CFCC Spring COMMENCEMENT 2026
Friday, May 8, 2026
Information Coming Soon!
Need a cap and gown?
Information Coming Soon!
WHEN AND WHERE TO PICK UP TICKETS
Information Coming Soon!
LOCATION
The commencement ceremony will be held at the Wilson Center at CFCC’s downtown Wilmington Campus.
Parking
Guests and families may park FREE in the student parking deck (Hanover Street Deck) or Student Parking Lot #2.
REHEARSAL
Commencement rehearsal will be held at the Wilson Center Thursday, May 7th at 2 p.m. All students participating in the ceremony are encouraged to attend the rehearsal event. You do NOT need to wear or bring your cap and gown to rehearsal.
What to Know for Commencement
Name Pronunciations and Special Accommodations
- Do you or a family member need special accommodations? Would you like to provide a name pronunciation guide? Please let us know by completing the form below.
Special Accommodations and Name Pronunciations
Arrival and Check-In
- Students should arrive at the Wilson Center, Theater stage entrance, one hour before the ceremony begins.
- Upon arrival, graduates will proceed to the Student Service Check-In table located just inside the Wilson Center to collect their name cards. These cards will be handed to the name reader as graduates approach the stage.
Regalia and Attire
- Graduates must arrive dressed in full regalia, including cap, tassel, and gown. Assistance with regalia will be available during the line-up.
- Graduation caps may be decorated, but only according to CFCC’s Regalia Policy.
- Please wear shoes that are suitable for walking on the theater stage.
Click here to view the full Commencement Regalia Policy:
Commencement Regalia Policy
In recognition of the significance of commencement, all Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) commencement ceremony participants, including stage party, employees, and student graduates, must wear the CFCC-approved academic regalia – gown, cap, tassel, stole, and if appropriate, a hood representative of the highest degree earned. CFCC-associated academic honors or affiliation-based cords/stoles are also permissible. All commencement regalia, including associated braided cords (Honors, Phi Theta Kappa, US Veterans, etc.) must be ordered through the college’s recognized regalia provider. Stoles and cords other than the aforementioned will not be allowed. CFCC understands and respects that we have a proud and diverse population of students and employees. Any other adornment must be approved by email ( gradinfo@cfcc.edu ), with accompanied photos, at least 30 days prior to the commencement ceremony.
Mortarboard (Cap) Decorations
CFCC recognizes that decorations and personalization of caps for the commencement ceremony may be an important expressive activity for our graduates. However, the following provisions and guidance must be adhered to:
No Profanity * No Derogatory, Indecent, Offensive Images or Language * No Inappropriate Slogans or Symbols
Regalia decorations or adornments motivated by animosity against a person or group based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, disability, religion, age, veteran status, or any other protected class, which may infringe on the rights and freedoms of others, will not be permitted. To respect the significance of this occasion, CFCC reserves the right to ask any individual to remove any adornments deemed disruptive, harassing, inappropriate, or to be a safety risk or distraction prior to entering the commencement venue. Refusal or failure to comply, an individual may be asked to leave the college premises immediately.
Seating Arrangements
- Graduates will not be lined up alphabetically. If you wish to sit with teammates or friends, plan accordingly. If you’re undecided, this is a great chance to meet someone new.
Guest Information
- The Wilson Center will open for guests one hour prior to the ceremony.
- Tickets are required for all guests, including children and infants, in accordance with fire code regulations.
- The ceremony is expected to last approximately 95 minutes.
Graduation Photos
- Get ready to smile! Professional photos will be snapped on the big day and will be available for free. You can find and download them from this website four to six weeks after the ceremony.
- Share your graduation photos with the hashtag #cfccgrad.
Your Diploma
- Diplomas will be mailed to your preferred address once all degree requirements are met and any outstanding balances are paid.
- If you need to update your address, please follow these instructions .
Honor Cords
- Honor cords will be distributed at the Student Service Check-In to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Have Questions? Please email gradinfo@cfcc.edu with questions about this year’s Commencement ceremonies.
