Frequently Asked Questions
Commencement 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. on the John R. Turbyfill '53 Quadrangle (Front Quad). Tickets are NOT needed. (Severe inclement weather location: Salem Civic Center--no tickets required there, either)
When should we plan to be on campus for the events?
Friday, May 3: Department receptions will likely be held on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please have your graduate check with individual department as to the time of the reception as we get closer to commencement weekend. Baccalaureate on Friday afternoon is planned for the Cregger Center Arena.
Saturday, May 4: Commencement begins at 10:00 a.m.
On May 4, Roanoke College will present a webcast of the commencement exercises live from The John R. Turbyfill ’53 Quadrangle (Front Lawn). The webcast will be available for viewing at roanoke.edu/commencement beginning at 9:30 a.m. While we will make every effort to insure the live stream is available, extreme weather conditions or internet issues could hamper our efforts to provide this service. And with over 4,000 chairs available on the front quad, seating is plentiful.
Remember to share this web address with family and friends who cannot attend on May 4 so that they can take part in this important event with your graduate.
What is Baccalaureate?
Baccalaureate is a service of blessing led by Chaplain Chris Bowen and members of the campus community.
The Commencement activities begin on Friday at 4:00 p.m., the day before commencement, with the Baccalaureate ceremony in the Cregger Center Arena. This celebratory event is an important part of Commencement exercises and is an occasion for thanksgiving as our students complete their educational program.
Baccalaureate begins with an academic procession of faculty and administrators. The worship service, lasting about one hour, includes music, prayers and readings. The Rev. Christopher M. Bowen, Dean of the Chapel, will be the speaker.
Where can I book lodging?
A list of loding options across the area is available from the regional tourism bureau, Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge.
Where is parking available on campus?
A map of Commencement events and parking options is available here.
Are tickets needed for Baccalaureate on Friday and/or Commencement on Saturday?
No tickets are required for either Baccalaureate on Friday afternoon in the Cregger Center or Commencement on Saturday morning on the Front Quad (or at the Salem Civic Center, in the event of severe inclement weather).
What should guests wear for Commencement?
Please check the weather forecast. We have very, very limited shade coverage on the front quad. All of the chairs on the front quad are on the grass, so plan your footwear accordingly, particularly if it has rained in the days leading up to Commencement. The grassy lawn is uneven and has divots in multiple areas, particularly near the trees.
When and where do graduates get their caps and gowns?
Academic Attire: The regalia package is $55.00, and can be paid via cash, check, credit card, or Maroon Money at the Roanoke College Campus Store (lower level of Colket Center) on Friday or Saturday, May 3 or 4, 2024. Please note that seniors do NOT order academic attire ahead of time (cap, tassel, gown, degree hood). Our usual practice is that students are measured at the time of purchase and pick-up for their attire. It is process we have used very successfully for many years now, so there is no need for pre-measuring or pre-ordering. The company we use has a variety of sizes to accommodate all. Gowns, caps (with tassels), and hoods relative to the graduate's degree (Bachelor of Arts [white], Bachelor of Science [yellow], or Bachelor of Business Administration [brown]) are all included in the regalia package. If a graduate is to receive Latin honors, those cords are distributed with the cap and gown. For other cords and stoles, graduates should contact the advisors for honor societies and campus organizations to which they belong.
Graduates will be fitted by length for their academic attire when they purchase and pick up their gowns, caps, tassels, and hoods on Friday, May 3, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., or on Saturday, May 4, 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. in the Campus Store (lower level of Colket Center). Please note that they must pick up their own academic attire (items will not be given to anyone else) and their Roanoke College identification (or other photo ID) will be needed to pick up the attire as well as the $55.00 fee. No regalia will be distributed prior to Friday, May 3.
My name is sometimes mispronounced. How can I let someone know the proper pronunciation?
Seniors, you will receive an email in mid-April to access Flipgrid so you can give us the pronunciation of your name (look for the email to come from "commencement@roanoke.edu" to your Roanoke College email):
As 2024 Commencement approaches, we would like to say congratulations! We are excited for you in this accomplishment and want to verify that we pronounce your name, as you walk across the stage, correctly. Please record a video saying your first, middle, and last name clearly (please state your name twice), so that we can review before Commencement. Please complete by Monday, April 29.
When does the Commencement ceremony end?
In previous years, the end time was between 12:30 – 1:00 p.m., depending on the number of speakers and number of graduates.
What happens if there is severe inclement weather?
In the event of severe inclement weather conditions, the Commencement exercises will be moved to the Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem. Directions from Roanoke College to the Salem Civic Center are available on the Commencement website.
Any decision of a move indoors to the Salem Civic Center will be made in the morning on Saturday, May 4 and communicated via Maroon Alerts, and will be posted on the Roanoke College website. Guest rain passes are not required at the Salem Civic Center. Note that the Salem Civic Center opens at 8:30 a.m.
Commencement will most likely be held outdoors on Saturday; we do monitor the ever-changing weather forecast, but we suggest you prepare for what best suits your family’s needs. We have indoor viewing sites (Olin Hall Theater and Colket Center’s Pickle Lounge) where you can watch the ceremony here on campus (also a choice for guests with mobility issues if they choose not to be on the front quad), should you feel it necessary based upon the current conditions. Ponchos are probably a better choice, as umbrellas produce run-off water to guests around you and may impede others’ view of the ceremony.
Are wheelchairs available?
We ask that you access the request form at Wheelchair Request Form no later than Tuesday, April 30 to reserve a wheelchair. After this date, it may not be possible for us to have a wheelchair on site.
What is the best way for people with mobility issues to access the Front Quad?
There will be a drop-off spot for guests with mobility issues on Maxey Way (formerly known as High Street). Maxey Way will be blocked off before, during, and after the ceremony; however, a Roanoke College Campus Safety Officer will be attending to the entrance to Maxey Way off of Clay Street. Please indicate to the Officer that you are dropping off a guest at the designated area, and the Officer will direct you. The drop-off point is in front of the Fintel Library. Someone in your party will need to accompany your guest with mobility issues from your vehicle to the front quad.
Additionally, we have golf cart shuttles from all parking locations. If you wish to utilize this service, please check in with the Campus Safety Officer or Student Attendant in that parking area, and they will have a golf cart come to your location.
Can wheelchairs be accommodated on the Front Quad?
We have wheelchair-accessible ramp seating which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A chair may be placed on the ramp for someone needing it, as all of the seats for commencement are out on the grass on the front quad. We ask that other family members use the larger area in front of the ramp to sit rather than taking space on the ramp so that other guests may be able to access it. Please note that all chairs are on the grass, not on any other hardscape. We ask that you access the request form at Wheelchair Request Form no later than Tuesday, April 30 to reserve a wheelchair. After this date, it may not be possible for us to have a wheelchair on site.
Are animals permitted at the ceremonies?
Only service animals are permitted on the front quad. No animals are permitted inside of academic buildings, Colket Center and Cregger Center with the exception of service animals.
How will photos of graduates be taken?
Photo Specialties will serve as Roanoke College's official photographer. A photographer will be at the ceremony to take a photograph of each graduate as President Shushok presents the diploma and a second photo will be taken as the graduate exits the stage and stands in front of a Roanoke College backdrop. We will also have a Roanoke College backdrop available at the Bell Tower on the back quad before and after the Commencement ceremony for families to take pictures.
How can I view and purchase photos?
An email will be sent out about a week after commencement with the subject line from "notifications@photospecialties.com" to your roanoke.edu email with instructions on how to view your proofs (including a private password--and please check your clutter/junk folder if you don't see the email from the photographer in your inbox). At this point, you may order online at www.seemygraduate.com. If you do not receive this notification, please contact Photo Specialties directly at info@photospecialties.com or call 919-967-9576.