Commencement is one of Radford University’s most meaningful traditions — a formal
ceremony that celebrates the accomplishments of the entire graduating class. Because
each graduate deserves to be recognized and celebrated, students are expected to remain
for the full ceremony.
Graduates should plan to stay seated with their classmates after receiving their diploma
and remain through the conclusion of the ceremony and the recessional. Leaving early
disrupts the ceremony and diminishes the shared experience for fellow graduates and
their families.
Commencement is a collective milestone. Remaining for the duration of the ceremony
is a simple but meaningful way to honor the achievements of classmates and the significance
of the moment.
We appreciate the cooperation of all graduates and their guests in helping to preserve
the spirit and tradition of this important university celebration.
Graduate Hooding Ceremony: Friday, May 1, 2026 | 5 p.m. | Dedmon Center
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony: Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 10 a.m. | Moffett Lawn
We know that commencement requires advance planning and we try to provide the information
and resources you need to prepare for this special day. If you have questions, please
email us at commencement@radford.edu.
Tickets
Tickets are not required for Spring Commencement.
Parking and Entrance
Graduate Hooding Ceremony on Friday, May 1, 2026
Parking is free and available in Lot Z. There will be parking staff and University
Police officers stationed to assist. Accessible parking is available with a DMV issued
permit. Parking attendants will direct to specified areas. All attendees should enter
the riverside entrance of the Dedmon Center for the Graduate Hooding Commencement
Ceremony.
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026
Parking is free and available across campus. Lot DD will serve as a drop-off for guests
with mobility issues, and Lot EE is designated as handicap parking. Please view the
main campus parking map [PDF].
Moffett Lawn will have four entry points for the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
Please view the commencement map for the locations of the entry points.
Lineup for students begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning in the area between Walker and Madison Halls and will extend toward Muse Hall. Students should plan on being at lineup no later
than 9:30 a.m. The lineup area will have two entry points. Once inside the lineup
area, graduates will check in and be directed to the line up location. Graduates will
lineup by departments within each college.
Commencement Security Measures
The safety of our campus community remains our highest priority. All attendees for
the Graduate Hooding Ceremony and the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony should be
prepared to go through a security screening before entering the commencement venues.
The OpenGate security system allows for efficient and non-invasive screening, helping
to maintain a safe environment while minimizing delays. In addition, we are partnering
with an event security contractor to assist in this effort, and they will be dressed
in green if you require assistance or need help. View the university's clear-bag policy and prohibited items listing.
Livestreams
Links to the livestreams of the commencement ceremonies will be available on the university homepage, on this website and on the university's Facebook page for guests who want to view all of the excitement but are unable to attend.
Live captioning will be available.
Photography
Radford University has contracted with GradImages 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.
Accessibility Services
Accessible seating for guests is available on a first come, first served basis. Accessible seating is for the person with disability plus one other person. Once at the venue, university volunteers will direct guests to the designated accessible
seating areas. If you are a guest with a disability who requires indoor seating for
the Undergraduate Ceremony held outside on Moffett Lawn, please contact the Center
for Accessibility Services by emailing cas@radford.edu.
If you need an American Sign Language interpreter, please contact the Center for Accessibility
Services by emailing cas@radford.edu no later than April 25, 2026.
Inclement Weather
Spring weather can be difficult to predict. We will monitor the forecast carefully
and if severe weather appears likely to impact commencement, we will provide regular
updates via email to our graduating students. Any changes to the commencement schedule
will also be available on this website, on the university homepage and on the university's Facebook page.
