Information for:

Graduates

Parents and Families

Faculty

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Commencement for December 2009 Graduates will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Dean E. Smith Center (see directions).

The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau and the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau web sites provide information on local lodging, restaurants, scheduled events, shopping, tours, and area resources.

Commencement Speaker

Dr. Lisa Carey, associate professor of medicine and UNC Breast Center medical director, will deliver the December commencement address at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chancellor Holden Thorp has announced.

Thorp will preside at the Dec. 20 ceremony at 2 p.m. in the Dean E. Smith Center.

Thorp chose Carey in consultation with the University’s Commencement Speaker Selection Committee, which is made up of an equal number of students and faculty.

“I think that this year, with the North Carolina Cancer Hospital coming on line, it’s the perfect opportunity for Lisa, who is a pioneer in the breast cancer field and a great role model, to share her message with our students,” Thorp said.

Carey joined the UNC faculty in 1998 and has served as the director of the UNC Breast Center since 2003. After graduating from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1990, Carey was a resident in internal medicine and then a fellow in oncology from 1990 to 1997 at the school. She earned her master of science in clinical research at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 1998. She is faculty member in the UNC School of Medicine and a clinical faculty member in the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Her research focuses on breast cancer, particularly why younger, premenopausal, black women are more likely to develop aggressive types of breast cancer. Carey is also involved in evaluating the use of specific tumor markers as predictors of response to new chemotherapy agents. Carey is the author or co-author of more than 70 manuscripts and book chapters.

Carey is involved in a number of clinical and laboratory studies, including a multi-institutional trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute examining the genetic and molecular markers in breast cancer as predictors of response to chemotherapy. She is also the principal investigator of a collaborative study investigating genes that might interact with other genes or with the environment to impact a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer and several clinical trials testing novel targeted treatments for breast cancer subtypes.

For her work, Carey was won a Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Award in 1999 and a career development award from the National Cancer Institute in 2000. In 2008, Carey was one of 15 new inductees into the Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars, recognizing her work with UNC colleagues to identify and tailor treatment for molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

“My research owes so much to the help I have received from my UNC colleagues,” Carey said. “I hope I can inspire a new class of Tar Heels to take with them the very special spirit of collaboration that exists here and keep it alive in their professional and personal lives.”

Carey will continue Carolina’s tradition of faculty speakers at December commencement.

Speaker Selection

The speaker selection committee is composed of four students, the faculty chair, the faculty secretary, two distinguished faculty members, and the chair of the commencement committee. The committee is advisory to the chancellor, and he makes the final decision on the speaker. December commencement speakers are traditionally respected members of the faculty. For both the December and May commencements, the Chancellor selects a speaker who has made significant contributions to the world and who will honor the graduates, their parents and friends, and the faculty.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need tickets?

No. Tickets are not needed for the ceremony in the Smith Center. You may bring as many family members and friends as you like. It is open to the public.

2. What time do graduates need to be there?

Students should enter the Smith Center at Entry D (pink entrance/student entrance) which is at the rear of the Smith Center. Graduates should be there by 1:15 pm in order to line up. Signs will be posted and there will be marshals to direct Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. candidates to their respective places in the procession.

Parents and other guests should enter the Smith Center through Entry A (main/front entrance).

3. How long does the ceremony usually last?

About one hour, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm followed by a reception on the concourse.

4. Where do we park?

Please refer to parking information section below.

5. Is there handicapped parking?

Contact Disability Services with requests for handicapped parking or seating. Office of Disability Services, 05 Steele Building, 962-8300.

6. Will they call out my name?

All undergraduate, masters and doctoral candidates will be recognized by the dean of their respective school. Candidates for the doctoral degree will be individually recognized.

7. Where do I get my diploma?

Your diploma will be mailed to you in March of 2010. See the section on diplomas for more details.

Helpful Phone Numbers

For Graduates

Letter from the Chancellor

TO: All Degree Candidates

FROM: Holden Thorp, Chancellor

Congratulations on completing your degree. I'm looking forward to celebrating with you and your family and friends during Carolina's December 2009 Commencement weekend. Several years ago, I had the honor of serving as the speaker at December Commencement. It is a very special occasion in the life of the Carolina community and a wonderful opportunity to honor our graduates and celebrate academic life.

The Commencement Ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 20th, in the Dean E. Smith Center. Please join us to mark this milestone in your life.

General arrangements for the weekend are coordinated by the Commencement Committee and the Office of University Events. If you have questions, please contact Jane Smith at jane_smith@unc.edu or (919) 962-0045.

You've worked hard to reach this goal, and we delight in your accomplishments. We know from experience that you will go on to bring much distinction to your alma mater.

Nothing thrills us more than seeing our graduates go out and change the world. We look forward to the chance to remind you that you have the love of all of us here at Carolina.

Hark the Sound!

Holden Thorp

Caps, Gowns and Graduation Announcements

Caps and gowns will be on sale through the Student Stores website at www.store.unc.edu from November 1st through November 30th. They can also be purchased in-store from December 11th through the 20th. For more information, visit the Student Stores website or e-mail Eve Bradshaw at ebradsha@email.unc.edu. Prices are subject to change.

Undergraduate Regalia: $49.99

Master's Regalia: $54.99

Doctoral Regalia: $69.99

Graduation Announcements can be purchased through Herff Jones.

Student Processional

All graduates should enter the Smith Center at Entry D (pink entrance/student entrance) which is at the rear of the Smith Center. Graduates should be at the Smith Center, already dressed in caps and gowns, by 1:15 pm in order to line up. Signs will be posted and there will be marshals to direct Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. candidates to their respective places in the procession.

Please note that Ph.D. candidates will have their names read. Master and Undergraduate degree candidates will be recognized as a group by the dean of their school.

Parking Information

Public parking will be available in the Manning Lot, Bowles Lot, Business School Deck and the Craige Parking Deck. There is no charge for parking. Parking for handicapped guests will be available in the Williamson lot. To obtain a permit contact Disability Services, 05 Steele Building, CB #5100, (919) 962-8300 (voice or TDD). You can also email Disability Services at disabilityservices@unc.edu.

Disability Services, Seating and Parking

Services for guests with disabilities are available. If you require accommodations, special seating, parking, interpreter services, etc., please contact the Department of Disability Services, SASB – Suite 2126, Campus Box 7214, (919)962-8300 (TDD), or e-mail disabilityservices@unc.edu.

Security

Dean E. Smith Center Entry Policy

The following policy is being implemented for building and patron safety. The following items will not be permitted in the Smith Center:

• Backpacks, duffel bags, backpack-style/oversize/large purses, computer cases

• Alcohol, bottles, food, cans, thermoses, coolers, drugs, chains, fireworks.

• Weapons, noise makers, signs, laser pointers, and other items deemed inappropriate by Smith Center personnel.

All guests and/or their belongings are subject to be screened by entry personnel.

Diplomas

All students graduating in December will receive their diplomas in the mail in March of 2010. Diplomas will be printed with the student's course of study. For further information regarding diplomas, and to ensure that they arrive at the correct address, please contact the University Registrar at 919-962-3956 or visit their website.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

A graduating student who has borrowed from University loan funds or from the Federal Perkins, National Direct, Health Professions, or Stafford Loan Programs must have an exit interview in the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid before leaving the University. Failure to come for an interview and to sign the required repayment agreement could result in a loan being declared delinquent. Notices about interview times will be sent to borrowers by the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid prior to the end of the semester.

Senior Class Gift

Click here for information.

General Alumni Association

As a December 2009 graduate, you are invited to take advantage of the new grad rate and become a member of your General Alumni Association for one year at HALF-PRICE — only $20. We are also offering the Class of 2009 a $50 discount on paid-in-full life membership in the Association. Class of 2009 GAA members have unlimited access to our certified career coach for one year.

There is no better way to keep in touch with Carolina and your Tar Heel friends and classmates than through membership in your General Alumni Association. The GAA provides many activities and benefits to our members including an annual subscription to the Carolina Alumni Review, comprehensive Alumni Career Services and TarNation – the GAA's enhanced Online Alumni Directory, plus much more.

In addition, the GAA serves all alumni by providing an e-mail forwarding service, short and long-term major medical plans and "Out of the Blue ", a monthly e-newsletter. The GAA's Facebook page, LinkedIn group and Twitter feed can help you remain connected to your friends and our University.

You may also participate in local and regional Carolina Club activities. With approximately 100 clubs throughout the U.S. and the world, there are many opportunities for fun, fellowship and networking with fellow Carolina graduates.

Join online today. For more information, please call us at (919) 962-0742 or e-mail membership@unc.edu or stop by and visit us at the George Watts Hill Alumni Center on Stadium Drive.

For Parents and Families

Caps, Gowns and Graduation Announcements

→ See "Caps, Gowns and Graduation Announcements" in the For Graduates section.

Parking Information

→ See "Parking Information" in the For Graduates section.

The Dean E. Smith Center

The Smith Center is located on the southernmost part of campus on Bowles Drive, between the Kenan-Flagler Business School and the Koury Natatorium, and just below Hinton James dormitory. Please find directions below.

FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS NORTH

Take I-85 South to Durham, NC. Exit left at US 15-501 in Durham and follow 15-501 approximately 9 miles to Chapel Hill. Once in Chapel Hill, maintain US 15-501 Bypass (Fordham Boulevard). At around the 7th stoplight, turn right onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.

FROM POINTS WEST

Take I-85 North towards Durham. Exit just past Burlington onto NC 54 East (Exit #148, Chapel Hill Exit). Follow NC 54 for approximately 20 miles to Carrboro. Pass Carrboro Plaza on the right and stay on NC 54 for about 4 miles to the next stoplight, Manning Drive. Turn left onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.

FROM POINTS EAST

Take I-40 West toward Chapel Hill. Exit at NC 54 West (Exit #273 A) and follow for approximately 4 miles. Once in Chapel Hill, continue to follow signs for NC 54 West, which means you will have to exit right under first overpass. At the top of the exit turn right at the light. Follow NC 54 West/15-501 South until the 2nd stoplight. Turn right onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.

FROM POINTS SOUTH

Take US 15-501 North toward Chapel Hill. Exit right onto US 15-501 Bypass in Chapel Hill. Turn left at the first stoplight onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.

Disability Services, Seating and Parking

→ See "Disability Services, Seating and Parking" in the For Graduates section.

Security

→ See "Security" in the For Graduates section.

General Alumni Association

→ See "General Alumni Association" in the For Graduates section.

Local Visitors Bureaus

The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau and the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau web sites provide information on local lodging, restaurants, scheduled events, shopping, tours, and area resources.

For Faculty

Parking Information

→ See "Parking Information" in the For Graduates section.

Processional

As has been our recent practice, faculty members are encouraged to wear academic regalia if they have it, or march in street clothes if they do not. Faculty members will assemble at 1:30 p.m. in the Press Room of the Smith Center. Use Entry D and take the elevator down to the main floor. Marshals will be there to direct you to the room. Parking is available in the Koury Lot adjacent to the Smith Center. If you have questions, please contact Jane Smith at jane_smith@unc.edu.