Dr. Atul Gawande, a celebrated surgeon and best-selling author, and Tim Beatley, a pioneering researcher in the field of “green urbanism” and sustainability, will speak during UNC-Chapel Hill’s Commencement weekend. More than 5,900 Carolina students will receive their degrees.
The main University ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday in Kenan Stadium. No tickets are needed and the ceremony is open to the public.
UNC Chancellor Carol L. Folt will preside over her first spring Commencement in Chapel Hill. Six distinguished individuals will receive honorary degrees, including Gawande, who will deliver the main address. A live webstream of the event is scheduled.
- See the Commencement website for complete information about the event.
Graduates and guests are encouraged to park on the south side of campus accessed by Manning Drive off Fordham Boulevard and Columbia Street or Mason Farm Road. Shuttles are available from almost all south side lots. Shuttle buses also will run from the Friday Center and University Mall to Kenan Stadium for the Sunday ceremonies.
- See a map of parking areas, shuttle information and accessibility services.
If showers are forecast, attendees should come prepared for wet conditions in the stadium. Umbrellas will be permitted, but guests should use caution when opening umbrellas and be mindful of those seated around them. If it rains, the ceremony will be shortened, but not relocated. If severe weather threatens and attendees’ safety is at risk, the ceremony will be canceled because there is no alternative site large enough to accommodate the expected 30,000 attendees.
The Doctoral Hooding Ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Dean E. Smith Center. No tickets are needed for the ceremony. A live webstream will broadcast the ceremony.
Beatley will be the keynote speaker for the doctoral hooding ceremony. He is the Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning at the University of Virginia. He earned a doctorate in city and regional planning and a master’s degree in political science from UNC-Chapel Hill.
More information:
- For graduates (includes entry policies and a stadium map)
- For parents
- For faculty
Published May 6, 2014.