Families and Guests
Families, friends and guests are an integral part of commencement day celebrations for Radford University students. Visitors for commencement day are encouraged to review the information below and plan their visit to Radford University to enjoy our commencement festivities! You can anticipate the ceremony lasting approximately 2.5 hours.
Lodging
There are many places to stay in and around Radford, Virginia, during the spring commencement weekend. Radford University recommends The Highlander Hotel Radford adjacent to campus, along with several other convenient lodging choices ranging from motels to bed and breakfasts.
Parking
- Graduate Hooding Ceremony - Parking is available in Lot Z. There will be parking staff and University Police officers stationed to assist. View the parking map [PDF].
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - Parking is free and available across campus. View the parking map [PDF].
- View directions to campus and parking information.
Entering the commencement venue
- Graduate Hooding Ceremony - Doors will open 1 hour prior the ceremony and guests may enter through the Dedmon Center Riverside Entrance.
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - The ceremony is held on Moffett Lawn. Please sit in designated areas that are not sectioned off.
Tickets and seating
Spring commencement ceremony tickets are not required in the event of inclement weather. Please check the schedule of events for details on other commencement events.
Program Booklet
- Graduate Hooding Ceremony - Programs will be available at the Riverside Entrance upon entering the venue.
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - Programs will be available at various locations near Moffett Lawn.
Accessibility Services
- Accessible seating for guests is available on a first come, first served basis. Once at the venue, University volunteers will direct guests to the designated accessible seating areas.
- For guests requiring American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services during the ceremony, contact the Center for Accessibility Services by May 1 at 540-831-6350 or cas@radford.edu.
Available for purchase at the venue
- Flowers
- Food and beverages
Livestream and Photography
Links to the livestreams of the commencement ceremonies will be available from the university homepage, on this website and university social media platforms - Facebook and Twitter for guests that want to view all of the excitement but are unable to attend. Live captioning will be available.
Radford University has contracted with Grad Images to provide quality graduation photos of each student. Students can find their commencement photos taken by GradImages at gradimages.com. #RadGrads and families are also welcome to take photos of their special day after the ceremony on or near the stage area as well as outside around campus.
On-Site Assistance
Look for University volunteers wearing red vests stationed around all ceremony events.
Lost and Found
Please email commencement@radford.edu to report lost and found items. Items will be kept for 30 days.