Families and Guests

Families, friends and guests are an integral part of commencement day celebrations for Radford University graduates. Commencement visitors are encouraged to review the information below to have the best experience on campus.

Because each graduate deserves to be recognized and celebrated, all graduates are expected to remain for the full ceremony. We appreciate the cooperation of all graduates and their guests in helping to preserve the spirit and tradition of this important university celebration.

You can anticipate the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony lasting approximately 2 hours and the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony lasting approximately 2.5 hours.

• Plan to arrive early
• Know the Commencement Security Measures
• Watch the weather forecast
• Enjoy your time on campus

Parking
Graduate Hooding Ceremony - Parking is free and available in Lot Z. There will be parking staff and University Police officers stationed to assist. Accessible parking is available with a DMV issued permit. Parking attendants will direct to specified areas.  

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - Parking is free and available across campus. Lot DD will serve as a drop-off for guests with mobility issues, and Lot EE is designated as accessible parking. Main campus parking map [PDF]

Entering the Commencement Venues
Graduate Hooding Ceremony - All attendees should enter the riverside entrance of the Dedmon Center for the Graduate Hooding Commencement Ceremony. The doors will open at 3:30 p.m.

Moffett Lawn will have four entry points for the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.

Please see commencement map for the locations of the entry points. The gates will open at 8 a.m.

Commencement Security Measures
The safety of our campus community remains our highest priority. All attendees for the Graduate Hooding Ceremony and the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony should be prepared to go through a security screening before entering the commencement venues. The OpenGate security system allows for efficient and non-invasive screening, helping to maintain a safe environment while minimizing delays. In addition, we are partnering with an event security contractor to assist in this effort, and they will be dressed in green if you require assistance or need help. View the university's clear-bag policy and prohibited items listing.

Tickets
Spring commencement ceremony tickets are not required. Please check the schedule of events for details on other commencement events.

Program Booklet

• Graduate Hooding Ceremony - Programs will be available at the Riverside Entrance upon entering the venue.
• Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - Programs will be available at various locations near Moffett Lawn.

Accessibility Services
Accessible seating for guests is available on a first come, first served basis. Accessible seating is for the person with disability plus one other person. Once at the venue, university volunteers will direct guests to the designated accessible seating areas. If you are a guest with a disability who requires indoor seating for the Undergraduate Ceremony held outside on Moffett Lawn, please contact the Center for Accessibility Services by emailing cas@radford.edu.

If you need an American Sign Language interpreter, please contact the Center for Accessibility Services by emailing cas@radford.edu.

Available for purchase

• Flowers
• Food and beverages

Severe Weather
Spring weather can be difficult to predict. We will monitor the forecast carefully and if severe weather appears likely to impact commencement, we will provide regular updates via email to our graduating students. Any changes to the commencement schedule will also be available on this website, on the university homepage and on the university's Facebook page.

Livestreams
Links to the livestreams of the commencement ceremonies will be available on the university homepage, on this website and on the university's Facebook page for guests who want to view all of the excitement but are unable to attend. Live captioning will be available.

Photography
Radford University has contracted with GradImages to provide quality graduation photos of each student. Students can find their commencement photos taken by GradImages at gradimages.com. #RadGrads and families are also welcome to take photos of their special day after the ceremony on or near the stage area as well as outside around campus.

On-Site Assistance
University volunteers will be stationed around all ceremony events.

Lost and Found
Please email commencement@radford.edu to report lost and found items. Items will be kept for 30 days.