Recognition Ceremony
Congratulations Spring 2026 Graduates!
Be sure to check this page regularly for updates!
University Commencement – May 8 at 10:00 am (Dowdy-Ficklen)
- The University Commencement Ceremony will be held on May 8 at 10:00 a.m. in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
- No tickets are required to attend
- Please see the commencement page for more information about the university ceremony.
- For questions, send an email to commencement@ecu.edu.
Departmental Recognition Ceremony – May 9 at 9:00 am (Wright Auditorium)
- The Departmental Recognition Ceremony will be held on May 9 at 9:00 a.m. in Wright Auditorium.
- Guest tickets are required (see more information below).
- Guests may access the theater starting at 8:30.
- Please monitor your ECU email for more updates as we get closer to the ceremony.
Guest Tickets for Departmental Ceremony
- Every person older than three years of age must have a guest ticket.
- Exception – any child three years of age and under must sit on the lap of another guest and will not have their own seat.
- Further information on ticketing will be provided closer to the event. Please check this page and your ECU email for updates.
Dowdy Student Store / Caps and Gowns
Undergraduate and Masters students can pick up their cap and gown beginning the first day of the Grad Fair on February 24, 2026 until graduation day on May 8, 2026. Be sure to contact the Dowdy Student Stores website or call (252) 328-6731 to confirm hours of operation.
For undergraduate students, you do not need to pay for the cap and gown as the cost was built into other student graduation fees.
For Master’s degree students, you do not need to pay for the cap and gown but will need to purchase your hood separately if you wish to participate in the ceremony. Dowdy Student Stores know which color hood goes with each specific degree.
Click here for more information about caps and gowns.
Guest Accommodations
Any guests requiring specific accommodations for the university ceremony should go to the commencement.ecu.edu website and click the purple button labeled “Accommodations.”
FAQ
What is the difference between the main university commencement ceremony and the departmental recognition ceremony?
The main university commencement ceremony is where degrees are conferred by the Chancellor; individual names are not read; the departmental ceremony is coordinated by the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology and names will be read at this event.
Does everyone need a ticket for the departmental Ceremony?
Yes, every person older than three years of age must have a guest ticket. Exception – any child under three years of age must sit on the lap of another guest and will not have their own seat.
Are extra guest tickets available?
Once the initial round of ticketing is over, we will send out a communication with information on extra ticket availability and how to claim them. Be sure and monitor your email for this update. Please do not contact the department regarding extra tickets until after this email has been sent.
What if I am a DE only student?
Your ticket allotment will be held at the department and available for pick up the day of the ceremony.
Are there accommodations for guests with ADA requirements?
Guests with DMV issued placards can park at any spot on campus designated for disability parking. Guests with ADA requirements are encouraged to arrive early, as designated parking near Hendrix may fill up quickly. For more information, please contact DSS at DSSdept@ecu.edu. If your guest needs additional accommodations, please contact the department at crimdept@ecu.edu.
When do I get my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed 10-12 weeks after graduation using the address provided in the graduation application submitted by the student. Click here to learn more.
How do I change the address for where my diploma should be mailed?
Graduation applications cannot be updated by a student once they are submitted. Contact the Registrar’s Office (regis@ecu.edu) for any updates that need to be made to the graduation application, including the address to where a diploma or certificate should be mailed.