8 things to know about Winter Commencement

A wide shot of the Dean E. Smith Center during Carolina's 2024 Winter Commencement. Graduates are seated in chairs on the court level, while others sit in the stands surrounding the court. — Carolina's winter graduates will hear from renowned historian and UNC College of Arts and Sciences faculty member Kathleen DuVal at Winter Commencement. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

UNC-Chapel Hill will celebrate 1,444 graduates at Winter Commencement. Here’s everything you need to know.

1. When and where is it?

Winter Commencement is at 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Dean E. Smith Center.

2. Where can I park?

Parking is available in the Skipper Bowles Lot. Parking for guests with disabilities will be located in the Williamson Lot in front of the Smith Center. More information can be found on the Commencement website.

3. When should students arrive?

Graduates participating in the ceremony should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. They should enter through the Gate D doors and take the stairs to the court level and seating area.

4. What should I bring?

A clear bag policy will be in effect. All guests and their belongings are subject to screening by entry personnel.

Guests may bring a clear plastic bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches or a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches. Water is permitted as no refreshments will be available.

5. What shouldn’t I bring?

The following will not be permitted in the Smith Center:

Backpacks, duffel bags, oversized purses and computer cases
Alcohol, bottles, cans, food, thermoses, coolers, drugs, chains and fireworks
Weapons, noisemakers, signs, laser pointers and other items deemed inappropriate by Smith Center personnel
Signs larger than 8.5 by 11 inches

6. Who is the keynote speaker?

Kathleen DuVal, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and longtime Carolina historian, will deliver the keynote address. The Carl W. Ernst Distinguished Professor of History, DuVal has taught in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences since 2003, specializing in early American and Native American history. Her most recent book, “Native Nations: A Millenium in North America,” won the Pulitzer Prize for history in May. She was also featured in Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” docuseries.