COMMENCEMENT
缅北禁地 2025 Commencement
缅北禁地 will celebrate the Class of 2025 at commencement on Saturday, May 10.
- The Undergraduate Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. in the courtyard area of Johnson Hall.
- The Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. in Jones Auditorium.
- Members of the Class of 2025 will be able to request tickets for guests. Ticket allowances and reservation information will be announced to graduates soon.
- The College will provide a Live Stream to allow for additional participation.
- Graduation regalia, including caps, gowns, and hoods, can be purchased from the 缅北禁地 Campus Store. Ordering information has been shared with the graduating class via email.
- Pick-up for graduation regalia began on February 26 and will continue until graduation.听If a graduate did not place an order ahead of time, the Campus Store has these items available for purchase.
- To ensure proper pronunciation of their names, students can leave a message on the pronunciation hotline: (919) 760-2020.
More details will be added to this site throughout the spring semester. Check back frequently for more information!
First Destination Survey鈥�
Undergrad Students 鈥� please complete today!鈥�
Commencement Weekend Schedule of Major Events
Baccalaureate - Friday, May 9, 2025
- Time: 2 p.m.
- Location: Jones Auditorium
Class Day - Friday, May 9, 2025
- Time: 4 p.m.
- Location: McIver Amphitheater
- Rain Site: Jones Auditorium
Class Day Rehearsal: Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m., McIver Amphitheater (Rain site: Jones Auditorium)
Commencement - Saturday, May 10, 2025
- 10 a.m.
- Courtyard
- Graduates should arrive 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. Please do not arrive more than 45 minutes prior.
Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony - Saturday, May 10, 2025
Jones Auditorium
Graduates should arrive 20 minutes prior to their ceremony鈥檚 start time. Please do not arrive more than 45 minutes prior.
Commencement Participation FAQs
Where and when will the Commencement ceremonies take place?
Meredith will hold 2025 commencement exercises for its undergraduate and master鈥檚 degree students on Saturday, May 10. Meredith鈥檚 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. in the Courtyard behind Johnson Hall. The Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. in Jones Auditorium.
How will I be able to sign up to request commencement tickets?
All graduates may reserve up to six (6) guest tickets. Space is limited, so please request only the number of tickets you need.听
Undergraduates in the Class of 2025 will register for the Commencement ceremony using SignUpGenius. Registration will open to sign up using this link on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10 a.m.听
Master鈥檚 Degree Candidates should contact their program representative as follows with ticket requests and information about distribution procedures:听
- Biomedical Sciences: Jason Andrus, andrusja@meredith.edu
- Criminal Justice: Bianca Harris, bhharris@meredith.edu
- Education: Donna Kocur, kocurdon@meredith.edu
- I/O Psychology: Doreen Donnelly, dadonnelly@meredith.edu
- MBA:听 Stephanie Winfrey, swwinfrey@meredith.edu
- Nutrition: Tracy Smith, smithtra@meredith.edu
How do I get an extra guest ticket?
Later this spring, graduates will have an opportunity to request additional tickets if needed. Please note that not all requests for additional tickets can be accommodated. Meredith Events will notify graduates if their request for additional tickets is approved.听
Do children need a guest ticket?
Children two (2) years of age and under do not need a ticket to attend either ceremony, provided they stay in a lap. Strollers are not encouraged as they block aisles.
SignUpGenius isn鈥檛 taking my email, what should I do?
Ensure you are using your Meredith student email (@email.meredith.edu or @meredith.edu). If your email still isn鈥檛 working, contact commencement@meredith.edu for assistance.
My guests and/or I need accessibility accommodations. How do we request them?
Accessibility accommodations can be requested for graduates or graduate guests using our Google Form, which will open on April 9. Graduates should submit the form, regardless of whether the request is for the graduate or one of the graduate鈥檚 guests.
Where should graduates/guests park?
Graduates and their guests may park in any campus lot except Lots 1, 12, 18, and along Main Campus Drive. Please see the 缅北禁地 Campus Map for additional guidance.
Can my family bring celebratory items to the ceremony?
To ensure all families are able to see their graduates, please refrain from bringing large items such as posters, 鈥渇at heads,鈥� and balloons to the ceremony, as they can block other attendees鈥� view.
What if it rains?
A comprehensive rain plan will be shared with graduates before 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 morning ceremony must be moved indoors.
Who is eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony?
Please visit the Academic Recognition and Graduation section of the Undergraduate Catalogue and the Graduation section of the Graduate Catalogue for more information. Master鈥檚 students may also want to ask their program director if they have any questions or concerns about eligibility to participate in commencement.
I have some concerns about my final grades. Will I still be able to participate in Commencement?
If you鈥檙e concerned about your academic status, please contact the registrar. It should not affect your ability to participate in Commencement but may affect your graduation date.
How will I get my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed to the address listed on your application for graduation.
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.听
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
Master’s 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.
- Biomedical Sciences: gold
- 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.
Master’s students should not decorate the top of their mortarboard.
International flag patches, which can be worn by students, faculty, and staff who have lived, studied, or done research abroad, including international students and faculty are the only embellishments permitted on the commencement gowns.
What kind of enhancements can graduating students add to their commencement attire?
The College鈥檚 Policy on Cultural Identity Enhancements to Academic Regalia at 缅北禁地鈥檚 Commencement Ceremonies states:
缅北禁地鈥檚 commencement exercises are a dignified celebration of our graduates鈥� 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听 College reserves the right to restrict items during graduation if such items may result in a disruption or interference with the graduation ceremony.听
These practices will be periodically reviewed and amended as necessary to accommodate changes in graduation traditions, recognition practices, or the College鈥檚 guidelines.
Cultural Stole and Cord Policy FAQs
缅北禁地鈥檚 commencement exercises are a dignified celebration of our graduates鈥� 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.听
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:听 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. *
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.听听
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.听
Graduates may not embroider or otherwise decorate their gowns. Decorating mortarboards (commonly called caps) is allowed for undergraduates and is a longtime tradition at Meredith. (Master’s students should not decorate the top of their mortarboard.)
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, 鈥�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, 鈥�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鈥檚 degree in Industrial/Organizational psychology at Meredith.
Class president and environmental sustainability major Casey Corpening, 鈥�22, is a 缅北禁地 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
#MCGrad25
As we look forward to #MCGrad25, we are celebrating the achievements of our graduating seniors
@meredith_softball player and accounting major Avery Puryear, 鈥�25, knew #MeredithCollege was the right place for her when she toured campus and met her coach. Thanks to a supportive environment and guidance from her faculty mentor, she will begin her Master鈥檚 in Accounting at @ncstate in the fall.
Check out her story and others at the 馃敆 in our bio - labeled 鈥淪trong Stories鈥�
As we look forward to #MCGrad25, we are celebrating the achievements of our graduating seniors
@meredith_softball player and accounting major Avery Puryear, 鈥�25, knew #MeredithCollege was the right place for her when she toured campus and met her coach. Thanks to a supportive environment and guidance from her faculty mentor, she will begin her Master鈥檚 in Accounting at @ncstate in the fall.
Check out her story and others at the 馃敆 in our bio - labeled 鈥淪trong Stories鈥�
Wanda Whiteside is heading to the Big Apple after graduation鈥攈er goal is to teach in New York City!
While at Meredith, Wanda took full advantage of global learning opportunities, studying abroad four times: once in France and three times in Italy. These experiences broadened her perspective and deepened her love for learning and cultural exchange.
Reflecting on her time at Meredith, Wanda shared, 鈥淚 have loved the very personal learning experience with the professors and the inclusive atmosphere. I鈥檝e gained so much more than academics while pursuing my degree.鈥�
Wanda, we鈥檙e inspired by your passion for education and adventure! Wishing you all the best as you begin your teaching journey鈥擮CP is cheering you on!
Whiteside.wanda
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
Wanda Whiteside is heading to the Big Apple after graduation鈥攈er goal is to teach in New York City!
While at Meredith, Wanda took full advantage of global learning opportunities, studying abroad four times: once in France and three times in Italy. These experiences broadened her perspective and deepened her love for learning and cultural exchange.
Reflecting on her time at Meredith, Wanda shared, 鈥淚 have loved the very personal learning experience with the professors and the inclusive atmosphere. I鈥檝e gained so much more than academics while pursuing my degree.鈥�
Wanda, we鈥檙e inspired by your passion for education and adventure! Wishing you all the best as you begin your teaching journey鈥擮CP is cheering you on!
Whiteside.wanda
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
Katalyna is enrolled in Meredith鈥檚 4+1 MBA program and began taking graduate-level courses in fall 2024. She鈥檒l continue her MBA studies after graduation!
Throughout her time at Meredith, Katalyna completed a Project Coordinator internship focused on market research and strategy projects involving AI, mindset, and online course development. She also worked as a Student Assistant in the Office of International Programs and served as the School of Business鈥檚 first official student tutor, supporting peers in finance and data analytics. These experiences fueled her passion for operations, strategy, and leadership.
Reflecting on her time at Meredith, Katalyna shared: 鈥淚t鈥檚 been incredible to help grow the Meredith International Association, plan events that celebrate culture, and create a space where students feel seen and connected.鈥�
We鈥檙e so proud of all you鈥檝e done, Katalyna! Wishing you continued success in your MBA journey!
_k.ortz_
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
Katalyna is enrolled in Meredith鈥檚 4+1 MBA program and began taking graduate-level courses in fall 2024. She鈥檒l continue her MBA studies after graduation!
Throughout her time at Meredith, Katalyna completed a Project Coordinator internship focused on market research and strategy projects involving AI, mindset, and online course development. She also worked as a Student Assistant in the Office of International Programs and served as the School of Business鈥檚 first official student tutor, supporting peers in finance and data analytics. These experiences fueled her passion for operations, strategy, and leadership.
Reflecting on her time at Meredith, Katalyna shared: 鈥淚t鈥檚 been incredible to help grow the Meredith International Association, plan events that celebrate culture, and create a space where students feel seen and connected.鈥�
We鈥檙e so proud of all you鈥檝e done, Katalyna! Wishing you continued success in your MBA journey!
_k.ortz_
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
As we look forward to #MCGrad25, we are celebrating the achievements of our graduating seniors.
#MeredithCollege provided a supportive environment for Cady Stanley, 鈥�25, to grow as a writer, thinker, and dancer. From studying abroad with @mcgoglobal to producing the @mccoltonreview, Stanley developed skills that will serve her beyond college.
Check out her story and others at the 馃敆 in our bio - labeled 鈥淪trong Stories鈥�
As we look forward to #MCGrad25, we are celebrating the achievements of our graduating seniors.
#MeredithCollege provided a supportive environment for Cady Stanley, 鈥�25, to grow as a writer, thinker, and dancer. From studying abroad with @mcgoglobal to producing the @mccoltonreview, Stanley developed skills that will serve her beyond college.
Check out her story and others at the 馃敆 in our bio - labeled 鈥淪trong Stories鈥�
Elise plans to work for a year before attending law school in the fall of 2026!
At Meredith, Elise was actively involved in Model United Nations and Moot Court鈥攖wo experiences that strengthened her skills in advocacy, public speaking, and collaboration. Through these opportunities, she learned how to navigate complex issues, build consensus, and craft persuasive arguments鈥攕kills that will no doubt serve her well in her future legal career.
When reflecting on her time at Meredith, Elise shared, 鈥淭he personal connections I鈥檝e made at Meredith have been so important to me.鈥�
We鈥檙e proud of all you鈥檝e accomplished, Elise, and can鈥檛 wait to see where your journey takes you next!
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
Elise plans to work for a year before attending law school in the fall of 2026!
At Meredith, Elise was actively involved in Model United Nations and Moot Court鈥攖wo experiences that strengthened her skills in advocacy, public speaking, and collaboration. Through these opportunities, she learned how to navigate complex issues, build consensus, and craft persuasive arguments鈥攕kills that will no doubt serve her well in her future legal career.
When reflecting on her time at Meredith, Elise shared, 鈥淭he personal connections I鈥檝e made at Meredith have been so important to me.鈥�
We鈥檙e proud of all you鈥檝e accomplished, Elise, and can鈥檛 wait to see where your journey takes you next!
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
As we look forward to #MCGrad25, we are celebrating the achievements of our graduating seniors
@meredithcollegemusic, @meredithcollegedance, and @goavengingangels led Cynthia Styron Sanchez, 始25, to #MeredithCollege. During her four years here, she found a supportive community that helped her focus and prioritize her goals.听
Check out her story and others at the 馃敆 in our bio - labeled 鈥淪trong Stories鈥�
As we look forward to #MCGrad25, we are celebrating the achievements of our graduating seniors
@meredithcollegemusic, @meredithcollegedance, and @goavengingangels led Cynthia Styron Sanchez, 始25, to #MeredithCollege. During her four years here, she found a supportive community that helped her focus and prioritize her goals.听
Check out her story and others at the 馃敆 in our bio - labeled 鈥淪trong Stories鈥�
Rebekah is opening her own business after graduation鈥擬onkee鈥檚 of Burlington, a women鈥檚 boutique, will be launching in fall 2025!
During her time at Meredith, Rebekah interned with Tempest Aero Group, a general aviation manufacturing company, where she worked in the communications and marketing department. This experience helped her sharpen her communication skills and explore her passion for business and branding.
Her favorite part of Meredith? 鈥淏uilding lifelong friendships.鈥�
We鈥檙e excited to see your vision come to life, Rebekah! Wishing you all the best as you begin this new chapter with OCP cheering you on.
rebekahannee
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
Rebekah is opening her own business after graduation鈥擬onkee鈥檚 of Burlington, a women鈥檚 boutique, will be launching in fall 2025!
During her time at Meredith, Rebekah interned with Tempest Aero Group, a general aviation manufacturing company, where she worked in the communications and marketing department. This experience helped her sharpen her communication skills and explore her passion for business and branding.
Her favorite part of Meredith? 鈥淏uilding lifelong friendships.鈥�
We鈥檙e excited to see your vision come to life, Rebekah! Wishing you all the best as you begin this new chapter with OCP cheering you on.
rebekahannee
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
Audrey plans to enter a convent after graduation, spending the next few years in New Jersey studying religion and philosophy before teaching and working with children.
During her time at Meredith, Audrey worked with the North Carolina Opera all four years, including three years supporting their education outreach program that brings opera to elementary schools. She also interned in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, gaining insight into how the federal government operates and how citizens can advocate for policies. Her study abroad experience in Sansepolcro, Italy was especially meaningful, as it helped affirm her call to religious life.
鈥淢y favorite part about my Meredith experience has been making meaningful connections and having so many friends who have their lives rooted in their Christian identity. Being with these friends has helped shape me as a stronger Christian.鈥�
Wishing you all the best as you follow your calling, Audrey!
audreyhubbard11
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
Audrey plans to enter a convent after graduation, spending the next few years in New Jersey studying religion and philosophy before teaching and working with children.
During her time at Meredith, Audrey worked with the North Carolina Opera all four years, including three years supporting their education outreach program that brings opera to elementary schools. She also interned in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, gaining insight into how the federal government operates and how citizens can advocate for policies. Her study abroad experience in Sansepolcro, Italy was especially meaningful, as it helped affirm her call to religious life.
鈥淢y favorite part about my Meredith experience has been making meaningful connections and having so many friends who have their lives rooted in their Christian identity. Being with these friends has helped shape me as a stronger Christian.鈥�
Wishing you all the best as you follow your calling, Audrey!
audreyhubbard11
#OCP #OCPDiscoverPlanSucceed #OCPSucceed
#MeredithCollege #MCGrad25
