Public Health 2026 Commencement

Graduation reminders

• Students should review the Public Health Graduation Newsletters that have been shared via email for the most up-to-date information.
• Ensure that all holds have been removed (parking tickets, library fines)
• Check your DARS to ensure that all degree requirements have been met
• RSVP to the Graduation Reception (coming soon)
• Apply for your degree via Hokie Spa.
• Update your mailing address so your diploma is shipped to the right location.
• Use #HokieGrad to share your photos and be included in the ceremony.
• Order your cap and gown at Grad Fair or online. 

Cap & Gowns, Cords & Stoles

Graduates must wear a cap and gown to participate in any ceremony. Regalia can be purchased online. Please place your order before March 23 to receive your cap and gown package in approximately three to four weeks.

For questions, contact the University Bookstore at: 540-231-5991 or virginiatech@bkstr.com.

Cord distribution is managed by the organization that has implemented a specific cord. For questions about particular cords, please reach out to the sponsoring organization.

Honor sashes for those who qualify will be available for purchase at the University Bookstore, Volume 2 Bookstore, or online at hokieshop.com. Students should direct any questions about honor sashes to the University Bookstore.

Tickets Required

Tickets are required for guest entry into the Public Health Commencement ceremony. Ticket distribution will take place in April. Students should check their email for additional information. While students do not need a ticket, all family and friends will need a ticket to enter the Center for the Arts. The number of tickets per student will be based on the number of graduates. More information will be shared in the coming weeks; students should check their email.

Arrival for Commencement Ceremony

The ceremony will be held at the Center for the Arts, located at 190 Alumni Mall. Graduates may check in starting at 5 p.m. and should arrive by 5:15. Graduates will enter the venue using the Turner Street entrance. The procession begins promptly at 6 p.m.

Friends and family will be able to enter the Center for the Arts starting at 5 pm. Seating will be general admission. 

Parking

All visitors will need to display a parking permit, utilize the ParkMobile app, pay the daily charge for a pass, or pay for parking using an hourly meter when parking on Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. On-campus parking is available on a first-come basis. Please allow ample time to navigate the campus and locate a parking spot. Learn more

View the interactive campus map and campus closures map.

• There is limited accessible parking located just outside the Center for the Arts building on both Turner Street and Alumni Mall. Additional accessible parking is available in the North End Center Parking Garage and other campus lots, and guests can be dropped off and picked up directly at the center’s entrance, as well.
• In addition to the North End Parking Garage, nearby parking options on campus include the Architecture Annex, Lower Stanger, Squires, and on-street parking on Alumni Mall, around the Drillfield, and on other campus streets. Off-campus parking options include Church Street and Progress Street parking lots, and limited on-street parking.
• Visitors without mobility limitations are encouraged to park in the North End Garage; the university has shared that the parking fee will be waived after 5 pm.

Important notice

• Students and visitors may experience significant delays upon arrival and departure when parking at the North End Center Garage.
• Learn more about the Center for the Arts parking and campus parking locations. 

Photography

The university provides a photographer to take pictures of each graduate. More information is shared in the FAQ.

Arrival for Commencement Ceremony

The ceremony will be held at the Center for the Arts, located at 190 Alumni Mall. Families and guests with tickets are asked to be seated by 5:40 pm. The procession begins promptly at 6 pm.

Prohibited items

For Disability accommodation, visit the VT Commencement website.

Parking

• General information about parking can be found on the University commencement web page
• All visitors will need to display a parking permit, utilize the ParkMobile app, pay the daily charge for a pass, or pay for parking using an hourly meter when parking on Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. On-campus parking is available on a first-come basis. Please allow ample time to navigate the campus and locate a parking spot. Learn more
• View the interactive campus map and campus closures map.
• There is limited accessible parking located just outside the Center for the Arts building on both Turner Street and Alumni Mall. Additional accessible parking is available in the North End Center Parking Garage and other campus lots, and guests can be dropped off and picked up directly at the center’s entrance, as well.
• Nearby parking options on campus include the Architecture Annex, Lower Stanger, Squires, and Substation parking lots, and on-street parking on Alumni Mall and on other campus streets. Off-campus parking options include Church Street and Progress Street parking lots, and limited on-street parking.
• Important notice: Students and visitors may experience significant delays upon arrival and departure when parking at the North End Center Garage.
• Learn more about the Center for the Arts parking and campus parking locations. 

Attendees are permitted to bring one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon, clear, re-sealable plastic storage bag per person. Attendees are also allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Wallets must also conform to this size requirement.

No other bags will be allowed inside. All items, including clear bags and clutch purses, are subject to search at all commencement venues. No items can be left or stored at the doors/gates.