Graduation Services

Learn how to apply to graduate from Central Piedmont. Find Central Piedmont graduation ceremony information.

Central Piedmont now has two commencement ceremonies a year, held in the spring and the fall.

2026 Graduation Information

To participate, you need to apply to graduate using the instructions in the "Apply to Graduate" section on this page. Keep checking your student email and this page for details.

Getting Your Diploma

Follow this link to order your degree or diploma. Orders are submitted once a month. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing and 2-3 weeks to receive your hard copy in the mail.
Which ceremony will you participate in?

Central Piedmont hosts two graduation ceremonies per year - one in May and one in December. If you are a spring graduate, you will participate in the May ceremony. If you are a summer or fall graduate, you will participate in the December ceremony. We no longer allow summer students to participate in the May ceremony regardless of how many courses they have to finish in the summer semester. If you are graduating in summer, you will be invited to participate in the December ceremony. If you are unable to attend your designated ceremony, Central Piedmont will allow you to participate in the next graduation ceremony. For example, if you are a spring graduate and you are unable to attend the May ceremony or miss the registration date, you have the option to participate in the following December ceremony. You will be responsible for reaching out to the Graduation Department to be added to the next ceremony.
Important Deadlines
- March 6, 2026 - Commencement speaker applications are due by 5 p.m. EST.
- March 16, 2026 - Last day for students to apply to be included in the May Commencement Ceremony printed program.
  - Important note: Students must apply and be found eligible for graduation before or by this date in order for their names to be included in the printed program.
- April 18, 2026 - Last day to register for the May Commencement Ceremony. You will receive an email through the Tassel website. Registration emails will come from noreply@tassel.com.
  - Important note: You must be found eligible for graduation in order to receive a registration email.
  - If you do not receive a registration email and believe you are eligible for graduation, please contact your advisor or email the Graduation Office.
- April 29, 2026 - The Graduation Fair will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the second floor lobby of Central High on Central Campus. This will be your first chance to pick up your cap and gown for the Graduation Ceremony.
  - Location: 1141 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
  - If you are not able to pick up your cap and gown at the Graduation Fair, they will be available at the Graduation Office through Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during normal business hours.
- May 14, 2026 - Commencement Ceremony at Bojangles Coliseum. Start times are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and check-in will begin an hour and fifteen minutes before the ceremony start time.