FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do graduates register for Commencement?

Prospective graduates will receive communication from commencement@villanova.edu with instructions on how to register for Commencement through Tassel, a software tool used to manage graduation. Registration will open in the Spring. Graduates may also visit the Graduation Task Center for important deadlines and other information.

Where do I go for action items, links, information and resources?

Visit the Graduation Task Center in MyNova for important deadlines, details, and other information.

Where do graduates order their cap and gown?

Once graduates submit their Commencement registration through Tassel, the confirmation page will contain a link to order their cap and gown through our partner Herff Jones. There is no charge for the cap and gown, and it will be shipped to the address provided on the order form.

Do guests need tickets to attend the ceremony?

For Bachelor’s Degree Commencement ceremonies, each graduate is provided six (6) digital guest tickets.

For 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.

Are extra tickets available for the Commencement ceremonies?

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.

What is the security and bag policy for the Commencement ceremony?

Entrance to the Commencement ceremony 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.

Bags of reasonable size, umbrellas, and outside food/drink, with the exception of alcohol, 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. A list of prohibited items is available on the Athletics Venue Polices website. Villanova does not provide storage or lockers for prohibited bags or items. 

For more information, visit the Ceremony Information page.

Will graduation be livestreamed?

The Baccalaureate Mass and all Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed. Please view the livestream information page for the links. 

What about parking?

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, including overflow lots at the Radnor Financial Center.

Will the ceremony have accessible 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, who will be happy to provide guidance and assistance.

Who do graduates and guests contact if they need special accommodations for the ceremony (i.e. sign language interpreter, etc.)?

Email us for any specific accommodations that you may need. 

What are the dining options on campus?

Dining options will be added to this page to help graduates and their guests plan for Commencement.

What is the weather plan?

We make every effort to hold Commencement outdoors, and the ceremonies will proceed in light rain.

In the event of severe weather where we are unable to safely hold events outside, the University will adjust plans accordingly.

Please review the 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.

How can I access photos taken at Commencement?

Professional photographers from Pro Pics will capture each graduate's special moment on stage during the ceremony. Additionally, after crossing the stage, graduates will proceed to the graduate portrait station to have a quick portrait taken in cap & gown. Graduates should register at www.VillanovaPhotos.com before the ceremony to recieve their commencement photoproofs via email as soon as they are available. There is no cost to be photographed and no obligation to purchase. Questions? Contact Pro Pics.

When will graduates receive their diploma? 

The Registrar's Office will mail all diplomas to the address provided on the Prospective Graduate Form or Application to Graduate.  In the absence of a completed form, diplomas will be mailed to the graduates' permanent home address of record.  Please allow four to six weeks for delivery after Commencement.  Diplomas display the official degree titles only. All majors, minors and concentrations are listed on transcripts. If you need to make special arrangements for pickup, please contact the Registrar's office directly.

Where can I order graduation announcements and swag?

Graduation announcements, lawn signs, banners, thank you notes and other commemorative items are available via Villanova University's Graphic Services. You can choose customizable printed announcements which include personalized pictures and text. Announcements can be shipped or picked-up. For ordering information and further details, please visit the iPRINT website. Questions? Contact Graphic Services at 610-519-5914, 610-519-7461, or via email.

When do graduates receive their diploma?

Graduates do not receive their diploma at the Commencement ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to graduates upon completion of degree requirements. They are mailed to the address provided on the Prospective Graduate Form. If no form was submitted, the diploma is mailed to the student's home address.

Each graduate receives one diploma for each degree earned. Please reference Villanova University's Dual Degree Policy for more information.

Diplomas are mailed First Class USPS to all graduates after the conferral date of degree or Commencement ceremony.

We mail diplomas in sturdy blue cardboard tubes.

A diploma will not be released to any student who has not settled all financial obligations.

The diploma size is 16"x12". Frames are available for purchase at the University Bookstore.

More information is available from the Registrar's Office.

What are the dates of future Commencements?

Class of 2028:

Commencement for the Class of 2028 will take place from Thursday, May 18, 2028, to Saturday, May 20, 2028.

Class of 2029:

Commencement for the Class of 2029 will take place from Thursday, May 17, 2029, to Saturday, May 19, 2029.

Class of 2030:

Commencement for the Class of 2029 will take place from Thursday, May 16, 2030, to Saturday, May 18, 2030.