FAQs
When is commencement?
University Commencement will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025. The Graduate School (Ph.D.) ceremony will be Wednesday, May 14. Individual college ceremonies will be held Wednesday, May 14 through Saturday, May 17 and will be published soon.
Where will ceremonies take place?
Ceremonies will take place in one of four locations, Lane Stadium, Cassell Coliseum, Moss Arts Center, and Burruss Hall. See the schedule page for individual ceremony locations. Please note entry-points will be limited at locations. Lane Stadium will have Gates 2, 3, and 6 available.
Is this year's schedule different?
Yes, there are additional ceremonies and new locations to accommodate the growing number of graduates. University leadership and college and campus partners worked together on the new schedule to create the best experience for graduates and their families while also considering the number of ceremonies, locations, and traditions of each college.
All graduates will have an opportunity to walk across the stage with their college, and some ceremonies will be shorter.
The university-wide ceremony will not change, but the Graduate School ceremony will.
When will the master degree student ceremony be?
This year, students with the Graduate School who are achieving their master's degree or Graduate School certification will walk across the stage at their respective college ceremony and are invited to attend the University Ceremony on May 16 for degree conferral. The Graduate School ceremony will only recognize Ph. D. candidates and master's in interdisciplinary graduate education programs on Wednesday, May 14.
What can I expect during each ceremony?
Ceremonies are expected to last two hours unless otherwise noted on the schedule.
The University Commencement ceremony will include remarks from President Tim Sands, student speakers, and a keynote speaker.
Degrees will only be conferred at the university ceremony. Graduates will not walk across the stage or hear their name called at the University Commencement ceremony.
The Graduate School ceremony will only be for Ph. D. candidates and interdisciplinary graduate education programs. Hooding, walking across the stage, and degree conferral will take place during the ceremony.
College ceremonies will offer undergraduate and master's graduates a chance to hear their name called as they walk across the stage. Graduates will be able to fill out a card at the ceremony with the phonetic spelling of their name to be read as they walk across the stage. College of Engineering students will complete card information ahead of time as part of the registration process.
Graduates should arrive an hour before each ceremony. Graduates should arrive at Lane Stadium graduates through the tunnel between Gates 2 and 3. At Cassell Coliseum graduates will arrive through the Merryman Center entrance. Graduates should arrive at Burruss Hall Auditorium through the Pamplin Hall side of the tunnel.
How will I know which ceremony my major will be recognized?
Most colleges with several ceremonies have included on the schedule which majors/departments will be recognized. Please check with the college if you do not see your major/department listed. Graduates are asked to check the schedule or with their college closer to ceremony date to verify majors/departments have not changed.
Do I have to attend the ceremony my major/department is listed under or can I pick any of the ceremonies for my college?
To provide the best experience, graduates should attend the ceremony their major/department is listed. If you are unable to attend the assigned ceremony, please work directly with the college to see if arrangements can be made to attend another one of the college’s ceremonies.
What will happen if there is inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, the university will communicate any decisions through email, the commencement page, the university homepage, the Hokie Ready App, and on official social media channels.
If inclement weather affects the University Commencement ceremony a decision will be made that will provide the safest option to guests and graduates. No indoor facility on campus can accommodate the graduating class and 40,000+ guests. Every reasonable effort will be made to hold commencement as planned.
If the ceremony is underway, but is interrupted by severe weather, graduates and guests should follow the instructions as announced.
If it is raining or rain is in the forecast, graduates and guests should come prepared with appropriate rain gear. Ponchos, raincoats, umbrellas, and something to cover wet bleachers are advised for guests. Umbrellas are permitted in Lane Stadium stands, but their use during the ceremony is discouraged. Graduates are advised to have ponchos or raincoats as umbrellas are not permitted on the field. Ponchos will be available for students if necessary.
Individual college ceremony inclement weather plans will be announced later in the spring.
Do friends and family need tickets to attend commencement?
Ceremonies in the Moss Arts Center will require tickets. The Virginia- Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine DVM and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine bachelor's of science in public health and master's ceremonies will be held in the Moss. Colleges will work directly with their graduates on ticketing for ceremonies.
Each College of Engineering ceremony asks graduates to limit guests to no more than 10 per graduate to accommodate all graduates and guests at the ceremonies.
At this time tickets are not required and there is no limit on guests for the University Commencement.
If you have guests from out of the country who needs an invitation letter for a U.S. visa, please visit the Academic Records Verification section on Registrar's Office website for the Graduation Invitation Letter (International Guests) process. For additional information please contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@vt.edu or 540-231-6252.
Will the clear bag policy be in effect for commencement?
Yes, the clear bag policy will be in effect at all locations. Attendees are permitted to bring one clear plastic bag no larger than 12'' x 6" x 12" or a one-gallon, clear, re-sealable plastic storage bag per person. Walk-though metal detectors will be utilized at all entrances.
Flowers are allowed.
No wrapped presents or other bags will be allowed inside, including gift bags. All items, including clear bags, are subject to search at all commencement venues. No items can be left or stored at the doors/gates.
A list of prohibited items can be found online
Will there be metal detectors at the events?
As part of Virginia Tech’s commitment to promoting the safety of and providing a secure environment for all attendees, walk-through metal detectors will be implemented at all graduation and commencement ceremonies. This is a common practice at many major event venues across the country, and the selected Virginia Tech partner works with major sporting events throughout the year. Attendees are asked to follow the guidance provided from security screening personnel.
Touchless, walk-through metal detectors will be used. Attendees will proceed through metal detectors prior to entering the venue. Entrants will not need to remove items such as belts, cell phones, coins, jackets, jewelry, watches, wallets, shoes or other small objects. Please proceed through the detectors at a normal pace.
If additional screening is necessary, security staff will ask the individual to proceed to a secondary screening area, where they will be asked to divest themselves of certain items and pass through again until clear. Those who have prohibited items will have to dispose of them or return those items to their cars before entering the facility.
Are there other security checks?
All persons entering the venue may be subject to search prior to entering, consistent with the law.
Will there be RV parking?
There will be RV parking in the Student Remote Lot. Permits are required and available now for purchase online. Additional information on RV Parking, and how to purchase a permit, can be found online.
Where is parking for ceremonies in Moss?
The North End Parking Garage will be available for guests to park in at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. Guests should use the level 3 entrance off of Turner Street. More parking information, including a map of parking options can be found online.
Where is parking for ceremonies in Burruss?
The Perry Street Garage will be available for guests to park on Saturday at no cost. Due to construction, vehicles must enter the garage off of Prices Fork Road.
More parking information, including a map of parking options can be found online.
Where is parking for ceremonies in Cassell?
The same lots available for Lane Stadium ceremonies will be available for ceremonies in Cassell Coliseum. Lots 2, 3, 4, 5. Lot 1 after Thursday. More parking information, including a map of parking options can be found online.
Is there shuttle service or other transportation to commencement?
There is no shuttle service available for commencement at this time, but Blacksburg Transit will be operating. For more information visit the BT website.
Can I bring in food? Will concessions be available?
Guests may only bring in a factory sealed bottle of water. Concessions will be available only at Lane Stadium or Cassell Coliseum, but payment will be credit card only, no cash.
Graduates are highly encouraged to bring in a factory sealed bottle of water. There is no concession access for graduates.
Where can I meet my graduate or family after the ceremony?
Graduates and guests are asked to exit promptly after each ceremony in order for the staff to clean up and prepare for the next ceremony. Guests will not be allowed into graduate area at all locations. Graduates are required to exit through the same entrance they used in arrive. At Lane Stadium graduates will arrive through the tunnel between Gates 2 and 3. At Cassell Coliseum graduates will arrive at the Merryman Center entrance.
It is advised that graduates prearrange a meeting place with family and guests to meet up outside of Lane Stadium, Cassell Coliseum, and Burruss Hall away from entrances. Graduates and guests are asked not to block roadways and not block others from arriving for the next ceremony.
Will the commencement ceremonies be live streamed?
Yes, all ceremonies will be livestreamed. Visit the Virginia Tech home page or commencement.vt.edu/watch to view the ceremonies.
I need an accommodation and/or someone in my family will require a special accommodation, who should I contact?
Requests for accommodations for guests attending the Graduate School or the University Commencement ceremonies must be made to the Office of Equity and Accessibility at least two weeks before the ceremony. If a family needs a parking pass for those needing help, the student must go to the Service for Disability office at Lavery Hall suite 310 or call (540) 231-3788.
For additional information concerning accessibility and disability accommodations, contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
ADA parking will be available in the Stadium Lot 2 reserved ADA section for all ceremonies in Lane. ADA parking will be available in the Coliseum Lot 1 reserved ADA section for all ceremonies in Cassell. An ADA placard or parking pass from the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities is required to park in this section. For questions about ADA parking call (540) 231-2010.
How do I prepare for commencement?
- Apply for your degree via Hokie Spa.
- Update your mailing address so your diploma is shipped to the right location.
- Use #HokieGrad to share your photos and be included in the ceremony.
- Order your cap and gown at Grad Fair or online.
What should graduates wear to commencement?
Graduates must wear a cap and gown to participate in any ceremony. Regalia can be purchased online. Please place your order prior to Feb. 23 to received your cap and gown package in approximately three to four weeks.
Graduates will be invited to the Volume Two Bookstore on a March 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for an in-person opportunity to meet with a Herff Jones representative, order your class ring with Balfour, and show your Hokie Spirit by making your Senior Class Gift of $5 or more.
For questions, contact the University Bookstore at: 540-231-5991 or virginiatech@bkstr.com.
How do I get my cords?
Cord distribution is managed by the organization that has implemented a specific cord. For questions about particular cords, please reach out to the sponsoring organization.
How do I purchase honor sashes?
Honor sashes for those who qualify will be available for purchase at University Bookstore, Volume 2 Bookstore, or online at hokieshop.com.
What is included on graduation announcements?
Students choose what they want to include in announcements. Announcements can be purchased online. A list of degrees are available online.
I want to frame my diploma, what size is it?
Effective spring 2024 all Virginia Tech (undergraduate and graduate) diplomas are 13.5” x 15.5”.
How can I get the photo of me walking across the stage?
GradImages will be at each college ceremony. GradImages take photos on the stage and a head shot off stage and will email graduates who provided an email address to purchase photos.
Only the photos taken by GradImages will be sent to students.
If you have any questions regarding these photos, contact GradImages at gradimages.com and or (800) 261-2576 or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
How can I share my commencement photos?
Use #HokieGrad in your social posts. We'll be sharing photos before the university ceremony.
I’ve purchased my cap and gown, but I’d like to return them. How does that process work?
Caps and gowns can be returned minus the cost of shipping. Packages must be sealed, and they must be returned prior to graduation.
If you purchased a cap and gown online for pickup, please contact the bookstore to process your return. You can email 2130mgr@follett.com to request a refund for any online orders.
Customers with specific questions may contact the bookstore by phone, email, or send a message directly from the return policy page. The University Bookstore can be reached at (540) 231-5991 or email 2130mgr@follett.com. The address to ship returns is 115 Kent St., Blacksburg, VA 24061.
How will I get my diploma?
All undergraduate and Graduate School diplomas will be mailed to graduating students as soon as possible. Diplomas will no longer be available for pick-up in person. If your diploma mailing address is a Blacksburg residence, please email diploma@vt.edu to confirm this. Without confirmation your diploma will not be ordered. Diplomas will only be ordered if a diploma mailing address has been provided. Please update your diploma mailing address by following these instructions:
- Log into HokieSpa: http://hokiespa.vt.edu
- Go to the HokieSpa Tab
- Click the Graduation Menu
- Select Undergraduate (or Graduate) Student Degree Menu
- Click Add/Update Diploma Address
- Click Add/Update
Students living in the United States will receive their diploma within two weeks once the email with tracking information is issued. Students living outside the United States should allow up to eight weeks for international shipments.
Certified Electronic Diplomas (CeDiploma) may be available prior to receiving your printed diploma. You will be notified via email when your CeDiploma is available to order with instructions on how to order it.
If you need verification immediately following graduation, you may request a certified letter or order your official transcripts through HokieSpa.
For undergraduate students with questions about the diploma mailing process, please contact Rebecca Jones at beccaj@vt.edu.
For Graduate School students with questions about the diploma mailing process, please contact Graduate Admissions and Academic Progress at grads@vt.edu.
What local lodging options are available for commencement?
For spring commencement, residence halls reservations are currently full with a waitlist available through Residential Experience for families and guests of graduates.
Guests can also find a directory of lodging options in the area online. For more information please contact the Montgomery County Regional Tourism office at info@GotoMontVA.com.
Residence halls and lodgings fill up quickly and are not monitored by this site. Please contact individual lodgings for availability.
What are the future dates of commencement?
The University Commencement ceremony is scheduled for Friday mornings. The tentative dates for future University Commencement ceremonies are as follows:
- Fall 2024: Friday, Dec. 20, 2024
- Spring 2025: Friday, May 16, 2025
- Fall 2025: Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
Don't see the answer to your question here? Please reach out to the Office of Special Events at SpecialEventsOffice@vt.edu or 540-231-5027.