11 things to know for 2026 Spring Commencement

Carolina will celebrate the Class of 2026 at Spring Commencement and ceremonies and events across campus during the next week.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When and where is it?

Spring Commencement is at 7 p.m. May 9 at Kenan Stadium, rain or shine.

If there is severe weather, it will be delayed until it is safe to hold the ceremony. If the ceremony is postponed due to inclement weather, it will take place at 9 a.m. May 10. That information will be posted on the website, the University’s website and social media.

When should students arrive?

Students should arrive at the Loudermilk parking lot at 5:30 p.m. They will enter the stadium through tunnels and go straight to their seats. All guests and students will pass through a metal detector before entering the stadium. There is not a registration process, but graduates will need to present their One Card to enter the seating area. Staff will be on hand to direct.

When should everyone else arrive?

Gates open at 6 p.m. Guests should enter the stadium at Gates 2, 3, 5 and 6.

Where should guests park?

Parking information for Commencement weekend can be found on the Transportation and Parking website. Please give yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the ceremony.

What should I bring?

A clear bag policy will be in effect for all Commencement ceremonies, including school, departmental and small group events. All guests and students will pass through a metal detector before entering the stadium.

Guests are encouraged to leave bags at home, but the following items will be allowed:

• Any clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, including gallon freezer bags
• Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches
• Necessary medical items following inspection at entry gates
• Up to two unopened 20-ounce or smaller bottles of water per person and empty drink containers that can be filled up at drinking fountains

For more information, see the Kenan Stadium Policy, which will apply at all ceremony venues.

What shouldn’t I bring?

Alcoholic beverages, artificial noise makers, baby seats, large bags, balloons, banners, flags and signs (larger than 8 ½ x 11 inches), signs on sticks or other devices, beach balls, coolers or containers, explosives, fireworks, folding chairs, food and beverages (except sealed plastic water bottles), illegal drugs, laser pointers, pets (except service animals), strollers (noncollapsible), umbrellas, weapons of any kind and any other item that in the judgment of management staff poses a safety hazard or detracts from the ability of others to enjoy the event.

All permissible bags and containers are subject to search upon entry.

Can I take pictures with my graduating student on the field?

Families will be allowed on the field for a short period of time after the ceremony ends. Facilities staff will need to begin the breakdown of the stadium shortly after the ceremony’s conclusion, and everyone will be asked to clear the field at that point.

Who is the keynote speaker?

Country star, avid Tar Heel fan and western North Carolina native Eric Church will deliver the Commencement address. The world-renowned country musician has captivated audiences since his first album, “Sinners Like Me,” was released in 2006. Church’s third album, “Chief,” launched him to superstardom in 2011, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, winning multiple album of the year awards and producing hit singles “Drink in My Hand” and “Springsteen.”

Read more about Church and watch a video of him answering questions from the Carolina community.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

Yes. Information will be available on the livestream page on the day of the ceremony.

When is doctoral hooding? What about departmental ceremonies?

Carolina will celebrate its graduates at Doctoral Hooding at 9 a.m. May 9 at the Dean E. Smith Center. The same clear bag policy will be in effect. More information, including parking, FAQs and livestream details, can be found on The Graduate School website.

Departmental ceremony information can be found on the Commencement website.

How can I learn more about the Class of 2026?

The Well has created a page with profiles of graduates, information about the class and more.