Inclement Weather Plan
The Inclement Weather Plan applies only to Commencement ceremonies taking place outside on Shellenberger Field:
- Undergraduate Ceremony
- DMSc Hooding and Ceremony
The University tries to hold Commencement outside Shellenberger Field, rain or shine. If there is severe weather (thunder, lightning, or other dangerous conditions), the exercises will be held inside Turner Gymnasium. Please reference the campus map (PDF) for building locations. Should the University implement the inclement weather plan:
- Guests will need tickets to attend the indoor ceremony. The graduating students will assign these tickets and send them to their guests ahead of time using our Tassel software program.
- Additional viewing locations with a live video feed:
- Sydnor Performance Hall, Schewel Hall
- Auditorium, Hopwood Hall
- West Room, Drysdale Student Center
If the weather on Commencement Day is questionable, we will decide whether to stay outside on Shellenberger or move inside to Turner Gymnasium three hours before each ceremony.
In the case of the indoor ceremonies, there will be no processional of graduation candidates. Faculty will process as usual, then leave the gym. Only those on the platform/stage will stay.
Check-in locations will be in Turner Gymnasium for students. Faculty can check in via Turner’s third floor (parking lot level), classrooms, and dance studio.
Undergraduate and DMSc Ceremonies
Weather announcements/changes will be posted on the University’s website and social media channels. Doors will open to guests (Time: 10 a.m.). If inside Turner Gymnasium.
Plan A: Rain Delay
Plan B: Move Inside
Parking
Please reference the Undergraduate Commencement parking map (PDF) or the DPT and Master’s Commencement Ceremonies parking map (PDF) for additional guidance.
- All guests arriving on campus are asked to enter the main entrance on Lakeside Drive. Please proceed to any open parking spot as directed by the security stop point. Dropping off guests is encouraged.
Accessible Parking for Guests
- Parking for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility is available.
- Guests needing accessible parking should also come to the main campus entrance off Lakeside Drive. Security will provide directions to the parking area near Westover Hall.
- If the designated accessible parking area near Westover Hall is full, visitors can still drop off family members at this accessible entrance and then park elsewhere on campus.
- For the DPT and Master’s Commencement Ceremonies, there is also a disability/accessibility parking and drop-off area in the parking area behind Freer Hall and Turner Gymnasium. This is also used for indoor ceremonies.
- Signage and guides will be available at Westover Hall’s first-floor entrance. Visitors can use the elevator to reach the second floor and walk to Shellenberger Field, where accessible seating is available.
- Shellenberger Field is accessible through the drop-off point behind it.
- Turner Gymnasium, which is used for ceremonies and as an indoor viewing location, is accessible through the parking lot level. Accessible seating is available in Turner Gymnasium.
- Two golf carts will be on standby to help guests get to the venue, especially from parking spaces further away from Shellenberger Field or Turner Gymnasium. University personnel will also be available to guide guests.
- Accessible bathroom facilities are available in Westover Hall and Turner Gymnasium.
- The University requests the help of students, faculty, and staff in providing parking for guests attending Commencement activities from May 13-16, 2025.
- All student vehicles must be removed from campus before 6 p.m. on May 14, 2025.
- On May 15 and 16, all graduates are required to park their cars behind Southside housing, including areas along Vernon, Brevard, Westwood, College, Lakewood, and McCausland streets, Peaksview Apartments, and the townhouse area.
- Students, faculty, and staff attending or working on Commencement activities on May 15 or May 16 must park behind the east residential halls (Montgomery, Hundley, and Tate Hall) or in the parking lot between Schewel and Snidow Chapel. Security staff will direct traffic to these locations.
- Disability/accessibility parking and drop-off for students, faculty, and staff is in the parking area behind Freer Hall and Turner Gymnasium. Student vehicles must be removed from this area before 6 p.m. on May 14, 2025.
- Nest Parking is available to students, faculty, and staff for the Baccalaureate, Undergraduate & DMSc/PA, and DPT & Graduate Ceremonies.
Lodging
During Commencement, nearby accommodations may be difficult to find. Make sure to book well in advance.
The Lynchburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism provides a comprehensive list of hotel and lodging options. Their website also includes a calendar of local events, information about historical places of interest, and dining and shopping options.
Medical
EMTs and a first-aid station will be available at both Commencement ceremonies. The Office of Campus Safety and Security and Lynchburg EMS will be available for help by calling 434.544.5555.
Service Animals
University of Lynchburg allows service animals on the campus in recognition of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act 0f 2008 (ADAAA). The ADAAA defines service animals as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” In order for an animal to be considered a service animal it must be a dog. Other species (with the single possible exception of a mini horse) of animals are not considered service animals. Animals, other than service dogs, will not be permitted to enter Shellenberger Field or any university buildings (including residential facilities.) Here is a link to ADR policy regarding animals on campus.
Commencement Firearm/Weapon Policy
To ensure the safety of all graduates and guests, security measures will be in effect throughout commencement ceremonies and events. We ask that you cooperate with these important precautions. Firearms and weapons are not allowed on the University of Lynchburg’s property. Additionally, large bags are not allowed on Shellenberger Field.
If anyone sees anything suspicious, please do not hesitate to contact University security.
Phone Numbers
434.544.8100 (Non-emergency)
434.544.5555 or 911 (Emergency)
