Commencement

Lettered on graduation cap: Wildness is a Necessity, Thank You Mom and Dad

Congratulations, CNRE Graduates!

You made it.

You and your classmates have spent countless hours in lectures, fieldwork, road trips, research, and more to earn your Virginia Tech degree. We couldn’t be prouder of what you’ve accomplished, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with you.

At the College of Natural Resources and Environment commencement ceremony, we honor your achievements and your contributions to the college. We look forward to celebrating with you, your family, and your friends. For those who can’t join us in Blacksburg, the ceremony will be livestreamed.

Join us for the CNRE Graduation Celebration on April 23 and the CNRE Commencement Ceremony on May 14 as we celebrate what it means to be a Hokie: you.

Celebrate with your friends and professors

Mark your calendar for the CNRE Graduation Celebration on Thursday, April 23, from 5–7 p.m. on the lawn in front of Cheatham Hall.

All graduating students are invited to enjoy:

Complimentary food and beverages
A celebratory toast led by Dean Saskia van de Gevel
The traditional planting of the senior class tree

Please register by April 16.
Questions? Email CNREAlumni@vt.edu.

Learn more about alumni activities

University Commencement

The University Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Visit the Virginia Tech Commencement website for details on:

Ceremony information
Parking
Guest lodging
ADA services

Read Commencement FAQS

CNRE Commencement

The College of Natural Resources and Environment Commencement will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Burruss Hall.

Please review the information below to ensure you are prepared for the ceremony.

Tickets are not required.
Undergraduate and Masters diplomas will be mailed 10–12 weeks after the ceremony.
Update your diploma mailing address in HokieSpa.

For accommodations, contact Cathy Barker at 540-231-3486 or cbarker@vt.edu at least 10 business days prior to the event.

View the Ceremony Program

View parking map

Cap and Gown

All graduates must wear a cap and gown. Regalia is available at:

University Bookstore
Volume Two Bookstore

Shop for your regalia online

Information for Graduates

Please review the following before arrival:

Parking is available in the Perry Street Parking Garage, and limited parking in Pamplin, Hahn, and Davidson lots.
View parking map.
Plan to arrive by 2:00 p.m.
Late arrivals (15+ minutes after start) will not be admitted.
Enter through the side door at the back of Burruss facing Norris Hall.
Wear your regalia (unzipped for security checks).
Burruss Hall enforces a clear bag policy.
Pick up a name card upon entry.
Fill out job card.
Seating is by department; follow volunteer directions.
Bring a factory-sealed bottle of water if desired.

Walking Across the Stage

Graduates will be released by department.
Approach the stage row by row.
Hand your name card to the volunteer.
When your name is called, cross the stage.
Pause briefly for a handshake and photo.
Exit the stage and proceed to the photo area.
Return to your seat for closing remarks.

Information for guests

View guest parking map including ADA-accessible spaces
Parking is available in the Perry Street Parking Garage and nearby lots.
Enter Burruss Hall through the front doors.
Doors open at 2:00 p.m.
Seating is open within designated areas.

Accessibility

Elevator access is available via the Burruss tunnel.

Clear Bag Policy:

Clear bags (12″ x 6″ x 12″ max)
One-gallon clear plastic bags
Small clutch bags (4.5″ x 6.5″ max)

Weather

All ceremonies will take place rain or shine.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Cathy Barker, Student Services Coordinator, at cbarker@vt.edu or 540-231-3486. If you’re in Cheatham Hall, you can also stop by her office in Room 138.