Central Piedmont Community College honors the success of its graduates through multiple commencement ceremonies and celebrations. Learn how to apply to participate in the commencement ceremonies, find ceremony information and obtain a copy of your degree or diploma.
Next Destination Survey
All Central Piedmont Associate Degree and Diploma graduates are encouraged to complete the Next Destination Survey. This survey helps the college track how many students are finding employment when they graduate, as well as where they are transferring. Students who are still job hunting and complete the Next Destination Survey will benefit by contacted by Central Piedmont Career Services, which can connect graduates with job opportunities and other resources. Other graduates still have full access to Career Services Job Search Services by scheduling an appointment or attending drop-ins.
Commencement FAQs
- October 9, 2026: Last day for students to apply to have their name included in the printed program. *Please note you must apply by this date AND be found eligible to have your name included*
- November 9, 2026: Last day to order your cap and gown and pay standard shipping ($14.90)
- November 17, 2026: Last day to register for the Commencement Ceremony. *If you do not register by this date, you will not be permitted to participate in the December Commencement Ceremony*
- November 20, 2026: Last day to order caps and gowns for the Commencement Ceremony. You will be required to pay expedited shipping ($21.30)
Yes, students must register to attend the ceremony before the deadline. Only students who are found eligible for graduation will receive the registration email from Tassel. Applying for graduation and registering for the ceremony are two separate steps.
The ceremony is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Commencement will be held at Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, N.C.
Check-in starts 1 hour and 15 minutes before the ceremony at the main entrance of Bojangles Coliseum.
Only small non-clear bags (up to 4.5" x 6.5") and clear bags (up to 12" x 6" x 12") are allowed. Please tell your guests about this rule; read more about the bag policy (PDF).
No. Students cannot decorate their caps or wear anything except approved regalia. No props or messages are allowed.
No. We do not distribute caps and gowns at the ceremony.
Wear business professional or formal clothes. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Do not bring air horns, backpacks, balloons, banners, duffel bags, fanny packs, flowers, gifts, noise makers, packages, strollers, car seats, or outside food and drinks to this event.
Leave purses and other loose items with someone you trust. There are no lockers, and personal items are not allowed on the graduation floor.
If you bring your phone, make sure it is fully charged. There are no charging stations, and you cannot leave the lineup to charge your phone.
When you arrive and check-in for the ceremony, you will receive a card with your name on it. The card has a QR code that will be scanned as you walk across the stage and your name will be announced.
Yes. A professional photographer will take pictures as you cross the stage. You will get proofs and ordering details about two weeks after the ceremony. You can pre-register online now to receive your photos.
The ceremony lasts about two hours. Graduates must stay seated for the whole ceremony.
Tickets are not needed. Guest seating will begin one hour before the ceremony start time and is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no limit on the number of guests you can invite.
Please email the Graduation Office or call 704-330-2722 ext. 6312.
Graduation information
College degrees and diploma graduation
Commencement speaker application
Adult High School, GED® and HiSET® graduation
Reverse transfer
Gallery
During end-of-semester events and celebrations, the Central Piedmont media team captures memorable stills and video stories.
Featured information
