and socks. Women should wear dresses or dark dress slacks and comfortable dress shoes (avoid high heels due to the hazard of going up and down the stage platform).

Caps should be worn with mortarboard flat (parallel to the ground or floor). Tassels are to be worn on the right side of the cap, so as not to block your face from the photographer who will be at the front of the stage.

Honor Cords will be distributed to the Summa, Magna, and Cum Laude graduates at the end of rehearsal.

Additional honors insignia from academic organizations must be approved by the Commencement Committee via the organization’s faculty/staff advisor. Contact the Office of the Provost at 227-7495.

During the ceremony, men should follow the lead of the Chancellor regarding the removal of caps. Women may wear their caps throughout the exercises.

Note: There are no facilities for securing personal items during the ceremony.