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Commencement 2008 Frequently Asked Questions

When is commencement?

Commencement is Saturday, May 10, 2008, and will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Graduates need to arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. for the line-up.

How long does it last?

The ceremony lasts until approximately 11:30 a.m.

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Where will commencement be held?

The ceremony will take place on the Library Plaza of the Regent campus. In the event of inclement weather, the alternate site is Rock Church, which is located about 3 miles from Regent, at 640 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, Va.

Where do I park?

The main parking area will be in the lot south of the Communication building on Centerville Turnpike. The library lot will be reserved for commencement staff only. Please follow the instructions of the parking attendants in all open Regent and Founders Inn lots. Shuttle service will be available from the recommended parking areas to the commencement site. Wheelchairs and golf carts will be available for guests with special needs. Residents of Regent Village are asked not to drive—please take the shuttle to the campus.

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How will I know if the ceremony has been moved to the alternate site?

Call the Regent Hotline at 757.226.4777 for a recorded message, or listen to WFOG 92.9 FM. Guests at The Founders Inn and Spa will be given a written notice at their doors.

May I wear my own cap and gown or additional honor regalia for the ceremony?

No. All graduates must purchase and wear the standard regalia offered by a regalia company of the university's choice (Oak Hall). In addition to regalia, men should wear a shirt and tie but no jacket and ladies should wear dresses or skirts and comfortable shoes (heels or flats). Please be advised that men will need to remove their caps during prayer.

Graduates may not carry handbags or other personal items, banners, placards, etc. A small camera is permissible.

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When and how should I order my regalia?

Graduates should order regalia online through Oak Hall. The website will open February 15, 2008, for orders. Do not contact the Registrar's Office to order regalia.

Will my regalia be shipped to me?

No. Regalia (caps, gowns and tassels) may be picked up at the Regent University campus. Pick-up dates and times are as follows:

Wednesday, May 7, from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 8, from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hoods will be distributed to graduates at the individual commissioning services unless a graduate is not attending their commissioning service. (Then they may pick their hood up any time after their commissioning service was held). Graduates receiving a bachelor's degree will not be given a hood.

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How do I order announcements and my diploma frame?

Graduates may order graduation announcements and other graduation related items from Herff Jones. Contact the Regent Bookstore for information on ordering your diploma frame.

How do I RSVP for commencement?

All approved graduates who are planning to attend the commencement ceremony must RSVP to the Registrar's Office. Please fill out an RSVP slip, and mail it to the Registrar's Office at 1000 Regent University Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23464, or fax it to 757.226.4033. If you do not RSVP by April 14, 2008, we cannot guarantee that you will be seated with your classmates. Also, please note that an RSVP for your commissioning service does not reserve your seat at commencement. You must RSVP for both events separately.

How many guests may I invite?

There is no limit, and tickets will NOT be issued; however, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis so guests should arrive early.

Will there be an interpreter for the hearing-impaired?

Yes. Regent provides an interpreter and special seating for hearing-impaired guests.

My grandparents are coming, and they can’t take the heat. What kind of arrangements will be made for them?

We will provide a covered area where they may sit in the shade, or they may view the ceremony indoors via closed-circuit TV.

My family member or I have a special need. How may I request accommodations?

If you are a graduate with special needs, please complete the Special Needs Form and return it to the Registrar's Office no later than April 25, 2008. If you are a guest of a graduate, you will be assisted by attendants on hand at each parking area. Parking for the handicapped and those with limited mobility will be available at the Robertson Hall lot.

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Where/how can I reserve hotel rooms for my family?

A list of nearby hotels, including special rates for commencement attendees, is available for the convenience of Regent graduates and their families.

How can I make lunch reservations for my guests at the Regent Ordinary or The Founders Inn buffet?

The Regent Ordinary (located in the Regent University Student Center) will offer a luncheon buffet for graduates, their families and guests from 12:00-1:30 p.m. The price of the buffet is $15.00 (including tax) for adults and $7.50 for children ages 5-12. The buffet will include a tossed salad, composed salads, carved roast beef, chicken Marsala, potatoes, seasonal vegetables and fresh-baked dinner rolls. Iced tea and water, as well as a light dessert of brownies and cookies, are included on the buffet. Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the Regent Ordinary, by telephone at 757.226.4924, or ordered via email.

The Swan Terrace at The Founders Inn and Spa will also offer a luncheon buffet for graduates, their families and guests, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Cost is $14.95, plus tax and gratuity (children's buffet is half-price). The menu includes five hot items, five composed salads and a selection of desserts. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 757.366.5700. Be sure to make reservations early as this venue traditionally will be fully booked.

When and where is my school’s commissioning service?

The Registrar's Office does not handle commissioning services. Each school schedules its own commissioning. Please contact your school to RSVP for your commissioning service and for detailed information on location and time. Also, please note: you must RSVP for commissioning and commencement separately.

Will I receive my diploma at commencement?

No. Degrees are posted after final grades are issued and verification of all graduation requirements has been completed. Final transcripts are sent to you as soon as you are cleared to graduate, and diplomas arrive approximately eight weeks later.

How may I let my friends and family back home know about my graduation from Regent University?

To send a hometown news release, contact the Regent University Office of Public Relations.

What is the best way to stay in touch with the university after graduation?

You can reach the Alumni Relations office by phone at 757.226.4122 or by email. You can also stay connected by registering with the Regent online community.

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