Do students need to apply to graduate?
Yes. Students must submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of the Registrar no later than Friday, September 13, 2024. To apply, visit and click on "Application for Graduation" under the Academic Profiles heading on the Student Menu.
Where do students submit their Commencement Fee?
Students participating in the Commencement Ceremony must submit their (which includes the cost of the cap and gown) by March 15. If students do not complete this step by March 15, they will not be able to participate in the ceremony, but their names will still be printed in the Commencement Ceremony program.
Where do students purchase their cap and gown?
The cost of the cap and gown is included in the , which must be by, March 15. Graduates are also able to purchase the "" as a contribution to the Graduate Giving Package. Graduates who order by March 15 will be able to pick up their caps and gowns in the Office of Finance and Administration in Brock Commons May 13-16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
When will tickets be available?
Tickets will be available for pick-up with the caps and gowns in the Office of Finance and Administration in Brock Commons May 13-16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What if I need more tickets?
Due to occupancy restrictions associated with fire code, tickets are required for the Commencement Ceremony. Eight (8) tickets are available for each graduate and will be distributed as needed when caps and gowns are collected. If more tickets become available, graduates will be able to on a first come, first serve basis starting April 15. Tickets will be collected prior to the ceremony upon entrance to the Towne Bank Arena.
Where can students purchase Commencement announcements to send to family and friends?
may be purchased through the . The University Store in Batten Plaza will be open on Commencement Day. VWU diploma frames, apparel, and other University memorabilia will be available for purchase.
Will Commencement be livestreamed?
Yes. be livestreamed.
You can view Commencement using this link and it will archived for one year for later viewing
When is rehearsal for Commencement, and is it mandatory?
All students intending to participate in the graduation must attend the mandatory rehearsal. Students do not need to bring their caps and gowns to the rehearsal.
Rehearsal will take place on  Friday, May 16 at 11:00 a.m. in the CMAC
What if students have two majors?
Each graduate should walk with the school of his/her major that appears first alphabetically. Consult the School Organization Chart to determine academic school.
- A graduate who double majors in English (BA) and History (BA) would walk with the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities ceremony because E comes before H.
- A graduate who double majors in Psychology (BS) and Criminal Justice (BS) would walk with the Birdsong School of Social Science ceremony because C comes before P, and because both of these majors are in the Birdsong School.
- A graduate who double majors and earns different degrees, for example Psychology (BS) and Social Work (BSW), would walk with the Birdsong School of Social Science because P comes before S.
What time should graduates arrive on Commencement Day?
Graduates should arrive at 9:00am in the CMAC.
Where can photography and video be found following the events?
GradImages provides photographs of each graduate who crosses the dais during Commencement. Photos may be purchased at . Questions can be addressed to 800.261.2576, , or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Candid photography will also be available for download on the University . Archived videos of each ceremony will be available through the .
Are there any items that will not be permitted at the ceremony?
No balloons, sound makers, bullhorns, signs, umbrellas, or other visibility obstructions will be allowed.Â
What if students have more questions?
Please email commencement@vwu.edu with any additional questions.
More Important Information for Graduates
Exit Counseling for Students With Subsidized, Unsubsidized and/or Perkins Loan
Any student who received a Subsidized, Unsubsidized and/or Perkins Loan is required to complete an Exit Counseling Session prior to graduation. Please view instructions below and contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions at finaid@vwu.edu or 757.455.3345.
- For Direct Subsidized and/or Direct Unsubsidized Loans, please log into . Students will need their FSA ID and password (if help is needed to reset, call 1.800.4.FED.AID). Once in the site, go to the Loan Repayment drop down menu at the top of the screen and click Loan Exit Counseling. Next click the blue Log In To Start button next to the words I am an Undergraduate Student. This will take approximately 45 minutes to complete and needs to be completed all at once (work cannot be saved for a later time). For any difficulties, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@vwu.edu or 757.455.3345 for assistance.
- For Perkins Loans, please log onto . Contact the Office of Finance and Administration 757.455.3280 or finance@vwu.edu with any questions.
- If the online exit counseling is NOT completed, students will not be able to pick up caps and gowns or obtain official transcripts.
Recording Student Names
To ensure proper pronunciation at the Commencement Ceremony, graduates are strongly encouraged to call, not visit Academic Affairs at 757.455.3210 in early May after business hours
Accommodations
A variety of hotels and restaurants are located in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area. Information about these facilities and other recreational opportunities in the area are available on the Local Accommodations webpage on the VWU website or by calling the Virginia Beach Visitor Information Center at 800.822.3224.
Commencement Attire Policy for Graduating Students
The 91¿´Æ¬ Commencement Ceremony is the capstone of a students' tenure at VWU and is a formal academic occasion. Students must be in proper academic regalia (cap, gown, hood, and academic tassel) to participate in the exercises. The degree students earn from VWU is represented by the academic gown and hood worn at Commencement. The tassel is worn on the right side of the mortarboard (cap) prior to the degree being conferred and on the left side after the degree is conferred.
Academic gowns and caps are the dress of the day, complemented by dark shirts, dresses, or dress pants and dress shoes for women, and dark dress pants and shoes and socks for men. Flip-flops, tennis shoes, bare feet, shorts, and other apparel that draws attention to an individual and detracts from the occasion are not acceptable.
Shoes and safety: Please consider that you will be walking from the C-MAC to the University Commons, navigating various surfaces, ramps an