Public Health 2026 Commencement

Graduation reminders

• Check your email for the most up-to-date and important information.
• Ensure that all holds have been removed (parking tickets, library fines)
• Check your DARS to ensure that all degree requirements have been met
• Update your mailing address so your diploma is shipped to the right location.

Cap & Gowns, Cords & Stoles

• Graduates must wear a cap and gown to participate in any ceremony. Regalia can be purchased online. 
• 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.

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

The North End Parking Garage will be available for guests to park in one hour before the start of ceremonies at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech. Guests should use the level 3 entrance off of Turner Street. A parking quick guide for the campus can be found on the Parking Services website.

Additional Parking in other areas of campus, including the Drillfield, will follow campus parking regulations and require payment of a fee or the display of a valid parking permit. More information on daily parking on the Blacksburg campus can be found on the Parking Services website. Parking can be purchased in a range of flexible time increments via the ParkMobile app.

• Visitors without mobility limitations are encouraged to park in the North End Garage.
• There is limited accessible parking located just outside the Center for the Arts building on both Turner Street and Alumni Mall. 
• Learn more about the Center for the Arts parking and campus parking locations. 

Important notice

• Students and visitors may experience significant delays upon arrival and departure when parking at the North End Center Garage. 

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.

Review the Clear Bag policy and Prohibited items below.

For Disability accommodation, visit the VT Commencement website.

Parking

The North End Parking Garage will be available for guests to park in one hour before the start of ceremonies at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech. Guests should use the level 3 entrance off of Turner Street. A parking quick guide for the campus can be found on the Parking Services website.

Additional Parking in other areas of campus, including the Drillfield, will follow campus parking regulations and require payment of a fee or the display of a valid parking permit. More information on daily parking on the Blacksburg campus can be found on the Parking Services website. Parking can be purchased in a range of flexible time increments via the ParkMobile app.

• Visitors without mobility limitations are encouraged to park in the North End Garage.
• There is limited accessible parking located just outside the Center for the Arts building on both Turner Street and Alumni Mall. 
• 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'' x 6" x 12" or a one-gallon, clear, re-sealable plastic storage bag per person. Walk-though metal detectors will be utilized at all entrances. The clear bag policy is in effect for guests, but graduates are advised not to bring bags. 

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

For more information and a list of prohibited items, visit the Prohibited Items page.