Are you Graduating in May 2025?

Updated: December 2024

Congratulations Graduates! 

We look forward to celebrating with you in a few short weeks. As you prepare for Commencement, please note the following important information.

» Tickets for Baccalaureate, Commencement and Commencement weekend meals must be reserved online in advance. Information about ticket registration will be sent to all eligible graduates in March 2025.

» You will wear your cap and gown to both Baccalaureate and Commencement. If you have not ordered your regalia, contact Herff Jones to discuss expedited shipping. For undergraduates who do not place an advance order, the Taylor Hall Bookstore will place a bulk order in a range of sizes, but the correct size is not guaranteed to be available at pickup. More regalia guidelines are available here.

» A clear bag policy will be in place for all Commencement weekend events. Not bringing a bag will expedite your entrance into Commencement events. If you plan to bring a bag, please allow time for bag checks as you travel to campus for Commencement weekend events.

» Magnetometers: All guests will need to pass through metal detectors and/or be wanded. Graduates will also be wanded.

» Please note the list of prohibited items.

» On Monday morning for University Commencement, name and lineup cards will be distributed under the white tent in the center of Manchester (“Mag”) Quad. You should pick up your card and start lining up no later than 8:00 AM.  The entrances to campus are busy on Commencement Day, so leave for campus early enough to obtain your name card and know your line-up location no later than 8:00 AM. You MUST be dressed in your cap and gown to participate. Given the procession route (going upstairs and across grass), we do not recommend high heels.

During line up for the graduates, students will be asked to unzip their robes to be checked for security. Faculty marshals will instruct students to zip up their robes before the Processional begins. Please be sure to zip up.

» Students cannot leave any items (e.g., clothing, shoes, keys, etc.) at lineup. Any of those items will be collected and sent to Lost and Found with University Police after Commencement has concluded. Note: the timing of moving those items is likely to be 1-2 hours after the ceremony ends, as we typically find items as we begin the cleaning process.

» When planning your route, please note that traffic at the Polo Entrance to Campus will be restricted to university-sponsored shuttles and buses from satellite parking locations on Long Drive and at LJVM Coliseum. Commencement guests not riding the shuttles may access campus from University Parkway or Reynolda Road. The portion of Gulley Drive near the Manchester quad will also be closed for student safety.

» If you have guest attending who have special needs, please note: We do not supply wheelchairs, walkers, golf carts, or other medical/mobility equipment: In the event you have a family member or guest who needs personal medical equipment, they will need to bring their own, or procure a rental. The Events office recommends this vendor for rentals, though you can use any you prefer.

We look forward to celebrating with you in May.