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Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

When are the commencement and commissioning ceremonies?

Commencement is Saturday, May 7, 2010, and the processional will begin promptly at 9:25 a.m. Graduates need to arrive no later than 8:40 a.m. for the line-up.

Each school will conduct individual Commissioning activities with dates and times TBA.

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. Commencement parking for the handicapped 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 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 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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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 honor cords provided by the Registrar���s Office. 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?

Graduates must order regalia online through Oak Hall. The website will open January 22, 2011 for orders. The deadline to order is April 11, 2011. Do not contact the Registrar's Office to order regalia.

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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, times, and locations are as follows:
Wednesday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Fountain View Room, Regent Ordinary
Thursday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Fountain View Room, Regent Ordinary
Friday, May 6, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SC 235, 2nd floor of the Student Center

Regalia may also be picked up the morning of commencement, beginning at 8:45 a.m. in SC 235; however, you are strongly encouraged to pick up your regalia in advance.

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). Bachelor's and associate's degree candidates do not receive hoods.

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.

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How do I RSVP for commencement and my commissioning ceremony?

Students will be able to RSVP for Commencement 2011 via Genisys from Friday, January 21 until Friday, April 15. After logging in to Genisys, select "Student" and then click "Commencement RSVP." Please note that only students who have submitted a graduation application will be able to RSVP.

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

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-serve basis so guests should arrive early. Please contact your school for information on the number of guests you may invite to your commissioning service.

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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.

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

If you are a graduate with a special need, or if special accommodations are essential for one of your guests, please complete the Special Needs Form opens in new browser window 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.

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 2011 rates.

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

The Swan Terrace and Regent Ordinary usually offer a luncheon buffet for graduates and their families. Details TBA.

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.

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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.

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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.