Commencement Guests
All of the Commencement Ceremonies will be held at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 2825 University Pkwy., Winston-Salem, NC.
Guest parking will be available in the Pepsi parking lots. This lot is easily accessible from the University Parkway side of the Annex. ADA and handicapped parking will be in the Diet Pepsi lot, accessible from the Deacon Boulevard side of the Annex.
Disability Accommodations
- A limited number of wheelchairs will be available for free check-out with valid identification.
- There will be an interpreter on stage for the hearing impaired. The interpreter will be visible on the large screens.
Venue Access
Winston-Salem State University will employ certain regulations and procedures to promote and ensure a safe and positive experience for all. Please note the information below regarding admission to the venue.
- Seating access will begin one hours before the ceremony begins. Concessions will be available for refreshments. Commencement will begin promptly at 8:45 a.m.
- All guests are subject to security screenings conducted by contracted personnel in order to detect and remove prohibited items from the venue.
- Guests with prohibited items will be allowed to return these items to their vehicles. Any items left at any entrance to the Coliseum will be discarded by location personnel. (See complete list of prohibited items.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduation is when all degree requirements have been satisfied and a student’s degree is conferred. There are three graduations annually (during the summer, fall, and spring). However, commencement is the actual ceremony to celebrate and recognize all of the graduates from the summer, fall, and spring semesters.
To be eligible to graduate, a student must satisfy all degree requirements for their major and/or minor during the summer or fall semester.
The Honors designation in the commencement program book will be based on the cumulative GPA earned through the previous semester. If it is determined that you will graduate with honors, you will be notified via email.
Tickets are not required for commencement. While tickets are not required, registration was required during the graduation application process for all graduates who plan to participate in the commencement ceremony.
There is no mandatory dress code. Traditionally, dress shirts, slacks, skirts, or dresses are worn under the regalia.
Information on lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment is available at Visit Winston-Salem, NC.
| Hotel | Reservation Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Fairfield Inn Downtown Winston-Salem | 336-714-2800 |
| The Historic Brookstown Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham | 336-701-3904 |
| Courtyard Marriott Downtown | 336-917-3038 |
| Courtyard Marriott Hanes Mall | 336-970-4080 |
| DoubleTree by Hilton- University | 336-767-9595 |
| Hampton Inn &Suites Winston-Salem Downtown | 336-276-1010 |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton Winston-Salem | 336-724-2300 |
| Fairfield Inn Hanes Mall | 336-714-3000 |
| Hampton Inn Hanes Mall | 336-760-1660 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Winston-Salem/University Area | 336-377-3000 |