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Commencement 2009 Frequently Asked Questions

When are the commencement and commissioning ceremonies?

Commencement is Saturday, May 9, 2009, and will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Graduates need to arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. for the line-up.

Each school will conduct individual Commissioning activities on Thursday, May 7 or Friday, May 8, 2009.

How long does commencement 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 commencement ceremony has been moved to the alternate site?

Call the Regent Hotline at 757.352.4777 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 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.

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When and how should I order my regalia?

The Oak Hall website is no longer open for regalia orders. For approved graduates who did not order online, regalia will be available for purchase during the pick-up dates and times listed below. Payment for regalia may be made by check (made out to Oak Hall) or cash. 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.

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.

Pick-up dates and times are as follows:
Wednesday, May 6 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 7 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 8 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 7:45 a.m. - 9:25 a.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 and my commissioning ceremony?

All approved graduates who are planning to attend the commencement ceremony must RSVP PDF to the Registrar's Office. You must RSVP with the Registrar's Office for commencement. We cannot guarantee that you will be seated with your classmates without your RSVP.

Contact your school directly to RSVP for your commissioning service. 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?

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.

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 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 have a special need, please complete the Special Needs Form and return it to the Registrar's Office. Attendants will also be on hand at each parking area during commencement. Commencement 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 is available for the convenience of Regent graduates and their families. Please contact the hotels directly for updated 2009 rates

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

SWAN TERRACE LUNCHEON: The Swan Terrace at The Founders Inn and Spa will offer a luncheon buffet to graduates and their families and guests on Saturday, May 9 beginning at 12:00 noon. The price of the lunch buffet is $15.95, plus tax and gratuity. (children 5-12 are half-price, 4 and under are free). Reservations are required and can be made by calling 757.366-5700. The menu includes an extensive selection of hot entrees, composed fresh salads and a wide variety of desserts. Be sure to make reservations early before they are fully booked.

REGENT ORDINARY LUNCHEON: The Regent Ordinary in the Student Center will offer a luncheon buffet on Saturday, May 9 for graduates and their guests from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. The price is $15 (including tax) for adults and $7.50 for children ages 5-12. The buffet will include a fresh tossed garden salad with a number of condiments, 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 in the buffet. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. Buffet tickets may be purchased in the Regent Ordinary, by telephone at 757.352.4924, or ordered via email at ordinary@regent.edu.

When and where is my school’s commissioning service?

The Registrar's Office does not handle commissioning services. Each school schedules its own commissioning. 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, fill out the Graduation News Release.

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.

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