While these two terms are often used synonymously, there is one key difference: Commencement is the ceremony to celebrate a graduation, but graduation is the actual awarding of the degree.

As you enter your final term in the MPA Program, the Director of Academic Advising and Student Life will invite you to apply for graduation in ConnectCarolina. At the end of your final term, all graduation requirements will be checked, and proper paperwork will be filed with the UNC Graduate School to award the MPA. Depending upon when final grades are posted, some of this paperwork may be filed after the actual Commencement ceremony.

Once the UNC Graduate School has approved the degree, it will be awarded by the Office of the University Registrar. At this point, degree certifications and final transcripts may be ordered. Diplomas will be distributed per the OUR policy. Graduates will keep access to UNC accounts, including Heelmail and ConnectCarolina, for 180 days following graduation.

The on-campus format typically has students complete their degree requirements in the spring and participate in the full Spring School of Government Commencement in May.

The online format has students completing their degree requirements and degrees conferred in all three terms; fall, spring, and summer. For students that complete their degree in the summer or fall, the MPA Program Office hosts a Winter School of Government Commencement Brunch Reception to honor and celebrate those graduates. These graduates are also invited back to participate in the full Spring School of Government Graduation Commencement Ceremony.

Dates for each event will be sent to graduates via email, and may also be found on the Events Calendar here on the MPA Intranet.

For students that complete the degree requirements in the summer and fall, the School of Government will host a winter commencement reception on the Saturday before the university-wide commencement. In addition, graduating students are also invited to attend the university-wide Winter Commencement program.  Further details will be communicated to graduates each term. Details regarding the university-wide commencement programs can be found here.

Please Note:  The formal School of Government Commencement Ceremony is held each spring, and all students that complete the degree requirements in the summer, fall, and spring term are invited to this ceremony detailed below.

School of Government Department Commencement Ceremony and Reception

The MPA Program hosts a Commencement ceremony each May in the Auditorium of the Carolina Student Union.  All graduates from that spring, as well as the previous summer and fall, are invited each spring. Graduates cross the stage in caps & gowns in this traditional graduation ceremony with lunch to follow at the School of Government.

University Commencement Ceremony

The university joins together each May for a large commencement celebration in Kenan Stadium. All graduates are invited to participate in this celebration where graduates are recognized by the college.

The Chapel Hill Visitors and Convention Bureau is the best source for hotel information, maps, and other travel logistics. Early reservations are recommended.

Regalia is worn at all university commencement exercises as well as the MPA commencement ceremony in May. Business attire is worn at the Winter commencement brunch.

MPA regalia consists of a black cap with peacock blue tassel, black master’s gown, and peacock blue hood. The peacock blue color represents the discipline of public administration. Graduation candidates can purchase regalia at UNC Student Stores and order online through Oak Hill. The MPA Program also has a small number of caps, gowns, and hoods left by previous graduates available to lend. Graduates are also invited to leave their regalia with the Program following commencement if they would like to add to the regalia closet for future graduates.

UNC diploma frames are available at UNC Student Stores. Their vendor, Church Hill Classics, also offers School of Government-specific frames on their website.

Students, alumni, and friends can purchase MPA -branded merchandise via our online dropship store. “Class of” items are included as options!