What to expect: fall commencement

Here's a look at what to expect for graduates and their families at fall commencement. A complete list of frequently asked questions can be found online. If you have additional questions, please contact the Office of Special Events at 540-231-5027 or SpecialEventsOffice@vt.edu.

The basics

• When: Fall commencement is Friday, Dec. 19, in Cassell Coliseum. The undergraduate ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. and doors open at 9:30. The Graduate School ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. and doors open at 1:30.
• The format: There are only two ceremonies for the fall commencement. Tickets are not required and there is no limit on the number of guests.  
• Watch: All ceremonies are livestreamed. Tune in.  
• Share: Use #HokieGrad in your social posts.

What students need to do before commencement

• Log into HokieSpa.
  • Go to the HokieSpa Tab
  • Click the Graduation Menu
  • Select Undergraduate (or Graduate) Student Degree Menu
  • Click Add/Update Diploma Address
  • Click Add/Update
     
• Order cap and gown. 
  • For questions, contact the University Bookstore at 540-231-5991 or virginiatech@bkstr.com.
  • Honor sashes for those who qualify are available for purchase in person at the on-campus bookstore. The bookstore has a list of qualified students.
  • Cords, sashes, and stoles are acquired through individual departments, colleges, and organizations. For questions about particular cords, please reach out to the sponsoring organization.
  • Diploma frames can be ordered online with your cap and gown or at the bookstores. All diplomas are 13.5” x 15.5”.
  • Regalia is required for the ceremony and not available to rent. Students can borrow Virginia Tech regalia from elsewhere.

Day-of details

• When to arrive and where to go: Graduates should arrive one hour early and enter the lower tunnel entrance from Beamer Way. Signs will be displayed. Graduates should arrive in their cap and gown and go through the security check. 
• What to bring: The clear bag policy is in effect. A complete list of allowed and prohibited items can be found online. Graduates should bring a bottle of unopened water and cell phone. 
• The format: During the undergraduate ceremony, graduates will line up by college to have their name called and walk across the stage. The fall Graduate School ceremony includes Graduate School certification, master’s, master's in interdisciplinary graduate education programs, and Ph. D. candidates. 
• Photos: GradImages takes photos on and off stage and will email graduates who provided an email address to purchase photos.
• Concessions: There will be limited concessions open for ceremonies. 
• Animals: Pets are not allowed into any of the campus venues. Service animals are permitted. They must have a service animal vest and paperwork indicating they are a certified service animal. 
• ADA Accommodations: Requests for disability accommodations for student participants must be made to the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at ssd@vt.edu or call 540-231-3788 or TTY 711 at least 10 business days in advance of the ceremony date. Complete ADA information can be found online.