Commencement Security
Prohibited & Permitted Items
All guests, including faculty and staff, should be prepared to go through security screening before entering Shellenberger Field. The University of Lynchburg adheres to a clear bag policy, and certain items are prohibited. See below for an explanation of our clear bag policy and a full list of prohibited items at Commencement.
When entering security checkpoints, please follow all instructions of security and event staff.
Clear Bag Policy
In an effort to enhance safety and expedite entrance to Shellenberger Field, the University of Lynchburg has implemented a clear bag policy. Clear bags are required. Only clear tote bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”, or the size of a one-gallon plastic freezer bag, will be allowed on Shellenberger Field. In addition, small handheld clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” will be permitted. All guests should be prepared to go through security bag checks prior to entry into the Commencement main ceremony.
Bag Checks
Note: All bags/containers are subject to search. All guests should be prepared to go through security bag checks prior to entry to Commencement ceremonies, especially those who are exempted from the Clear Bag Policy (i.e. diaper bags, etc.) Campus Safety and Security will not be responsible for bags or other restricted items left outside the venue.
Prohibited Items
Aerosols to include silly string
Alcoholic beverages
Animals other than service/guide dogs (must be leashed)
Banners, flags, and signs
Backpacks
Bags exceeding size restrictions (see Clear Bag Policy)
Balloons
Bicycles
Coolers or containers
Outside beverage containers
Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
Fireworks or explosives
Glass containers
Hover boards/skateboards
Illegal drugs
Firearms, knives or other weapons
Laser pointers
Packages
Folding Chairs
Selfie sticks
Supports for signs and placards
Toy guns
Wrapped gifts
Any other item determined to be a potential hazard
Smoking, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping, is prohibited on Shellenberger Field
Permitted Items
Binoculars
Cameras
Cellphones
Chairback stadium seats/seat cushions
Diaper Bags (accompanied by an infant)
Snacks, clear water bottles, and other similar items needed for medical/health reasons
Strollers, wheelchairs
Umbrellas (may be used when not seated on the chairs)
Inclement Weather Plan
The Inclement Weather Plan applies only to Commencement ceremonies taking place outside on Shellenberger Field.
The University tries to hold Commencement outside on 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 be responsible for handing their assigned tickets to their guests as soon as they pick them up from the Information Desk at Drysdale.
- Additional viewing locations with a live video feed:
Snidow Chapel
Sydnor Performance Hall
Hopwood Auditorium
Hall Campus Ballroom
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 Graduate Commencement 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 Official Commencement Parking Map for guidance. The parking scheme remains the same for May 7 – 8, 2026.
- 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.
- 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 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 reach the venue, especially from parking spaces farther 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.
- All student vehicles must be removed from campus before 6 p.m. the day before Commencement starts.
- During Commencement, 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 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. before Commencement.
- Nest Parking is available to students, faculty, and staff for the Baccalaureate, Undergraduate and DMSc/PA ceremonies, as well as the DPT and 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)
