Commencement

Yes, all ceremonies will be live-streamed for family and friends. The live streams can be accessed on the University’s website, the Commencement homepage, and YouTube.

• Yes, accessible seating and parking are available for guests with disabilities. Guests should enter through the main campus entrance off Lakeside Drive, where security will direct them to designated accessible parking areas. Guests can also drop off family members with mobility issues at designated handicap-accessible points and park elsewhere.
• Two golf carts will be on standby to help guests reach the venue, especially in parking spaces farther from Shellenberger Field or Turner Gymnasium.
• The Shellenberger Field is accessible through the drop-off point behind, and the Turner Gym is accessible through the parking lot level. University personnel will be on standby to guide you from the parking areas to your designated venues.
• Shellenberger Field and Turner Gymnasium offer accessible seating. Additionally, Turner Gymnasium offers an indoor, air-conditioned space with a large viewing screen for guests and graduates whose ceremonies are at Shellenberger Field who wish to watch the ceremony in a more comfortable venue.
• Consult the parking maps provided at ​lynchburg.edu.

Security measures will be in effect to ensure the safety of all attendees. Firearms, weapons, and large bags are not allowed on University property. Guests are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to University security.

For a clearer understanding of the University’s safety and security policies, please consult lynchburg.edu

No, guest tickets are not required for Commencement ceremonies held on Shellenberger Field.

However, tickets will be needed if inclement weather necessitates moving the ceremony indoors. Details regarding ticket distribution in such cases will be provided closer to the event.

Yes, service animals, as defined by the ADA, are welcome at Commencement. These are dogs that have been individually trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. Animals other than service dogs will not be allowed to enter Shellenberger Field or any University buildings, including residential facilities. 

For more information, please refer to the ADR policy regarding animals on campus.

Regalia (cap and gown) is an essential part of your Commencement celebration. To make sure you receive the right sizes and colors, we recommend placing your order as early as possible. Remember, shipping can take six to eight weeks, depending on where you are located. You can easily purchase your regalia online through The Hornet Shop’s website.

Don’t forget these important ordering deadlines:

• March 1: Both fine quality (custom-made) regalia and souvenir regalia.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

No, diplomas are not distributed during the Commencement ceremony. All diplomas will be sent via certified mail within four to six weeks following Commencement.

Students should apply for graduation through their MyHive account a year in advance before they intend to graduate.

Announcements and class rings can be purchased from Balfour. For announcements, click on “Shop Now” under “Announcements.” For class rings, click on “Shop Now” under “Class Rings.”

All Commencement participants need Regalia/Cap & Gown; they should purchase early to ensure the proper sizes and colors, and allow six to eight weeks for shipping, depending on location. Regalia can be purchased online now on The Hornet Shop’s website. For questions about your regalia order, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

Ordering deadlines:

• March 1: Both fine quality (custom-made) regalia and souvenir regalia.

The ceremony is expected to last approximately one and a half hours.

Undergraduate students can have no more than 9 credit hours of outstanding coursework in order to participate in the commencement exercises in May. Graduate students must have all work completed to participate.

Yes, a mandatory Commencement rehearsal for seniors is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 2 p.m., starting at Turner Gymnasium. Immediately afterward, the Senior Class Photo will be taken on Shellenberger Field.

Guests are asked to enter the main entrance on Lakeside Drive. Parking for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility is available near Shellenberger Field, with directions provided by security at the main entrance. Additional parking details and maps are available on the University’s website.

To participate in Commencement, students must:

• Apply for graduation through their MyHive account. 
• Ensure all degree requirements are met or will be met by the end of the spring semester.
• Order the appropriate regalia (cap, gown, and degree hood) by the specified deadlines. 

For more information, visit this webpage.

The Commencement Schedule of Events is available on our website.

Inclement weather may cause ceremonies scheduled on Shellenberger Field to be moved indoors, and tickets will be required. Details regarding ticket distribution and ceremony relocation will be provided closer to the event date. ​

Please see our inclement weather policy.

Graduates are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes; narrow or spiked heels are not recommended on the athletic field. Sunscreen is also recommended, as the ceremony is held outdoors.

Additional details for graduates can be found on our website.

Diploma frames are available for purchase at The Hornet Shop. ​

TBD

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and a first-aid station will be available at the Commencement ceremonies. For assistance, contact the Office of Campus Safety and Security at 434.544.5555.