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FAQs

When is fall commencement?

Fall commencement is Friday, Dec. 18, 2026. Ceremonies will be held in Cassell Coliseum.

  • 10:30 a.m. University Commencement
  • 3 p.m. Graduate School Ceremony

The spring University Commencement will be held on Friday, May 14, 2027.  The full spring commencement schedule is now available online.

What can I expect during the ceremony?

In the fall, all colleges participate in two commencement ceremonies:

  • Undergraduate Commencement
  • Graduate Commencement

Each ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours. 

Undergraduate Commencement

The Undergraduate Commencement ceremony includes:

  • Remarks from President Tim Sands
  • A student speaker 
  • A keynote speaker
  • Degree conferral

Graduate Commencement

The Graduate Commencement ceremony includes: 

  • Remarks from President Tim Sands
  • Remarks from Graduate School Dean Aimee Surprenant
  • Several student speakers

Graduate Recognition 

At both ceremonies, graduates will:

  • Have their names announced
  • Walk across the stage

Graduates will complete a card with the phonetic spelling of their name at the ceremony to assist with name pronunciation. 

When should I arrive at the ceremony?

Doors will open 1 hour before each ceremony for families, friends, and guests entering Cassell Coliseum.

Please note:

  • Walk-through metal detectors will be in used at all entrances.
  • Guests will not need to remove items such as phones, wallets, keys, or other small personal items before passing through security screening.
  • The clear bag policy is in effect for guests.
  • Graduates are strongly encouraged not to bring bags.

Graduate Arrival Information

Graduates should arrive at least one hour before their ceremony and enter through the Cassell Coleisum tunnel entrance at Cassell Coliseum. Directional signage will be posted to assist with arrival.

Please note:

  • Metal detectors will be in place at the graduate entrance.
  • Graduates should limit the items they bring with them.
  • There is no storage available for bags, coats, or personal belongings.

Ceremony Start Times and Seating

All ceremonies will begin promptly at their scheduled start time.

  • Graduates who arrive after the ceremony begins may not be permitted to participate.
  • During University Commencement, graduates will be seated by college on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Late-arriving graduates may be seated in the back of their college section or in overflow seating and may not be seated with other graduates from their college.
  • Graduates who wish to sit together should plan to arrive and enter the venue together.

Where do I sit?

A graduate seating map will be available for the university ceremony. Please check back here before the ceremony for the most up to date map. You will be seated by college and not department or major. There is no formal procession.

What if there is inclement weather?

The fall commencement ceremonies are held indoors. If inclement weather does affect a ceremony information will be shared on the vt.edu homepage.

Will the clear bag policy be in effect for commencement?

The clear bag policy is in effect at all commencement venues and applies to all guests. Graduates are strongly encouraged not to bring bags to their ceremonies.

Permitted Bags

Guests may bring one of the following:

  • One clear plastic bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" 
  • One-gallon clear, resealable plastic storage bag

All guests will pass through walk-through metal detectors before entering the venue.

Please note:

  • All items, including clear bags, are subject to search. 
  • Security personnel may conduct additional screening as needed.
  • No items may be left or stored at venue entrances or gates.

Flowers are permitted inside commencement venues.

The following items are not permitted:

  • Wrapped gifts or presents
  • Gift bags 
  • Non-clear bags and containers
  • Any other prohibited items identified during security screening

Attendees who bring prohibited items will be required to dispose of them or return them to their vehicle before entering the venue.

To help expedite entry, bring only essential items and review venue policies before arriving. 

Will there be metal detectors at the events?

As part of Virginia Tech's commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all commencement attendees, security screening will be in place at all graduation and commencement ceremonies. Guests and graduates should follow the guidance provided by event staff and security personnel upon arrival.

All attendees will pass through touchless, walk-through metal detectors before entering the venue.

When proceeding through the screening area:

  • Walk through the metal detector at a normal pace.
  • Belts, cell phones, coins, jackets, jewelry, watches, wallets, shoes, and other small personal items generally do not need to be removed.
  • Follow instructions from security personnel throughout the screening process.

Additional Screening

If the detector identifies an item that requires further review, security staff will direct you to a secondary screening area.

During secondary screening, attendees may be asked to:

  • Remove certain items for inspection.
  • Pass through the metal detector again.
  • Comply with additional screening procedures as directed by security personnel.

Prohibited Items

Attendees who arrive with prohibited items will be required to:

  • Dispose of the item, or
  • Return the item to their vehicle before entering the venue.

We encourage all attendees to arrive early to allow sufficient time for security screening before the ceremony begins.

Are there other security checks?

All persons entering the venue may be subject to search prior to entering, consistent with the law. 

Do friends and family need tickets to attend commencement?

At this time tickets are not required and there is no limit on guests. Please note seating is first come. Graduates will be seated by college. 

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.

How can graduates prepare for commencement?

  • Apply for your degree via Hokie Spa.
  • Update your mailing address so your diploma is shipped to right location.
  • Use #HokieGrad to share your photos and be included in the ceremony.
  • Order your cap and gown online. For questions, contact the University Bookstore at: 540-231-5991 or virginiatech@bkstr.com.
  • Check out the FAQ's below and be on the lookout for communications regarding commencement.
  • Arrive on time for the ceremony.

What should graduates wear to commencement?

Graduates must wear a cap and gown to participate in commencement. Regalia can be purchased online. 

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 can be purchased in person at the University Bookstore, Volume 2 Bookstore, or online at the Hokie Shop.

Can I bring in food? Will concessions be available?

Attendees may only bring in a factory sealed bottle of water. Limited concessions will be available. 

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?

To allow staff time to clean and prepare the venue for the next ceremony, graduates and guests are asked to exit Cassell Coliseum promptly following the ceremony and move away from the venue entrances.

  • Graduates must exit through the tunnel entrance.
  • Guests are not permitted on the Cassell Coliseum floor.
  • Graduates and guests may reunite at designated areas outside of Cassell Coliseum.
  • Please keep roadways, sidewalks, and venue entrances clear for graduates and guests arriving for the next ceremony.
  • Do not gather near entrances or exits, as this may delay entry for subsequent ceremonies.

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?

Student Accommodation Requests

Requests for disability accommodations for student participants must be made to the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at ssd@vt.edu at least 10 business days in advance of the ceremony date.

Guest Accommodation Requests

Virginia Tech is committed to providing an accessible commencement experience for all guests. If you need accommodations for an individual college commencement ceremony, please contact the Office of Special Events at SpecialEventsOffice@vt.edu or 540-231-5027 at least 10 business days before the ceremony date. Our team will review your request and assist with any necessary arrangements.

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.

How can I get the photo of me walking across the stage?

GradImages will 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.

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.

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”.

What local lodging options are available for commencement?

For fall commencement, on-campus housing for guests is not available.

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.

Will there be RV parking?  

RV parking is available for fall commencement in the Student Remote Lot only. Overnight camping or RV Parking on campus is allowed with pre-approval and purchase of a permit from Parking Services. Parking is available (without RV Hook-ups) for $40 per calendar day in the Student Remote Lot, or other lot assigned by Parking Services. Permits can be purchased online and are not valid during special events. 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, but Blacksburg Transit will be operating. For more information visit the BT website.

I have a small child attending commencement, what should I know? 

There are changing tables available in the restrooms. No strollers or infant car seats are allowed in the ceremony. Diaper bags are not allowed unless they are clear bags. Coolers are allowed with milk/formula. 

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 2026: Friday, Dec. 18, 2026
  • Spring 2027: Friday, May 14, 2027 

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.