What to expect

The big day is almost here. Are you ready to graduate? Here's what to expect at the University Commencement ceremony. 

Arrive on time. 

Graduating students should arrive at 9:30 a.m. Make sure you review parking information and prohibited items. Regalia should be unzipped when you arrive.

Grab a pencil and name card.

When you arrive grab a pencil and name card to fill out. This is how your name will be read when you walk across the stage. The card will also be used to email you a commencement photograph. You'll have the option of purchasing the image through GradImages. 

Find your seat and head to the coliseum floor.

See where you'll be seated and head there when you arrive. There is no formal procession. You will be seated by college and not department or major.

Your college and college acronym can be found on HokieSpa. If you majored in two different colleges, please select only one for seating and to cross the stage with. You can't reserve seats so arrive with other graduates from your college you want to sit with. Graduates will not be allowed to congregate in the hallways to wait for others.

Gradutates who arrive late may be required to sit in overflow seating and not with their college.

Walk across the stage.

Bring your completed name card with you to the stage when your college is called. Each graduate's name will be called when they walk across the stage. Please pause on stage to have your photo taken.

You will not receive your diploma during the ceremony. It will be mailed.