Despite the large number of relatives flocking to campus this weekend for UNC’s graduation festivities, Chapel Hill police chief Chris Blue doesn’t expect too much trouble.

“I’m knocking on wood,” Blue said. “We found graduation weekend the last few years to be a beautiful weekend in Chapel Hill. Lots of people in town, but one where people are safe and celebratory.”

Blue said he expects much of the same this year.

Chapel Hill Police, partnering with UNC’s Department of Public Safety, is increasing patrols so its officers will be more visible as people arrive.

“We collaborate on highly visible, joint patrols so folks who are coming for this big weekend see us,” Blue said. “They feel safer.”

In recent years, Chapel Hill has spent bond money on improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities, making weekends like these easier.

“We’re making progress,” Blue said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but weekends like this put the system to the test.”

UNC will host a number of graduation ceremonies throughout the weekend. Its largest such celebration will be the commencement ceremony.

Commencement begins Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at Kenan Stadium.

The keynote speaker will be Anne-Marie Slaughter.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Field Hockey Beats App State and Liberty in First Home Games of 2025
Carolina opened its 2025 home season at Karen Shelton Stadium with wins against Appalachian State and Liberty during the weekend. On Friday against the Mountaineers, No. 2 UNC took the lead inside of a minute and led 2-0 after the first quarter thanks to goals from Ryleigh Heck and Charly Bruder. Bruder struck again in […]
UNC Football Dominates in All Phases, Crushes Richmond at Kenan Stadium
A pair of receiving touchdowns from Jordan Shipp and a 61-yard fumble return touchdown by linebacker Mikai Gbayor helped Carolina cruise past visiting Richmond 41-6 at Kenan Stadium Saturday. It’s UNC’s second straight win and first at home this season. 🗣 HEELS WIN#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/cdhHvjCiLn — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 13, 2025 “It was […]
Second-Half Goal Helps UNC Men's Soccer Tie No. 4 Wake Forest at Dorrance Field
A concerted offensive effort in the second half helped UNC rally from an early deficit and earn a 1-1 draw with No. 4 Wake Forest at Dorrance Field Friday night. We finish all square 🐏 Heels put the pressure on in the 2nd half but couldn’t find the winner. #GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/H6JstshkMP — UNC […]
Chansky's Notebook: We'll See Saturday
Charlotte and Richmond are supposed to be warm-up games for the true test to show how far Bill Belichick's patchwork UNC team has come.
UNC Football Wary of Richmond QB Kyle Wickersham: 'Kind of Like Ben Roethlisberger'
Richmond quarterback Kyle Wickersham likely will not read this piece. But if he does, he’ll know that among his admirers is none other than Bill Belichick. The UNC head coach spoke highly of the Spiders’ veteran signal-caller this week, comparing Wickersham’s 6-foot-4, 260-pound frame to a future NFL Hall of Famer. “He’s kind […]
Late Goal Helps UNC Women's Soccer Win ACC Opener at Virginia Tech
Olivia Thomas scored a tiebreaking goal in the 87th minute to help UNC escape with a 2-1 victory at Virginia Tech in the ACC opener Thursday night in Blacksburg. Gritty win to open ACC play💪#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/K3bgsVDPNh — UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) September 12, 2025 Thomas’ strike capped off a late flurry of scoring […]
Chansky's Notebook: The New Big
UNC's brand landed Arizona's Henri Veesaar out of the transfer portal, with a little help from a former Tar Heel star.
UNC Football vs. Richmond (2025): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff Time
UNC will return home to Kenan Stadium to host FCS opponent Richmond Saturday afternoon. The Tar Heels are seeking their first home win of the season and second straight overall. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the radio […]
2025 UNC Football Opponent Preview: Richmond
UNC will host the Richmond Spiders out of the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) Saturday afternoon at Kenan Stadium. Carolina has played plenty of FCS opponents over the years, but this will be the first matchup between the Tar Heels and Spiders since 1978. Richmond is 1-1 this season, having lost to Lehigh in its opening […]
Chansky's Notebook: Growing Teams
If the UNC coaches and players continue to gel, they could win any of their remaining seven games against non-Clemson ACC foes.
›