COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY INFORMATION
Villanova University looks forward to celebrating our graduates during Commencement. Below you’ll find important logistics and information to help you prepare for the ceremonies.
Maps & Diagrams
Seating charts and ceremony diagrams will be added to this page as they become available.
Tickets & Seating
For Bachelor’s degree Commencement ceremonies, each graduate is provided six (6) digital guest tickets.
For the Master’s and Doctoral degree Commencement ceremony, each graduate is provided four (4) digital guest tickets.
Children age three and under do not require a ticket.
Due to strict venue capacity limits, we are unable to provide additional tickets beyond the number provided to each graduate, and no exceptions will be made. These limits are in place to ensure the safety, comfort, and overall experience of our graduates and their guests.
Guests who do not have a ticket are encouraged to watch the ceremony livestream, as there will be no simulcast viewing locations available on campus.
In the event of severe weather, the Commencement ceremony will be moved indoors, and guests may be limited, as per the severe weather plan. For more information, please view the weather plans page.
Parking & Shuttles
All graduates and guests will need a Commencement parking pass to park on campus during Commencement in designated parking lots.
Graduates will be provided with two (2) digital Commencement parking passes to use for themselves and or their guests. Regular campus parking permits will not be valid.
Arrive early. Traffic and parking will be extremely congested. Graduates and guests are encouraged to carpool or utilize public transportation or Uber/Lyft. As parking lots fill, vehicles will be directed to the next available lot.
Shuttles will pick up and drop off at designated locations on and off campus.
Off-Campus Shuttle Locations
Further information TBA
On-Campus Shuttle Locations
Information to be posted.
Locations will be marked with signage. Shuttles will arrive and depart on 15-minute loops, which may be shortened during peak periods. Please see the Commencement locations map for more information.
Weather Plans
We make every effort to hold Commencement outdoors, and the ceremony will proceed in light rain.
In the event of severe weather where we are unable to safely hold the ceremony outside, the University will adjust plans accordingly.
Please review the weather plan carefully and sign up for text alerts by texting NOVAGRAD to 333111 to receive real-time updates and important announcements regarding any schedule or location changes.
Safety & Security
Entrance to the Commencement ceremony venues will include security screening for all graduates, guests, faculty, and staff.
All attendees and their belongings are subject to screening by event staff. Attendees who decline screening or who are in possession of prohibited items may be denied entry.
The clear bag policy is not in effect for Commencement. Bags of reasonable size are permitted in the Commencement Ceremony.
All items will be subject to search by event staff. Hard coolers, backpacks, luggage, duffels, and large multicompartment bags are not permitted.
Other large bags and items may not be permitted at the sole discretion of event staff. Villanova does not provide storage or lockers for prohibited bags or items.
- Binoculars
- Cameras
- Flowers
- Food
- Fans
- Registered Service Animals
- Seat Cushions
- Strollers
- Water Bottles
- Umbrellas
Villanova University reserves the right to inspect the contents of any container brought into the venues. In the interest of ensuring the safety of all attendees, the following items are strictly prohibited.
Please refrain from attempting to bring these or similar articles into the venue, as items will not be stored at entrances or venues for retrieval after the ceremony.
- Weapons – guns – knives – chains – tasers – firearms
- Self-defense sprays – mace – pepper spray
- Explosives – fireworks – ammunition
- Fuels – torches – lighter fluid
- Hazardous items – chemicals – paint thinners
- Brass knuckles – black jacks – martial arts weapons
- Bats – billy clubs – night sticks – kubatons – spikes
- Tools
- Razor type blades – box cutters – scissors
- Projectiles – frisbees – beach balls – balloons
- Alcohol – illegal drugs – drug paraphernalia
- Drones (UAS Unmanned Aircraft Systems) or other aircraft
- Laser pointers – items intended to create optical distraction
- Aerosol cans or noisemaking devices – whistles – foghorns/air horns – plastic airhorns such as vuvuzelas and didgeridoos
- Hoverboards and skateboards
- Selfie sticks or telescopic devices – tripods – poles
- Pets (other than service animals or service animals in training)
- Attire that conceals identity
Accessibility
Please see the following information regarding available accommodations during Commencement. Events will be held throughout campus, and graduates and guests who may have difficulty walking should bring any needed equipment (i.e. wheelchair, walker, etc), as the University will not have equipment available for loan.
VEHICLE DROP-OFF LOCATIONS FOR GUESTS WITH MOBILITY NEEDS
Guests with mobility needs may be dropped off near each venue at the designated special needs drop-off locations. No special pass is needed to utilize the drop-off locations. Once the guest is dropped off, the driver, with a Commencement parking pass, will be directed to park in an available campus lot. Guests planning to utilize the drop-off locations should plan to arrive early. Traffic and parking will be extremely congested.
DESIGNATED ACCESSIBLE PARKING LOTS
Vehicles with state-issued handicapped placards and a Commencement parking pass may park in the designated accessible parking lots.
Please note that accessible parking lots are limited. Guests should plan to arrive early and may utilize the drop-off locations near each venue.
ACCESSIBLE VENUES AND SEATING
All Commencement ceremony venues are fully accessible. Designated accessible seating is available for guests who are unable to utilize standard seating. Guests who require assistance are encouraged to speak with an usher upon arrival.
DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING ACCOMMODATIONS
An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be present at the Commencement ceremonies. Graduates or guests may request reserved seating near the interpreter by contacting commencement@villanova.edu. Additionally, a live stream of the ceremonies with captions will be available at commencement.villanova.edu for viewing on personal devices. Graduates or guests who may need additional accommodations are encouraged to email Commencement.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Graduates and guests with questions or requests regarding accommodations may email us.
Shopping & Dining
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY SHOP
The University Shop located in St. Mary's Hall will be open their regular hours during Commencement.
THE COMMENCEMENT GROUP
Villanova partners with an off-campus vendor, The Commencement Group, that offers flower and gift options for graduates. These can be picked up on campus during Commencement or directly shipped. Orders can be placed online.
Academic Regalia
At Commencement, graduates, certain staff, faculty, and distinguished guests wear traditional academic regalia that reflects centuries-old university traditions. Below, you’ll find details about the meaning behind the color of the hoods, as well as guidance on how to properly wear them. Academic regalia is required for all graduates participating in the ceremony.
To explore the rich history and meaningful traditions that have shaped regalia at Villanova, please visit the history and traditions page.
Bachelor’s degree candidates wear a custom navy gown paired with a navy cap featuring a navy-and-white tassel with a golden seal charm, and a hood whose colors reflect their area of study.
Note: Villanova's regalia does not include a stole as shown in the video.
Master's degree candidates wear a custom navy gown paired with a navy cap featuring a navy-and-white tassel with a golden seal charm, and a hood whose colors reflect their area of study.
Note: Villanova's regalia does not include a stole as shown in the video.
Stoles and cords are not included as part of the official Villanova regalia but may be distributed by authorized academic departments and student organizations.
Requests for authorization to distribute stoles and cords can be made by contacting the Office of the Provost.
Commencement Book
In keeping with the University’s sustainability pledge, the Commencement Book, including the listing of graduate names, has been produced digitally.
This year's Commencement Book will be posted prior to the ceremony.
Text Alerts
Sign up for Commencement Text Alerts to receive information about schedule changes, weather updates, parking and traffic conditions, and other important information.
Contact Us
NOVA Guides
Download our app to access important Commencement information anytime, anywhere.