What is Commencement?
Commencement is a formal academic ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of Radford University graduates. During the ceremony, students cross the stage and are recognized for completing their degree program.
Does participating in the ceremony mean I have graduated?
No. Participation in Commencement does not guarantee degree conferral. Your degree is officially awarded only after the Registrar verifies that all academic requirements have been completed.
Do I have to stay for the entire ceremony?
Yes. Commencement is a formal academic ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of the entire graduating class. Graduates are expected to remain for the duration of the ceremony, including the closing remarks and recessional.
Leaving early can be disruptive to the ceremony and takes away from the shared experience of celebrating classmates and friends. Remaining through the conclusion of Commencement reflects the respect and Highlander spirit that define the Radford community.
Families and guests are also encouraged to stay until the ceremony concludes.
How long does the ceremony last?
You can anticipate the Graduate Hooding Ceremony to last less than two hours and each Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony to last approximately 90 minutes.
What time should graduates arrive?
Graduates should plan to arrive at least one hour before the ceremony for check-in and lineup instructions. Detailed ceremony instructions are sent to graduates prior to the event.
Can I participate in a ceremony during a different term than when I finish my degree?
Students may participate in a ceremony during a different term only if one of the following conditions is met:
What is the hooding ceremony?
The hooding ceremony is a special tradition recognizing the completion of a graduate degree. During the ceremony, graduates are individually recognized and ceremonially hooded by a faculty member selected by the student. The hood symbolizes the graduate’s transition from student to scholar.
Who may hood me at the ceremony?
Hooding is traditionally performed by a Radford University faculty member selected by the graduate. The faculty hooder must hold a degree equal to or higher than the degree being conferred. Exceptions may be made for staff members who served in a teaching role during the student’s program.
Guests and Tickets
Tickets are required for the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 12. Each graduate is allotted six (6) tickets for guests and may pick up the tickets at the Registrar’s Office on Main Campus or at Radford University Carilion beginning on Monday, Nov. 30.
How do I order my cap and gown?
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.
How do I know which hood color to order?
Hood colors correspond to the graduate’s degree discipline and program. The appropriate color is determined by the academic field represented by the degree.
Students should consult their program instructions or the regalia ordering guide to ensure they select the correct hood color.
Where can I park?
Parking is free and available across campus. Lot A is reserved for accessible (ADA) parking and special guest parking. Main campus parking map [PDF]Additionally, Radford Transit provides fare-free transit within the Radford community, including to and from campus. View available routes.
Please visit our Security Measures page for more information.
How can I request accessible seating?
If you are a guest with a disability who requires accessible seating, please contact the Center for Accessibility Services by emailing cas@radford.edu. 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.
How can I request an American Sign Language interpreter?
If you need an American Sign Language interpreter, please contact the Center for Accessibility Services by emailing cas@radford.edu no later than Friday, December 4.
Overflow seating to view the livestream will be available on the Main Stage in the Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity.
When does university housing close for fall 2026 semester?
Residence halls and university apartments close Saturday, December 12 at noon.
If I live in university housing and I’m graduating or participating in commencement, can I stay longer?
Yes! Residential students participating in commencement automatically receive extended stay approval to remain in university housing until Sunday, December 13 at noon.
Students assisting with commencement in an official capacity (e.g. band, ROTC) may request extended stay via the Housing Portal.
Questions about your graduation application and/or changes to your application can be directed to graduation@radford.edu. Updates regarding deadlines, commencement preparation and all other graduate-specific commencement information will be emailed to the email addresses on file in the Registrar’s Office. We encourage you to log in to your student portal and review your degree audit to ensure all your requirements have been met. Any issues you may have with your degree audit should be brought to your advisor.
Additional information, including about receiving your diploma, can be found on the Office of the Registrar.