How UNC Charlotte Streamlines Commencement with Tassel

When it comes to organizing graduation ceremonies, Joanne Kendrach at UNC Charlotte understands the complexity well. Her role requires precision, planning, and the right technology. That’s why she’s been an advocate for Tassel.

Name Pronunciation Made Easy

Joanne and her team use Tassel’s registration website primarily for the ability to allow graduates to record their names in advance of the ceremony. They encourage students to record their pronunciations ahead of time.

“I do like the fact that they can listen to how their name is going to be recorded…It’s very rare I get emails from students saying that their name was butchered.”

Making Ceremonies Smoother

On the day of the event, Joanne and her team rely on two features: printed name cards and Tassel’s stage‑crossing software. The name cards remove hours of manual work while assisting with accuracy, and come ready to go and delivered right to Charlotte’s doorstep.

These cards also play an important role in keeping graduates organized on the day of the ceremony. Joanne explains, “Undergraduates cross the stage by college, degree, major, last name, first name. An order number is printed on each name card to assist with lining up students.”

After the event, Joanne uses Tassel’s historical reporting to estimate attendance. By comparing past data on who applied for graduation versus who actually crossed the stage, she can better anticipate turnout for future ceremonies.

Partnerships That Matter

As a long‑time Tassel customer, Joanne has seen the platform evolve semester after semester. She not only relies on it to simplify her ceremonies but also plays an active role in sharing feedback that helps guide product improvements.

“I really feel that every semester the software and the services improve. I have recommended Tassel to other universities.”

We hope Joanne’s story is a testament to how thoughtful tools and true collaboration can turn a massive logistical effort into a smooth, memorable celebration.