Commencement Information

Congratulations, Class of 2019! This is the day you've all been working toward. The information below will serve as your guide to making this day special for you, your family and friends.

2019 Commencement Ceremonies

Invitations and More

Commencement announcements, University rings, and Marlin memorabilia are available for purchase on the University Store website.
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Senior Sendoff

May 15-16, 2019
An opportunity for the Class of 2019 to come together to celebrate their accomplishments before graduation.

Commencement Rehearsal

Thursday, May 16
Commencement Rehearsal @ 3:30 p.m.
C-MAC, Jane P. Batten Student Center

Baccalaureate Service

Friday, May 17
5:30 p.m., Pre-service concert by the Wesleyan Chorale
6:00 p.m., Baccalaureate Service
Tassels will be distributed
Haygood United Methodist Church
4713 Haygood Rd., Virginia Beach
No tickets required for the Baccalaureate Service

Baccalaureate speaker
Jonathan C. Zur, President & CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

Live Stream Information
Baccalaureate will be live streamed at vwu.edu/Bacc19.

Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 18
11:00 a.m.
University Commons, Greer Environmental Sciences Center
(Graduates must arrive in the C-MAC no later than 10 a.m.)
Virginia Wesleyan University
5817 Wesleyan Dr., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455
Campus Map/Parking

Commencement Speaker
Virginia Congresswoman Elaine Luria More

Commencement Ticket Information
No tickets are required to attend Virginia Wesleyan’s 2019 Commencement Ceremony provided that the ceremony takes place as scheduled outdoors. In the event of a severe weather forecast, the 2019 Commencement Ceremony will be moved to the Convocation Hall of the Jane P. Batten Student Center, and tickets will be required. Each graduating student will receive up to seven tickets for guests. Graduates not needing all seven of their tickets are encouraged to turn in any that will be unused to the Batten Center Hub. This will allow graduates needing additional tickets to check on availability for extra tickets on Saturday morning. More information below.

Live Stream Information
Commencement will be live streamed at vwu.edu/Grad19 and will also be simulcast in Boyd Dining Center for guests on campus during the ceremony.

Commencement Reception
A reception for graduates, family and friends will be held in Boyd Dining Center following the ceremony.

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony

Saturday, May 18
1:30 p.m. (following Commencement)
Greer Environmental Sciences Center roof
Virginia Wesleyan University
5817 Wesleyan Dr., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455
Campus Map/Parking 

Important Information for Graduating Seniors and Families

Recording Your Name: The Provost encourages graduates to visit the Registrar's Office (Clarke 128) to record their full names to ensure proper pronunciation at the Commencement Ceremony. Please do so between April 29 and May 3 during the hours of 9:00-11:30 a.m. or 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal: All students intending to participate in the graduation must attend rehearsal at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, May 16 in the C-MAC of the Batten Student Center. You do not need to bring your cap and gown to the rehearsal.

Baccalaureate Service and Tassel Presentation: Tassels will be formally presented to graduates at the Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 17. For those who are unable to attend Baccalaureate, tassels will be available the morning of May 18 in the C-MAC of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Please contact Chaplain Greg West at gwest@vwu.edu or 757.455.3400 with any questions.

Caps and Gowns: These will be available for pick up in the Office of Finance and Administration (Boyd Dining Hall) beginning on Monday, May 13. All student account balances as well as any holds in the Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid Office must be satisfied prior to receiving a cap, gown, and Commencement tickets. Caps and gowns may be kept by the graduates as keepsakes. 

Online Exit Counseling: Students receiving financial aid must complete Online Exit Counseling before they can pick up their caps and gowns or obtain official transcripts. Please see below under “From the Office of Finance and Administration” for more information. Please contact Teresa Rhyne, Director of Financial Aid, at trhyne@vwu.edu or call 757.455.5733 with any questions.

Academic-Related Concerns: Please contact the Office of the Registrar at reg@vwu.edu or 757.455.3358, for academic concerns regarding graduation. The Registrar’s Office is in Clarke 128.

Commencement Day: Graduates are required to be in the C-MAC of the Jane P. Batten Student Center with their cap and gown no later than 10 a.m. to prepare for the procession.

Baccalaureate Service Information – Friday, May 17

Baccalaureate is an important part of the University Commencement Weekend. It is a time to thank God, celebrate graduates, and send them off with a blessing. Guests of all faiths and religious beliefs are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Worship Service on Friday, May 17, at 6 p.m. at Haygood United Methodist Church, 4713 Haygood Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

A special feature of this ceremony is the Presentation of Tassels, at which time each graduating senior is invited to come forth and accept his or her academic tassel for use during the Commencement Ceremony.

A pre-service concert featuring the Wesleyan Chorale, led by Dr. Bryson Mortensen, will be held in the church sanctuary at 5:30 p.m.

Directions to Baccalaureate Service from Virginia Wesleyan University: At the University exit, turn right onto Wesleyan Drive. Stay straight to go onto Haygood Road. Follow Haygood Road for about two miles; Haygood United Methodist Church is on the right-hand side (4713 Haygood Rd., Virginia Beach).

From the Office of Finance and Administration

Caps and gowns will be available for pick up in the Office of Finance and Administration beginning Monday, May 13, once students have cleared their accounts. Any account balance that may be due should be paid at the Office of Finance during regular business hours prior to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Caps and gowns may be kept by the graduates as keepsakes. Note: Tassels will be formally presented during the Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 17. For those who are unable to attend Baccalaureate, tassels will be available the morning of May 18 in the C-MAC of the Jane P. Batten Student Center.

Any student who received a Subsidized, Unsubsidized and/or Perkins Loan is required to complete an Exit Counseling Session prior to graduation.

  • For Direct Subsidized and/or Direct Unsubsidized Loans, please log into studentloans.gov. You will need your FSA ID and password (if you need help resetting call 1.800.4.FED.AID). Once in the site under I WANT TO: heading- choose the 2nd option- Loan Counseling and then it will be the 4th BLUE START Button- Exit Counseling (Required).  This will take approximately 45 minutes to complete and needs to be completed all at once. (You cannot save and come back at a later time.)  If you are having any difficulties, please contact the Financial Aid Office, finaid@vwu.edu or (757) 455-3345 for assistance.
  • Students are required by the Federal Department of Education to complete online loan counseling. To do so, log in to studentloans.gov (with the same FSA User ID used to log in to the FAFSA website.
  • For Perkins Loan, please log ontoheartland.ecsi.net. Please contact Dely Johnson at (757) 455-3286 or email dljohnson@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.

From the Registrar

Students must submit to the Registrar an Application for Graduation available on WebAdvisor to participate in Commencement. Click on "Application for Graduation" under Academic Profiles heading on the Student Menu. December graduates from the previous semester are eligible to participate in May Commencement.

Potential August graduates (students who have, at most, two courses remaining to be completed at the end of the spring semester of their graduating year) may petition the Registrar for approval to "walk" in the May ceremony. The specifics of the Two-Course Rule are listed on page 48 of the 2018-19 Academic Catalog. Potential August graduates must come to the Registrar’s Office to process their summer registrations and complete their Participation in Commencement Exercises forms before approval can be granted.

On behalf of the Provost, each graduate is encouraged to stop by the Registrar's Office between the hours of 9 to­ 11:30 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. Monday, April 29, through Wednesday, May 8, to record your name so that he has the proper pronunciation. The process will only take about 3 minutes. This recording will give Provost O'Rourke the opportunity to learn the correct pronunciation of your name for reading at the commencement ceremony.

Severe Weather Plan for Commencement

In the event of a forecast for severe weather on Saturday, the decision to move the Commencement Ceremony to the Convocation Hall of the Jane P. Batten Student Center will be made by the Wednesday preceding Commencement. Students, faculty, and staff will be notified of the change accordingly. If Commencement is moved to the Batten Convocation Hall, tickets will be required for guests. If unpredicted severe weather occurs the morning of Commencement, there will be a delay until heavy rain, thunder, and lightning have passed the area and the University determines it is safe to proceed with the ceremony.

Commencement Tickets (in the Event of Severe Weather)

Graduates will be given seven tickets when they pick up their caps and gowns. These will be needed only in the event that Commencement is relocated to the Convocation Hall of the Jane P. Batten Student Center due to severe weather. They are not required for attendance if Commencement is held outdoors as planned.

Reminder: All student account balances as well as any holds must be satisfied before a student can receive a cap, gown, and commencement tickets.

Live Stream: Commencement will be live streamed at vwu.edu/Grad19 and will also be simulcast in Boyd Dining Center for guests on campus during the ceremony.

Commencement Attire Policy for Graduating Seniors

Virginia Wesleyan University's Commencement Ceremony is the capstone of a student's 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.

There is no greater expression of community at Virginia Wesleyan University than our commencement ceremony. Guidelines for appropriate attire at Commencement have been established by the Commencement Committee in order to preserve the dignity and importance of the occasion and to show respect for the University, its graduates, and their families.  On this day, we are one, and our attire reflects this. Black academic gowns and mortarboards are the dress of the day, complemented by dark shirts, dresses, or dress pants and black dress shoes for women and dark dress pants and black shoes and socks for men. Flip-flops, tennis shoes, bare feet, shorts, and other accoutrements that draw attention to an individual detract from the occasion, compromise the image we project on media platforms, and are not acceptable.
Virginia Wesleyan University’s commencement ceremony includes a hooding ritual, whereby a faculty member places an academic hood over each graduate’s head. This practice, which at many schools is reserved for those receiving master’s, Ph.D., and professional degrees, bestows great honor on every graduate and adds to the formality of the occasion. 

Shoes and safety: Please consider that you will be walking from the C-MAC to the University Commons, navigating various surfaces, ramps and stairs as you process and receive your diplomas. Shoes with extremely high heels are not recommended as they create a tripping hazard. Also, in the case of rain, shoes could also become wet or muddy. Although you should wear dark, low-heeled shoes for the ceremony, you may leave your fabulous shoes at your seat in the C-MAC, wearing them for photos until the precession begins and putting them on again after the ceremony.  The C-MAC will be locked and guarded during Commencement.

Guidelines for Decorating Graduation Caps

Please take into consideration the following rules if and when decorating your graduation cap. Caps will be reviewed and approved on the day of the ceremony. Failure to follow these rules will result in the removal of the cap. Students will be given a replacement cap and if none is available, will be denied walking in the commencement ceremony.

Only the flat, top area of the mortar board may be decorated. Nothing is allowed to dangle or hang from the sides or back of the cap (e.g. bows). Decorations must be flat to the surface of the cap. 3-D creations are prohibited. Nothing can be raised more than 1/2 inch off the top the cap. The cap’s decoration should have no advertisement, symbols, abbreviations, initials, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that refer to drugs or controlled substances, illegal activity, tobacco, alcohol, weapons, anything of a sexual or inappropriate nature, or anything that advocates disruptive behavior detrimental to the safety and welfare of other students. There should be no language or imagery that can directly/indirectly be interpreted or inferred to be obscene, vulgar, or lewd. The cap’s decoration should contain no loose glitter (glitter glue or a picture of glitter is acceptable). The cap CANNOT make or emit noise; bells, horns, or anything that emits disruptions or distractions during the ceremony is prohibited.

Consider the following when decorating your cap: Thank a parent, grandparent, teacher, or friend; recognize the company, field, job, or the grad school you will be attending/joining; give your graduation year, the branch of the military you will be joining, your home country’s flag, inspirational quotes, Bible verses, or symbols, or powerful sentiments.

Non-graduating student members of the Student Government Association will be monitoring decorated graduation caps to determine appropriateness and adherence to the above policies. These members reserve the right to deny any cap they deem unfit, after which the wearer may substitute a replacement cap (limited supply) or be denied participation in the commencement ceremony if no caps are available for substitution.

Graduation Honor Cords

All honor cords are to be distributed and received prior to the Commencement Ceremony. Only Latin Honor Cords will be available on the day of commencement and will be distributed to qualified graduating seniors in the C­MAC.

Graduating Seniors: Academic and non-academic regalia may be worn in accordance with guidelines set forth below. If you are a member of multiple organizations, the choice of which adornments you choose to wear is up to you. In keeping with the honor and tradition pertaining to Commencement, you should exercise good taste and judgment in making these decisions. Students should only wear approved regalia to which they are entitled based on their official affiliations and qualifications.

Graduating seniors who are members of academic honor societies are permitted to wear an academic honor cord for each honor society in which they hold membership. Each cord is to represent one of the honors, memberships, and/or academic distinctions listed below.

  • Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude)
  • Membership in an academic honor society, including Honors and Scholars (see list below)
  • Presidential Scholar
  • Wesleyan Scholar
  • Membership in PORTfolio
  • Global Citizenship (Represented VWU as part of a semester Study Away)

Virginia Wesleyan University recognizes the following academic honor societies:

  • Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology)               
  • Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice)
  • Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre)
  • Alpha Sigma Lambda (Adult Honors)
  • Beta Beta Beta (Biology)
  • Chi Alpha Sigma (Athletic Academic Honors)
  • Delta Phi Alpha (German)
  • Eta Sigma Phi (Greek/Latin)
  • Gamma Sigma Alpha (Greek)
  • Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Chemistry)
  • Honors & Scholars Association (Academic Achievement)
  • Iota Iota Iota (Women’s & Gender Studies)
  • Kappa Delta Pi (Education)
  • Lambda Pi Eta (Communication)
  • Mu Phi Epsilon (Music)
  • Omicron Delta Kappa (Leadership & Scholarship)
  • Order of Omega (Greek)
  • Phi Alpha (Social Work)
  • Phi Alpha Theta (History)
  • Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Honors)
  • Pi Delta Phi (French)
  • Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)
  • Psi Chi (Psychology)
  • Rho Lambda (Panhellenic)
  • Rho Phi Lambda (Recreation & Leisure)
  • Sigma Beta Delta (Business, Management & Administration)
  • Sigma Delta Pi (Hispanic)
  • Sigma Tau Delta (English)
  • Sigma Zeta (Science & Mathematics)
  • The Society for Collegiate Journalists (Journalism)
  • Theta Alpha Kappa (Religious Studies/Theology)

The academic advisors of honor societies whose members have cords shall be responsible for distribution of the honor cords specific for their respective honor societies. Be advised that some honor cords are included in the membership fee while others are an additional financial responsibility of the member. Please see your honor society advisor for more information. If an honor society or other above designated group does not have cords, the Office of the Provost (Clarke Hall, Suite 210) will supply a single generic or "unity" cord, in Marlin colors, to graduating members. The honor society advisor must submit a list of members who will need the unity cord to the Office of the Provost prior to distribution. Please note that no more than one cord will be supplied to any graduating senior. Unity cords must be picked up in the Provost’s Office before Saturday, May 18.

Military Honor Cords
Graduating seniors who are active duty, selected reserve, and veterans of the United States Armed Services, are permitted to wear a Military Honor Cord to recognize their service during the commencement ceremony. Military Honor Cords will be distributed in the Veteran Support Services located in the Financial Aid Office with presentation of their Military I.D. card or DD 214.

Military Honor Cords will be one solid color:

  • Gold: Army
  • Royal Blue: Air Force
  • Navy Blue: Navy
  • Dark Green: National Guard
  • Red: Marine Corps
  • Orange: Coast Guard

Stoles
Graduating seniors who have completed a full semester of study away are permitted to wear a stole representing their host country. The stole must be approved by Dr. Sara Sewell, Executive Director of The Lighthouse.

In addition, graduating seniors in good standing who are current members of recognized non-academic social or service Greek organizations are permitted to wear one stole and/or one membership pin during the Commencement Ceremony. Each stole must be one style, which has been approved by the Student Activities office. Membership pins are to be worn on the left breast of the body, pinned to the stole or Commencement robe. Be advised that Greek stoles and membership pins are the financial and purchasing responsibility of the member or chapter, following approval.

*Graduating seniors who have completed a study away semester and are members of Greek organizations, may wear only one stole (approved Greek or Study Away stole) and/or one pin (approved flag pin or Greek membership pin).

Pins
Graduating seniors who have participated in non-academic clubs and organizations recognized by the University are permitted to wear membership pins during the Commencement Ceremony. Each club or organization pin will be approved by the Student Activities office. Following this approval, clubs and organizations are responsible for ordering, purchasing, and distributing membership pins to members. Pins will be no larger than 1"x 1" in size. Membership pins are to be worn on the left breast of the body, pinned to the Commencement robe. Be advised that membership pins are the financial and purchasing responsibility of the club or organization following approval.

General Announcements for Commencement Day

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 page on the VWU website or by calling the Virginia Beach Visitor Information Center at 800.822.3224.

Scribner University Store: The University Store will be open on Commencement Day from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. VWU diploma frames, clothing, and other University memorabilia will be available for purchase.

Commencement Photographs: Lifetouch Special Events Photography is pleased to provide this complimentary service for each graduate who crosses the dais during Commencement. Visit events.lifetouch.com/vwu for more information. Questions may be addressed to specialevents@lifetouch.com or by calling 800.505.9496 weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

There is no obligation to purchase photographs. If a valid email address is made available to the photographer, a link to Commencement photograph proofs will also be sent to participating graduates.