Final Thoughts Before Commencement

In this Issue: some final reminders and good-to-know before the Big Day

P’26s, the big weekend is HERE! We are so excited to be celebrating Commencement weekend with you. This is the culmination of 4 years of hard work for our graduates, and we are so proud of all they have accomplished!

In case you missed it, I shared the ABCs of Commencement and the Feelings of Commencement in the Daily Deac in the last couple of weeks. If you did not read them at the time,  might worth a read before you get to campus.

Here are a few last minute mentions that I wish I had included in my ABCs of Commencement, so I am adding them here as a PS. Not the full alphabet – just A through E. Here goes.

A – Arrival Information for Commencement day

• Your easiest and best bet is to park at the LJVM Coliseum and take the shuttles to campus Monday. (For special needs parking, go to lot Z3).
• Doors open at 6 am. For the early arrivers (like my very Type A P’92 dad who arrived right at 6 am when the Quad opened so he could get his choice of seats), just remember you will have 3 hours before the ceremony begins, so bring your Sudoku/crossword book or a newspaper if you need a distraction.
• This map of the Quad will help you see where your Deacs will be sitting, based on which degree they are getting.
  

B – Behavior during the Commencement ceremony

• Because Commencement is about 3 hours long, people will have to get up to use the restroom, stretch their legs, etc. (I take guest movement for granted because it has always been a cultural norm here for people to get up and move when they need to, but I have heard other parents tell me they were surprised people did that.) 
• That said – we do ask guests to move quietly and not have conversations in the sidewalks, particularly while students’ names are being read as they cross the stage. 
• Some may be tempted to relax and start chatting once their graduate’s name has been read, but we want to maintain the ability to see/hear the stage – and honor the solemnity of the occasion – until ALL our graduates’ names have been read. Thank you in advance for doing your part. 
• Important student behavior reminder: students who appear ill or intoxicated will not be allowed to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Please have a conversation with your graduate to discuss your behavioral expectations, as we do not want any students or families to have an unpleasant surprise if their students cannot participate.

C – Clothing 

• Lightweight, breathable clothing is the way to go. Sunscreen is a great idea.
• Ladies, your fanciest pair of heels is probably not your best bet, as the Quad will be wet with dew early in the day, and heels can sink in to the grass and get muddy.

 D – Drinks and food

• Don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle on Commencement day; we will have refill stations.
• On Commencement Day, there will be concession stands open in front of Subway on the Quad and between Reynolda Hall and the Deacon Shop with coffee and pastries for sale (cash only).

E – Everything else you might need

• Save this Commencement map – it will be helpful on Monday morning to see where bathrooms are, where the shuttles drop off, etc. This smaller map of just the Quad might also be helpful.

• Any staff member with a black or gold WF nametag can help you if you need it.
• On Commencement Day, I will be working our Welcome Desk/Lost and Found, (see map; normally we are in a little grassy area under a tree) from like 6 a.m. to around 11:30-40ish. If you are a Daily Deac reader and you find yourself in the area, come say hi. I love meeting families on Commencement day!

Everyone, travel safe here and know we can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2026 with you!