Stay tuned for more detailed information about the 2026 Winter Commencement ceremonies.
- The Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony will be Friday, December 11, 2026.
- The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies will be Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Student Regalia
Graduating students are required to have formal academic regalia consisting of gowns,
caps or tams and hoods, as appropriate. Student regalia will be available to purchase
in-store at the Highlander Bookstore or online. Online purchases must be made by Nov. 13. After this date, student regalia can be purchased at the Highlander Bookstore up
until the day of graduation.
Grad Fair
The Highlander Bookstore will host a Graduation Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first floor of Dalton Hall and a Pop-Up Grad Fair event on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 401 at Radford University Carilion in Roanoke for students participating
in Winter Commencement. Please let your graduating students know about these details.
In addition to regalia and related item vendors, the Oct. 14 Grad Fair will host Advancement and Alumni Relations, the Center for Career and Talent Development and the Office of Graduate Affairs.
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.
Livestream
Links to the livestreams of the commencement ceremonies will be available on this website, from the University homepage and Radford University's Facebook for guests that want to view all of the excitement but are unable to attend. Live
captioning will be available.
Photography
Radford University has a contracted photography vendor to provide quality graduation
photos of each student. #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.
Parking
- Parking is free and available throughout campus. Main campus parking map [PDF]
- Lot A is reserved for disabled (with DMV issued permit) and special guest parking
only.
- All other lots throughout campus are available for commencement guest parking.
- Radford Transit provides fare free transit within the Radford community, including
to and from campus. View available routes.
Accessibility Services
Graduates who may need accommodations for Commencement Services should contact the
Center for Accessibility Services (CAS) at 540-831-6350, 540-922-1176 (VP) or cas@radford.edu.
- 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.
- Accessible seating is for the individual with a disability and one accompanying guest.
Other members of the party may find seating within the venue.
- For guests requiring American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services during the
ceremony, contact the Center for Accessibility Services at 540-831-6350 or cas@radford.edu.
- Service animals are permitted but this does not include service animals in training
or ESAs.
Program Booklet
Programs will be available at the Bondurant Auditorium entrance upon entering the
venue.
Available for purchase
On-site assistance
Look for University volunteers wearing Radford University lanyards stationed at the
Bondurant Auditorium entrance and throughout the venue before, during and after the
ceremony.
Lost and found
Please email commencement@radford.edu to report lost and found items. Items will be kept for 30 days.
Inclement weather
December 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, University homepage and shared on Radford University's Facebook.
First Destination Survey
We're excited to see what you are doing upon graduation as you make a positive impact
in the Commonwealth and beyond. Please take 3 minutes or less to complete the First Destination survey today! All participants will be entered into a drawing to win an Apple iPad 11th Generation from the Center of Career and Talent Development!
