Congratulations Class of 2026! As you count down the days to commencement, please take a few moments to make sure that you have reviewed all the details so you can relax and enjoy your commencement day.
Tickets
Tickets are required for the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 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. Graduates concerned about ticket limitations may opt to participate in the Spring Commencement ceremonies.
Student Commencement Check-In
Graduating students should arrive at the lower-level Preston Hall entrance one hour prior to the ceremony time and proceed to their college’s lineup in the hallway.
Regalia, Tassels, Cords and Stoles
Graduating students are required to have formal academic regalia consisting of gowns, caps or tams and hoods, as appropriate.
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.
Stoles and cords representing student organizations, affiliations or achievements may also be worn. Students should contact the respective organization or office to learn more about obtaining a stole or cord.
Students eligible for an Honors tassel will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office.
Undergraduate tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left when degrees are conferred during the ceremony.
Applying for Graduation
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.
Livestream
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 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.
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 accessible seating, 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 Friday, December 4.
Commencement Security Measures
The safety of our campus community remains our highest priority. All attendees should be prepared to go through a security screening before entering the commencement venue. 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 yellow if you require assistance or need help. View the university's clear-bag policy and prohibited items listing.
Severe Weather
Winter weather can be difficult to predict. We will monitor the forecast carefully for severe weather. 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.