Thank you for celebrating with CNRE!

We hope you had a great time celebrating your graduation with friends and faculty at the Graduation Celebration on April 20. Make sure you check out the photos and learn how to get involved as an alum.

CNRE Commencement information

The College of Natural Resources and Environment Commencement will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Lane Stadium. Please read the information below carefully to ensure you have the proper regalia and arrive on time for the event.

Undergraduate diplomas will be mailed to graduating students 10-12 weeks after the ceremony. Please update your diploma mailing address in HokieSpa.

Cap and gown requirements

Information about the CNRE ceremony for graduates

• Parking is available in the following lots: Stadium Lot/Lot 2, Maintenance Lot/Lot 3, or Chicken Hill Lot/Lot 5. Parking in any other lot will require the posted parking permit.
• Plan to arrive one hour before the ceremony begins; students arriving later than 15 minutes after the ceremony begins will not be permitted to enter.
• Your arrival location is the Southwest Tunnel in the South End Zone (located near the corner of Beamer Way and Stadium Lot/Lot 2, between gates 2 and 3).
• Make sure you are wearing your graduation regalia. You’ll need to have your regalia unzipped for security checks when you enter the stadium.
• Remember that a clear bag policy is enforced at Lane Stadium.
• When you enter, make sure you pick up a card and pencil to write down your name as you want it to be read.
• You’ll be directed to find a seat as there will be no procession. Please fill seats from the front to the back; volunteers will be available to assist with seating.
• You are encouraged to bring a factory-sealed bottle of water.

Directions for walking across the stage

• You will be asked to stand and come forward by row.
• Go toward the stage and hand your card to the volunteer. They will hand your card to the name reader.
• When the reader calls your name, cross the stage.
• You will be directed to the side area of the stage for a photo.
• You’ll then return to your seat to listen to closing remarks.

Directions for guests

• Guest parking is available in the following lots: Stadium Lot/Lot 2, Maintenance Lot/Lot 3, or Chicken Hill Lot/Lot 5. Parking in any other lot will require the posted parking permit.
• Guests will enter through Gates 2, 3, and 4.
• You can sit anywhere you like; it is general seating.
• Remember that a clear bag policy is enforced for Lane Stadium. Approved bags:
  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
  • One-gallon clear plastic storage bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
  • Small clutch bag approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap and no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. Wallets must also conform to this size requirement.

Weather plans

• All graduation ceremonies will take place rain or shine!
• In the event of hot weather, there will be misting fans on the field and bottled water will be available.
• In the event of inclement weather, ponchos will be available for graduates, volunteers, and the stage party.
• If there is lightning within an eight-mile radius, the stadium will be cleared; shelter will be available in the tunnels and concourse or people will be directed to return to their vehicles.
• If there is a weather delay of more than 30 minutes, the program will be adjusted. If there is a two-hour or longer delay, the ceremony is canceled and will not be rescheduled.