Imagery of Regent people and campus

Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

When are the commencement and commissioning ceremonies?

Commencement ceremonies for 2012 have already passed. The Regent University Commencement Planning Committee has already begun preparing for the next Commencement ceremony to take place Saturday, May 4, 2013.

Each school will conduct individual commissioning activities prior to commencement.

 

 

How long does commencement last?

The ceremony lasts until approximately 11:45 a.m.

back to top

 

 

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. (Lot L on the campus map.) Commencement parking for persons with disabilities and those with limited mobility will be available at the Robertson Hall lot. 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 to transport guests with special needs between the parking lots and the seating areas. Regent Village residents are asked not to drive. Shuttles will run between the Village and the Library for your convenience, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and running every 5 minutes.

back to top

 

 

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

If the weather is questionable, call the Regent Hotline at 757.352.4777 for a recorded message or go to the Regent website. Guests at The Founders Inn and Spa will be given a written notice at their doors.

 

 

May I wear my own cap and gown for the graduation ceremonies?

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.

back to top

 

 

May I wear my honor society insignia?

Undergraduate Latin honors recipients will be awarded an honor stole to wear with their regalia. Additionally, students who have served in elected positions for either the Council of Graduate Students or Regent Undergraduate Council may wear the recognition cords provided by the university. Members of the following university-sanctioned academic honor societies may wear their organization's approved honor cord only - no additional pins, tassels, stoles, medallions or other insignia are permitted. Honor Society students are responsible for ordering their own cords. 

Approved honor societies: Chi Sigma Iota, Lambda Pi Eta, Phi Alpha Delta, Pi Sigma Alpha, Psi Chi

 

 

When and how should I order my regalia?

All graduates must purchase and wear regalia from Oak Hall. Regalia orders for the 2013 Commencement ceremony will be accepted in early 2013. Check back at a later date for more information.

You may also order announcements and other graduation related items online from Herff Jones opens in new browser window. Contact the Regent Bookstore opens in new browser window for information on ordering diploma frames.

back to top

 

 

Will my regalia be shipped to me?

No. Regalia (caps, gowns and tassels) may be picked up at the Regent University campus. You must present a picture ID to pick up your regalia. Regalia will only be released to someone other than the graduate if the graduate has submitted prior written consent to the Registrar's Office.

Regalia pick-up dates and times will be announced in early 2013.

Hoods will be distributed to graduates at the individual commissioning services unless a graduate is not attending his or her commissioning service. (In that case, hoods may be picked up any time after the commissioning service is held). Bachelor's and associate's degree candidates do not receive hoods.

 

 

How do I order announcements and my diploma frame?

Commencement announcements and class rings can be ordered through Herff Jones opens in new browser window. Contact the Regent Bookstore for information on ordering your diploma frame.

back to top

 

 

What are the dimensions of my diploma?

Doctoral and Juris Doctor diplomas are 15"x20". The diplomas for bachelor's and master's programs, the Ed.S., the LL.M., and all certificate programs are 11"x14". The A.A. diploma is 8.5"x11". All diplomas are printed in portrait (vertical) orientation.

 

 

How do I RSVP for commencement and my commissioning ceremony?

The Registrar's Office will begin accepting 2013 Commencement RSVPs in early 2013. Check back at a later date for more information.

You must RSVP for your commissioning service separately. Commissioning dates and times are determined by the individual schools.

back to top

 

 

How many guests may I invite?

For commencement, 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. Please contact your school for information on the number of guests you may invite to your commissioning service.

 

 

Will there be an interpreter for the hearing-impaired?

Yes. Regent provides an interpreter and special seating for hearing-impaired guests at the commencement ceremony. If you or a guest are hearing-impaired, please complete the Special Accommodations Form opens in new browser window and return it to the Registrar's Office.

back to top

 

 

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

We will provide a covered area where elderly guests may sit in the shade (no families, please), or they may view the ceremony indoors via closed-circuit TV in Robertson Hall.

 

 

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

If you are a graduate with a special need, please complete the Special Accommodations Form opens in new browser window and return it to the Registrar's Office as soon as possible.

Attendants will be on hand at each parking area during commencement. Commencement parking for persons with disabilities and those with limited mobility will be available at the Robertson Hall lot, and anyone with a handicap hang tag, decal, or license plate will be allowed entrance by the parking attendant. Shuttles and golf carts will be available to transport graduates and guests who park in the main visitor parking lot (Lot “L” by the Communications building).

After the Commencement ceremony, golf cart stations will be set up to help transport guests requiring special accommodations.�� The locations will be clearly labeled.

back to top

 

 

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

Reservations for The Founders Inn, located on the Regent University campus, may be made by calling 757.366.5700 or 1.800.926.4466. Read more about The Founders Inn here. Additionally, a list of nearby hotels is available for the convenience of Regent graduates and their families.

 

 

How can I make lunch reservations for my guests at The Founders Inn?

The Swan Terrace at The Founders Inn usually offers a luncheon buffet for graduates and their families. The Regent Ordinary is typically open as well. Details TBA.

back to top

 

When and where is my school’s commissioning service?

The Registrar's Office does not handle commissioning services nor do they accept RSVPs for commissioning services. Also, please note: you must RSVP for commissioning and commencement separately. To find out about your school's commissioning services, click here opens in new browser window.

 

 

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 diploma orders are submitted on the last business day of each month. Diplomas are sent directly to the graduate from the printer and typically take 4-6 weeks from the date of the order to arrive.

back to top

 

 

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

Submit the Graduation News Release online form.

 

 

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

You can reach the Alumni Relations office by phone at 757.352.4122 or by email. You can also stay connected by registering with the Regent online community.

back to top