Severe Inclement Weather Location and Directions
Severe Inclement Weather Location
Commencement 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. on the John R. Turbyfill '53 Quadrangle (Front Lawn). In the event of severe inclement weather conditions, the Commencement exercises will be moved to the Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem. The announcement of a move indoors will be made in the morning on Saturday, May 3. Guest rain passes are not required at the Salem Civic Center. Note that the Salem Civic Center will open 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 as well as guests who may experience problems with weather conditions such as excessive heat, humidity, etc.), 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.
Direction to Salem Civic Center from Roanoke College campus:
- Take College Avenue to Main Street.
- Turn left on Main Street.
- Turn right on Lynchburg Turnpike (immediately after East Hill Cemetery).
- Turn right on Idaho Street.
- Go through light.
- Salem Civic Center will be on the left.
Inclement Weather Robing Instructions
In case of severe inclement weather, the graduates will robe in the Salem Civic Center Annex area. When you arrive at the Civic Center, follow the signage outside the building to direct you to the Annex. Then, check the standard signs for the location of your degree and alphabetical listing.
Report to the location designated for your degree and alphabetical listing, find your place in line and remain in that place. Marshals and staff will be in each area to organize the line-up. If you are not in the correct location, you will be marked as absent and your diploma will not be presented on stage.
-Restrooms are available.
-Please ask the ushers/marshals for directions.
-Note that a locked area will NOT be provided for personal belongings. Please plan to leave all personal items with your family or guests.
-Please do not carry water bottles or personal items in the processional.
-The Commencement Programs will be placed on your seat. Please do not bring programs with you to the robing area.
Please do not invite family or guests to the robing area. Space is limited in the robing area, and it is important that all graduates are in the proper lineup in order to receive the correct diploma on stage.
