Celebrate with your friends and faculty

To celebrate your graduation and transition to a proud Hokie alum, make plans to attend the CNRE Graduation Celebration on Thursday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the lawn behind Cheatham Hall.

All graduating students are invited, and the celebration will include complimentary food and beverages, a celebratory toast led by Dean Paul Winistorfer, and the traditional planting of the senior class tree. To attend, make sure you register for the event by April 17. Questions? Email CNREAlumni@vt.edu. 

Cap and gown requirements

Information about the CNRE ceremony for graduates

• Parking is available in the Perry Street Parking Garage, and limited parking in Hahn, Derring, and Davidson lots. View parking map.
• Plan to arrive at 2:30 p.m.; students arriving later than 15 minutes after the ceremony begins will not be permitted to enter.
• Your arrival location is the side door near the back of Burruss facing Norris Hall.
• Make sure you are wearing your graduation regalia. You’ll need to have your regalia unzipped for security checks when you enter the building.
• Remember that a clear bag policy is enforced in Burruss Hall.
• As you enter, pick up a card and pencil to write down your name as you want it to be read.
• Before you enter the auditorium, scan the QR code to fill out your job information.
• Since there will be no procession, you will be directed to find a seat. Seating is by department. Volunteers will hold up signs for each department and the Masters degree. Please fill in 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

• Graduates will be released by department.
• Stand and come forward row 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. Pause for a handshake and photo.
• Go down the stage steps. You will be directed to the side area for a photo.
• Return to your seat to listen to closing remarks.

Directions for guests

• Guest parking is available in the Perry Street Parking Garage, with limited parking in Hahn, Derring, and Davidson lots. View parking map.
• Enter Burruss through the front doors.
• Burruss Auditorium doors open at 2:30 p.m. You can sit anywhere in the designated areas.
• There is an elevator accessible from the Burruss tunnel. Go into the tunnel, proceed to ADA double doors, up the ramp, and veer slightly to the right.
• Remember that a clear bag policy is enforced for Burruss Hall. 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!