FAQ
Cap and Gown
Is there a fee for the cap and gown?
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.
Stoles can also be purchased through Dowdy Student Stores. More information is available at https://commencement.ecu.edu/cap-and-gown/#expenses
What information is needed to get my cap and gown?
Your height and weight will be needed to help you determine which size gown you would need. You can find the sizing charts at https://commencement.ecu.edu/cap-and-gown/
When can I pick up my cap and gown?
You can pick up your cap and gown beginning the first day of Grad Expo until the day of Commencement.
Spring 2026 Grad Expo
- February 24-25 from 10 am to 6 pm
- February 26 from 10 am to 2 pm
Where will I pick up my cap and gown?
Pick up your cap and gown at Dowdy Student Stores in the Main Campus Student Center.
Distance education students are welcome to pick up in person or have them shipped. If you choose to have them shipped, the order form is available at https://commencement.ecu.edu/cap-and-gown/.
Do I get honor cords?
Undergraduate students qualifying for an honor cord may purchase one for an additional fee. The Registrar’s Office will send an email to students who will potentially earn a degree with distinction.
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.90-4.00 GPA
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.60-3.89 GPA
- Cum Laude: 3.50-3.59 GPA
More information is available at https://registrar.ecu.edu/university-degrees-with-distinction-honors/.
Ceremony Information
Is it required that I attend a graduation ceremony?
No. It is not required that you attend a graduation ceremony to have your degree conferred or receive your diploma.
What is the difference between the University Commencement and the COB Graduate Recognition Ceremony?
University Commencement is ECU’s official graduation ceremony. It is open to all majors. During this ceremony the Chancellor will speak, along with a chosen Keynote speaker. Then each college will be recognized by their respective Dean. Individual students are not recognized at this ceremony. Tickets are not required for this ceremony.
The COB Graduate Recognition Ceremony is our college specific ceremony and is a more formal and intimate ceremony. Students are recognized by names and walk across the stage! Tickets are required for this ceremony and may be limited based on the location of the ceremony.
What ceremony do I attend if I’m finishing in the summer?
There is not a graduation ceremony in the summer, so students are able to choose whether they would like to participate in the May or December graduation ceremony. Please make sure you RSVP to the ceremony that you plan to attend, so you can be accounted for.
Will the COB Graduate Recognition Ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes. We will livestream our ceremonies and will send the link via email the week of the ceremony.
Who is allowed to attend the ceremony?
Anyone who has a ticket is allowed to attend the COB Graduate Recognition Ceremony. Children are welcome and those under the age of 3 do not need a ticket.
What if myself or one of my guests needs ADA Accommodations for the Graduate Recognition Ceremony?
We are happy to accommodate all these requests! Please email DSSDEPT@ECU.EDU and our teams will work together to find the best solution.
Tickets
How much do tickets cost?
Graduation tickets are free!
I’m an on-campus student. How do I get my tickets?
There will be specific dates for ticket pick-up that will be shared via email. Students will be able to pick up tickets at the Central Ticket Office in the Main Campus Student Center. Only students who have completed the graduation application and RSVP will be able to pick up tickets.
I’m a DE (Online) student. How do I get my tickets?
Distance Education students who RSVP to a ceremony will receive their tickets electronically after the specified date to be shared via email. Tickets will be sent only to those who have RSVP’d. Once received, tickets may be printed at home or displayed on a mobile device for entry into the ceremony.
What if I need more tickets than the initial allotment?
There will be an extra ticket request form you can complete. Extra tickets are not guaranteed. Once on-campus student ticket pickup ends, the remainder of tickets will be divided among those who requested extra tickets. Extra tickets will be available for pick up on the day of the ceremony at the Will Call table.
Diploma
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed out about 4-6 weeks after all degree requirements are completed. If you have a hold on your account, your diploma will not be mailed. You can find more information about diplomas at https://registrar.ecu.edu/diplomas/.
Where will my diploma be mailed?
Your diploma is sent to the address you listed on your graduation application. If you need to change/update your address, please email the Registrar’s Office at REGIS@ECU.EDU