Graduate Ceremony
Friday, May 19, 2023 | Willett Hall | 4:30 p.m.
Digital Program
View or download a copy of the 2022 Graduate Commencement program.
Graduation Requirements
If you have questions or concerns about your Graduation Requirements contact the Registrar's Office in Brock Hall, (434)395-2580.
Name Pronunciation - Graduate
All students who have indicated that they plan to participate in the May commencement ceremony will receive an email from NameCoach prior to the commencement ceremony.
If you feel that your name is unique to pronounce, please follow the instructions in the email to have a recording of your name shared with the Commencement Planning staff.
If you have questions, please contact graduate@longwood.edu.
Accessibility Needs for Graduates and Guests
If you have questions concerning access or need disability-related accommodations, please contact the Accessibility Resources Office at (434)395-2391 or email us at accessibilityresources@longwood.edu.
Accessible parking and seating will be available at a first-come, first serve basis. There is no need to make a reservation.
Attire
All degree and professional endorsement candidates must wear appropriate attire for the Commencement 
ceremony, which includes an academic cap and gown, hood and dark shoes. Members of the Alumni Office will be there to assist you with your Gown, Hood and Mortarboard.
Gown
Your gown is worn with the zipper in front.
Hood
Graduate students will have their hood placed on them during the ceremony. You will carry the hood into the ceremony draped over your left arm. When your name is called, the respective Deans will complete the hooding process as you walk across the stage.
The hood is worn with the velvet stripe showing in the front, draping over the shoulders to your back, and rolling over to expose the colors.
Safety pins will help secure your hood to your gown.
Don't wear bright colors on top that will detract from your hood.
The color of velvet hood stripe by degree:
- Master of Business Administration - Drab
- Master of Education - Light Blue
- Master of Science - Goldenrod
Mortarboard
The mortarboard should be worn so that the point marked "Front of Cap" is down on your forehead. This allows the mortarboard to sit flat on the top of your head
Bobby pins will help secure the mortarboard to your head.
Do NOT decorate the mortarboard as it will inhibit placing the hood over your head and mortarboard during 
the ceremony.
Tassel - Masters
The tassel is worn on the left and should not be turned during the ceremony.
Diploma
Graduating students will receive their diplomas by mail within 4-6 weeks after graduating.
Diploma size for undergraduate and graduate diplomas is 11” (width) x 14” (height)
The frames that fit the 11x14” frames are:
- FRAMING SUCCESS WINDSOR DIPLOMA FRAME. BACHELORS, MASTERS
- FRAMING SUCCESS CLASSIC DIPLOMA FRAME. BACHELORS, MASTERS
- FRAMING SUCCESS PRESTIGE DIPLOMA FRAME. BACHELORS, MASTERS
Diploma frames may be ordered from the Longwood Bookstore website.
Announcements, Invitations and Class Rings
Order online from the Balfour Website
Professional Photography and DVD
During Commencement, professional photographers from Grad Images will take pictures of each graduate during the ceremony. They will have proofs available on their website by July 1st at www.GradImages.com.
Graduates and their families are invited to pre-register their contact information to receive notifications at the following link: http://gradimages.com/Preregistration.
Order Your Commencement DVD
A copy of the Commencement ceremony will be available for you to order on a DVD, Blu-ray, or Download through Memories Videography.
Conduct
Graduation is a formal academic ceremony and a special day for the graduates and their guests. Please respect this occasion and all who worked so hard to get here by remaining seated and quiet during the ceremony.
Also, we ask that you please show respect for your fellow students and plan to stay for the entire ceremony.
Prohibited Items:
- Alcohol
- Air horns
- Beach balls
- Bubbles
- Other Distractions
Cell Phones and Mobile Devices
All cell phones and mobile devices should be turned to silent.
Graduate Ceremony Parking
On-Campus Commencement Parking Directions to Longwood University
Accessible parking and seating will be available at a first-come, first serve basis. There is no need to make a reservation.
2022 Commencement Parking Map (pdf)
Entering Farmville: Route 460 East and West
Guests are requested to use Route 460 for entry into Farmville.
Overnight Accommodations
Longwood Memorabilia
The Longwood Bookstore will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Service Animals
Only registered service animals are permitted.
Smoking Areas
Smoking is allowed in designated locations only.
Questions?
Please contact us or email commencement@longwood.edu.