As the University of Virginia’s Finals Weekend approaches, families and students alike may be scrambling to finalize their plans. Whether you’re curious about ticket allocations, ceremony details, or logistics, this guide is designed to help you navigate the festivities with ease.
Finals Weekend is set to commence on Friday, May 15, with UVA President Emeritus Jim Ryan addressing the Class of 2026 at John Paul Jones Arena. On the following day, Kenyon Bonner, vice president and chief student affairs officer, will speak to students from various schools on the Lawn, including the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, and the School of Education and Human Development. The weekend will conclude on May 17 with Sherri Moore, an associate professor from the McIntire School of Commerce, addressing graduates from multiple schools such as Architecture, Continuing and Professional Studies, and more.
For those planning to attend, entrances to the Lawn will open at 7 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, offering first-come, first-served seating.
What to Expect at Final Exercises
Final Exercises at the University of Virginia is a vibrant and significant event, celebrated at the only U.S. university recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ceremony commences at the Rotunda, where faculty, University leaders, and graduates process down the Lawn. At the south end, degrees are ceremonially conferred by the president, accompanied by speeches from the keynote speaker and other distinguished guests.
Following the main ceremony, school and department diploma ceremonies occur across Grounds. These events provide an opportunity for individual recognition of graduates, though diplomas will be mailed within six weeks.
Tickets and Weather Considerations
Graduates may request up to six tickets for the Lawn ceremony, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. on May 1 to submit requests via their athletics ticket account. Tickets will be distributed digitally by May 5 and can be transferred to guests. In case of severe weather, the ceremony will relocate to John Paul Jones Arena, reducing the ticket allocation to three per graduate. The last such relocation was in 1976, with ceremonies typically proceeding on the Lawn regardless of rain. Daily weather decisions will be announced by 5:30 a.m., and updates can be received by texting GRADUATION to 434-939-4307.
It is important to note that while dual-degree students receive tickets for each degree, double majors do not receive additional tickets.
Parking and Accommodation Details
Visitors can take advantage of free parking at John Paul Jones Arena, which includes accessible spots and shuttle services to the Lawn. Additional free parking is available at the Emmet/Ivy Garage and Scott Stadium, though no shuttle service is provided from these locations, and walking times are approximately 10 and 20 minutes, respectively. For those needing assistance, chauffeured golf carts will be available. The Central Grounds Garage, while closest to the Lawn, requires a parking fee and fills up quickly.
Read More Here
Be First to Comment