Graduate Ceremony Information

Our Winter 2023 Graduate commencement ceremony will be held on December 20, at 10 a.m. in person, with virtual participation options for graduates and community members.

In-person Ceremony Location

Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena

Directions and Parking Information

  • Parking is free and available across campus.
  • Shuttles will be available to take guests to and from the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena from the following lots. (You can also find where the shuttle is using the shuttle tracker.)
  • Limited handicap parking spaces are available directly in front of the arena (permits required)
  • Graduates must arrive an hour before ceremony start time. Graduates arriving late may not be able to join the procession of students and may not be seated with their major. You must be on time. 
  • Plan for heavy traffic on campus!
  • Follow posted signs to the graduate entrance. Graduates will enter using the lower level doors by the Auxiliary Gym entrance. This entrance is to your right when you are standing in front of the arena.
  • Late arriving graduates may not be seated with their major.
  • GradPass printed from Marching Order (log into Marching Order using your student ID email to print your GradPass).
  • Regalia. It is best to be wearing it when you arrive as there is no robing area.
  • Masks are encouraged but not required.
  • Do not bring personal items into the arena with you. Once you cross the stage you may not return to your original seat and there is no secure area for you to leave your belongings.
  • Once you arrive, volunteers will direct you to the area in which you will line up. Lineup order is based upon your school and program.
  • When it is time to walk across the stage, volunteers will direct you. Make sure you have your GradPass out and ready to go before you leave your seat. You cannot cross the stage without it.
  • Walk across the stage when directed. Your name will not be called as soon as you get on stage, it will be called closer to the middle.
  • Photos will be taken before you cross the stage.
  • After you return to your seat, remain in your seat until the end of the ceremony and the procession of the Platform Party. All graduates will remain in their seats until the Platform Party has left.
  • Doors for guests will open at 9:00 a.m.
  • Guests do NOT need tickets for the Graduate School Ceremony.
  • Balloons, strollers, food, and drink are NOT permitted inside the arena.
  • Guests requiring accessible seating may visit the Accessible Seating table in the arena lobby. Volunteers will assist with finding acceptable seating.
  • Guests and graduates will need to leave the building immediately after the ceremony. Plan to meet one another outside on the arena plaza.
  • Parking is free and available across campus.
  • There are limited handicap parking spaces directly in front of the arena, proper permits are required for these spaces.
  • The ceremony will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person. You can find the link to stream the ceremony the day of Commencement on our Homepage.
  • Graduates who chose to participate virtually do not need to purchase regalia.

If you have questions, please refer our FAQ page.