UNC Charlotte Academic Policy: Faculty Attendance At Commencement

I. Executive Summary

This policy describes the requirements for full-time faculty participation in Commencement ceremonies at UNC Charlotte.

II. Policy Statement

As a professional responsibility and as a show of support for students, all full-time faculty are expected to attend one Commencement ceremony each year. Each department will be responsible for developing a plan for implementing the policy.

III. Definitions

  • Commencement (also known as Graduation) – A formal ceremony in which the University awards degrees to graduating students at the end of each semester.
  • Department – A unit within a college representing a discipline. For example, the Department of English is in the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS).
  • Full-Time Faculty – The tenure-line and non-tenure track members of the teaching and research body staff of UNC Charlotte of any academic rank.
  • Semester or Term – A period of study, usually a third of the academic year (i.e., Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters). Fall and Spring semesters generally include a period of study of one 15-week and two 7-week half terms. The Summer semester generally includes one eleven-week and two five-week half terms. UNC Charlotte offers courses for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, as well as varying term lengths associated with each semester.  For the definition of each term refer to the Office of the Registrar.

IV. Policy Contact(s)

V. History

  • Approved: April 17, 2002
  • Revised: February 20, 2013 [changed from “tenured and tenure track faculty” to “full-time faculty”]
  • Revised: February 25, 2021 [inclusion of New Student Convocation into policy]
  • Revised: January 23, 2025 [removal of the New Student Convocation from the policy, clarification of the full-time faculty definition, removal of commencement frequency]

VI. Related Policies, Procedures, and Resources

VII. Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where is this policy referenced?
    The policy is published on the Academic Policies & Procedures webpage of the Provost website.
  • Are part-time faculty and faculty affiliates permitted to attend Commencement?
    Yes, part-time faculty and faculty affiliates are permitted and encouraged to attend Commencement in accordance with their departmental and collegiate policies.