Commencement : Frequently Asked Questions
Students need to know
When will residence halls close for graduates?
Residence halls will close for graduates and any other students pre-approved to stay through Commencement at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. Any graduate or other student with special circumstances who needs to stay in the residence halls until Commencement must complete and submit a Request to Stay Over Break Form which is available in the 'Applications' section on the Housing & Residence Life website at www.uvawise.edu/reslife. For more information, visit the website or call 276-328-0215.
Do guests need tickets to attend the Commencement ceremony?
Tickets are not necessary; seating on the lawn is first-come, first served. Guests are not permitted in the graduate seating area at any time.
What should I keep in mind on Commencement morning?
Students are encouraged to wear comfortable, flat or low-heeled shoes; eat breakfast before arriving; and remember to bring your cap and gown.
At what time should I arrive for Commencement?
Graduates should report to Cantrell Hall no later than 10 a.m. Parents and guests should be seated by 10:45 a.m.
Where should I park?
Graduates should park in the parking lot above the gymnasium. Shuttle buses will run from the gymnasium and upper parking lots to the commencement site from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where do I go to robe?
Graduates will robe in the Cantrell Hall Banquet Room. Bring your cap and gown. Staff will be available to assist with robing and to place you in the line-up. The room will not be secured during the ceremony and the college will not be responsible for items left there. Therefore, graduates should leave coats, purses and other valuables with a family member.
What if it rains?
Schedule changes resulting from severe weather conditions will be available at 276-376-4766 and at www.uvawise.edu/commencement.
Graduates were given 6 tickets to distribute to their family and guests. Ushers will be taking tickets at the top of each set of stairs. Ticket holders will be seated first. Those without tickets will be able to observe commencement exercises from the concourse level. Once the ceremony has begun, empty seats will be made available to others.
Faculty and staff will be admitted to the seating area by showing their campus id card.
ADA seating will be in designated areas around the top of the concourse.
All participants in the processional need to report to the lower level of the Convocation Center for robing.
· Graduates will robe behind the stage on the practice court and should be there before 10.
· Faculty will robe in the large storage room and should report by 10:15.
· Cabinet, College Board and Platform Party will robe in assigned locker rooms and should be there by 10:30.
Signs are posted to direct you to the appropriate location and ushers will be there to assist.
You will be given your cap and gown at Senior Salute in March. If you do not attend Senior Salute, you can pick up your cap and gown in the campus bookstore in the C. Bascom Slemp Student Center.
When will I receive my Honor Stole?
Students graduating with academic distinction will receive honor stoles when they report for line up in the Cantrell Hall Banquet Room. Stoles will be provided that morning based on final grade point average (as of May 18).
The GPA requirements for honors are as follows:
· Cum Laude: 3.50-3.699
· Magna Cum Laude: 3.70-3.899
· Summa Cum Laude: 3.90-4.00
The student's GPA must be maintained on graded work taken at UVa-Wise separately from and combined with all graded coursework taken, regardless of whether the work was accepted for transfer or not.
May I wear other cords?
Students who have earned membership in a recognized honor society will be permitted to wear the official cords or pins of their honor society, such as the Darden Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, Psi Chi, Sigma Zeta, Sigma Delta Pi, Phi Alpha Theta and Lambda Pi Eta.
I have a double major. Do I get two diplomas?
A double major means you have completed two programs, but only one degree. You will receive one diploma, unless you complete the hours required for two degree paths.
Will departmental and College honors appear on my diploma?
Due to printing deadlines, the Honors designations appearing in the Commencement program are based on grades earned through December 2012. Final honors earned will appear on the official transcripts and on the diploma.
How will my name appear in the program and on my diploma?
During the Senior Salute, students are given the opportunity to approve the spelling of their name. If you applied late for graduation, your name may not be printed in the program. The names of degree candidates must be submitted to the printer and diplomas ordered several weeks prior to Commencement. However, your name will be called as you cross the stage, and any college honors earned will be announced. If you did not attend Senior Salute, check with the Registrar’s Office.
Where do I pick up my diploma?
The scroll you receive on stage is not your diploma. You can pick up the “real” one in Crockett Hall (Registrar’s Office) immediately after commencement and any regular work day thereafter. Diplomas for graduates who will be completing their degree in the summer will be ordered after the second summer school session and mailed approximately six weeks later. Make sure the Registrar’s Office has your correct mailing address.
When will transcripts be available?
Final transcripts for the spring 2013 semester may be ordered from the Registrar’s Office after June 1, 2013. You may order the transcripts in person, by telephone at 276-328-0116, or on-line at www.uvawise.edu/registrar/transcript_info. The fee for each transcript is $10.
What obligations will prevent me from receiving my diploma?
Any financial obligation that would place a stop code on your student account, as well as disciplinary actions, could delay the release of your diploma.
How do I know if I am on track to complete my degree requirements?
Check with the Registrar’s Office. Call 276-328-0118.
How do I order photographs?
A professional photographer will take individual photos of graduates receiving their scroll on stage from the Chancellor. A sample photo and order form will be e-mailed to graduates after commencement. For more information contact Chappell Studio at 800-424-3686 or you may visit www.gradimages.com.
How do I order graduation announcements & class rings online?
Visit Balfour at ww2.balfour.com/college. These items may also be ordered at Senior Salute in March.
Will the Bookstore be open on Commencement Day?
The campus bookstore will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the day of Commencement.
Be sure to say thank you
Be sure to say thank you to Mom, Dad, a professor, a friend or anyone who has helped you achieve this important goal by purchasing a certificate to send to them. www.uvawise.edu/giving/SeniorClassGift>>
