CFCC Spring COMMENCEMENT 2026
Friday, May 8, 2026 | See times below
Graduation day is quickly approaching and we are excited to help you celebrate your accomplishments!
Please take a few minutes to closely review the important information below so that you are prepared for graduation day!
schedule of ceremony times by program
Graduates will receive an email with their ceremony time at their CFCC address.
Questions regarding ceremony times should be directed to gradinfo@cfcc.edu .
Cap & Gown Orders
The last date to order your cap/gown/tassel package to ensure delivery in time is by Friday, April 17, 2026.
Please order now. All graduates must order their cap/gown/tassel package. All graduates must have a cap, gown, and tassel to participate. Only approved CFCC regalia may be worn. Honor cords (for GPAs 3.5+) will be distributed at check-in.
WHEN AND WHERE TO PICK UP TICKETS
- Each graduate receives 5 tickets (required for all guests, including children/infants). No extra tickets will be distributed.
- Ticket pickup: Tickets are available for pick up starting Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Please pick up your tickets no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2026 at CFCC Downtown or North Campus Cashier’s Window (must be picked up by the graduate and must show photo ID).
LOCATION
The commencement ceremony will be held at the Wilson Center at CFCC’s downtown Wilmington Campus. Doors open for guests 30 minutes prior to each ceremony.
Parking
Guests and families may park FREE in the student parking deck (Hanover Street Deck).
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
- Graduates should arrive at the Wilson Center one hour before the ceremony begins. Enter the Wilson Center at 3rd & Hanover St. Staff will guide you to the check-in area.
- 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 stage-appropriate shoes. There may be long periods of standing and walking.
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
- Doors open for guests 30 minutes prior to each ceremony. The event will also be live-streamed on this page and on CFCC’s Facebook page.
- 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
- Fall 2025 graduates: Awards were mailed earlier in the year.
- Spring 2026 graduates: Awards will be mailed to the address on file. You should receive your award(s) approximately 6-8 weeks after the ceremony as long as degree requirements are met. Need to update your address? Visit How to Update Your Address
- Contact the Graduation and Transfer Credit Evaluator at 910-362-7203 or gradinfo@cfcc.edu if you do not receive your award in the time frame stated here.
Honor Cords
- Honor cords will be distributed at the Student Service Check-In to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Congratulate Your Graduate with Flowers!
Celebrate your loved one’s graduation with a gift of flowers! Our Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society will be selling bouquets of flowers at the ceremony for $20. They accept will cash or credit cards. Not only do they spread joy, but your purchase also supports PTK memberships, scholarships, and professional activities.
Have Questions? Please email gradinfo@cfcc.edu with questions about this year’s Commencement ceremonies.
Graduation Spotlight
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