Keys to a Successful Commencement Day
Coastal Carolina University is preparing for the Spring 2020 Commencement Weekend, which will be held on Friday, May 8, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The event will bring approximately 7,000 people to campus, so guests are encouraged to plan their visit early. Here are a few key points for graduates, families, and guests to help ensure a successful commencement day!
Know which ceremony to attend
The Spring 2020 commencement ceremonies will be held inside the HTC Student Recreation and Convocation Center at the following dates and times.
Friday, May 8, 2020, at 2 p.m.
Doors open to the public at 1 p.m. and degree candidates must be lined up no later than 1 p.m.
- Gupta College of Science - Bronze
- Computer Science, B.S.
- Exercise Science, B.S.
- Health Administration, B.S.
- Information Systems, B.S.
- Information Technology, B.S.
- Mathematics, Applied, B.S.
- Nursing, B.S.N.
- Publich Health, B.S.
- Recreation and Sports Management, B.S.
- Information Systems Technology, M.S.
- Sport Management, M.S.
Friday, May 8, 2020, at 6 p.m.
Doors open to the public at 5 p.m. and degree candidates must be lined up no later than 5 p.m.
- Gupta College of Science - Teal
- Biochemistry, B.S.
- Biology, B.S.
- Chemistry, B.S.
- Marine Science, B.S.
- Physics, Applied, B.S.
- Psychology, B.S.
- Sociology, B.A.
- Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies, M.S.
- Marine Science: Coastal and Marine Systems Science, Ph.D.
Saturday, May 9, 2020, at 9 a.m.
Doors open to the public at 8 a.m. and degree candidates must be lined up no later than 8 a.m.
- E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration
- Spadoni College of Education
Saturday, May 9, 2020, at 1 p.m.
Doors open to the public at noon and degree candidates must be lined up no later than noon.
- Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts
- HTC Honors College and Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
Don’t know the college your student’s major falls under? No worries, visit the Majors by College page to view all the majors under each college at Coastal Carolina University. Majors by College »
Plan/Book your May stay
Arrange accommodations well in advance. You can check out a list of local accommodations. According to The Weather Channel, the average high temperature in Conway, SC in May is 81 degrees, while the average low is 62 degrees. Make sure to pack appropriately for your ceremony and stay! Accommodations »
Everything you need to know about tickets
Tickets will be available to claim on Tuesday, April 7, at 9 a.m. EDT. Only the graduate is capable of claiming tickets. Tickets should be distributed to guests before arriving at the HTC Center on commencement day.
Claim Tickets »
Arrange a place to meet after the ceremony
Graduates aren’t allowed to bring purses, bags, or any personal items with them, so a designated meeting location, outside of the HTC Center, should be set before the ceremony begins to ensure a stress-free departure. Please note that graduates will exit from the same location they enter, Gate 3.
Graduates – Know where to go
Degree candidates should be lined up no later than one hour prior to the start of their ceremony, and should enter at Gate 3. If you’re not familiar with the Gate 3 location, it is the entrance closest to the following residence halls: Teal, Pat Singleton-Young, Chanticleer, and Tradition Hall. Please arrive dressed in your regalia.
Shuttles and Shuttle Zones
Campus traffic will be heavy and we urge guests to use the complimentary shuttle service. There are two general parking shuttle zones, Teal and Bronze. It is important to remember where you have parked your vehicle, as shuttles will only go to their designated zones. There will be signage throughout general parking areas and shuttles will have their designated zone clearly displayed on their screens to help ease the parking and shuttle process.
Guests - Be prepared for bag checks
Guest entrances into the HTC Center will be at Gate 1 and 2, and both entrances will have public safety officers conducting bag checks. All bags will be subject to search. To ensure a quick and easy search refrain from bringing the following items: alcohol; drugs; flags, signs or banners larger than 12” x 18”; outside food or beverages; mace or pepper spray; glitter or confetti; laser or pointer lights; balloons or any type of inflatables; noisemakers; or masks of any kind. Commencement Public Safety Policy »
Be Sure to Capture the Moment
As a graduating student, you are celebrating the successful conclusion of earning your degree and officially becoming alumni of Coastal Carolina University. Remember this big day by capturing the celebration with friends and family members at iconic locations around campus. View Chauncey's Top Choices »