Class of 2017 University and College Commencement Information
General Information
University Ceremony For the University Ceremony Friday, May 12 (8:30 a.m., Lane Stadium): Degree candidates are asked to be in the staging area located in the parking lot adjacent to the outdoor track at the corner of Southgate Drive and Beamer Way, no later than 8:00 a.m. The procession into the stadium begins at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Summer Graduates Summer 2017 graduates wishing to walk in the ceremonies in May must have a 2.0 inmajor and overall GPA, 12 or fewer hours to complete during the summer, and must see their department to be cleared to participate and added to the list of names to be called.
Pay Your Bills! Diplomas are withheld when students owe money to the university (tuition, library fees, parking tickets, etc.) or when students have a pending honor code case filed against them. Students in this situation will, however, receive a memento that looks like what every other student receives. Students can check on Hokie SPA to see if they owe money.
Attire Academic robes over street clothes with professional, comfortable shoes. Attention women: Very high heels have caused problems with carpet and steps. Caps and gowns may be purchased at the bookstore.
Conduct Ask families to refrain from loud noise when their student crosses the stage. Family members are not allowed on the floor at any time (including pictures).
Bags Safety precautions may necessitate random searches. Wrapped presents and noisemakers like plastic horns are not permitted. Clear Bag Policy: Approved bags for personal items are clear plastic or vinyl and do not exceed 12 x6 x12, or a clear plastic freezer bag that is no larger than a gallon will be permitted. Small clutch bags will be allowed provided they are no larger than 4.5 x6.5.
Cell Phones Turn off all cell phones!
Honors Sash Students graduating with distinction (summa, magna, cum) may purchase an honor sash at the Bookstore (White).
No Rehearsal There is no rehearsal for either the university or college ceremonies. Just show up on time and follow directions.
Number of Guests There is no limit to the number of guests students may bring to either ceremony. In the event of inclement weather, the University Ceremony in Lane Stadium may be cancelled. Details will be posted on the VT homepage. Tickets are not required for either ceremony.
Pamplin Ceremony
Commencement Website Information is available on the university commencement website... https://www.vt.edu/commencement.html
Time and Place Friday, May 12th, 3:30 p.m., Cassell Coliseum. Arrive on floor of Cassell by the back entrance (by Merryman, not Washington Street) no later than 2:45 p.m. to be seated in proper order. Guests may enter after 2:30 p.m. by the Washington Street or parking lot doors.
Heat Warning Reminder: Cassell is NOT air conditioned.
Selfies No selfies permitted on stage.
No Alcohol Arrive sober (your name will not be called and you will be asked to leave if under the influence). No champagne, wine, beer or any kind of liquor permitted in Cassell.
Pronunciation If your name is difficult to pronounce, give a phonetic spelling to your department secretary.
ECON Majors Economics majors will receive their diplomas at the Economics Department ceremony on Saturday, May 13, 12:00 p.m., in McBryde Auditorium. Economics majors in the College of Business are also invited to attend the Pamplin ceremony.
Seating In past years it has been necessary to seat a major in the stands. An announcement will be made closer to the date of graduation.
Double Majors Double major (1 diploma) sit with 1st major. Cross stage only once.
Dual Degrees Dual degree (2 diplomas, go to stage 2 times). Dual Degrees are awarded alphabetically by degree major. After you cross the stage for first degree, take seat with second degree major and wait to be called to stage again. Check-in with both majors so that a seat will be reserved for you in both majors. Example: A BIT and ACIS dual degree graduate will process with ACIS first and then BIT.
Ceremony Stand for processional of stage party and faculty and recession of stage party and faculty. Remain seated throughout the rest of the ceremony (approximately 2 hours).
Commencement Photos Individual photos taken by GradImages. You will be contacted by mail with purchasing information. Note: You will not receive purchasing information if your address is marked CONFIDENTIAL on HokieSpa. You can contact GradImages directly at www.gradimages.com, 1-800- 261-2576.
Diplomas
Diploma Distribution Diplomas will be available for pick-up in the Pamplin Atrium on Saturday, May 13, 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. The student must come in person, and a Hokie Passport is required for pick-up. Diplomas that are not picked up will be mailed to the diploma mailing address on file. Very Important: Be sure to log onto HokieSpa/Student Degree Menu and add/update your diploma address.
Additional Questions If you have any additional questions that were not addressed in the slide show or cannot be resolved by the website, contact Ms. Julia Acton, 231-6602. Thank you and Congratulations!