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 MarchingOrder, 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 MarchingOrder, 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?
All graduates are provided four digital guest tickets for the Commencement Ceremony. Children three and under do not need a ticket. Gates will open 90 minutes prior to the ceremony. In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors and two guests will be permitted.
Are extra tickets available for the Commencement ceremonies?
During the week prior to Commencement, any unclaimed tickets will be distributed (maximum two extra tickets per graduate) on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to availability. Please note that extra tickets will be limited and additional ticket requests cannot be accommodated. We encourage those who are not ticketed to view the livestream of the ceremony online at commencement.villanova.edu.
Are there any restrictions on bags/items that can be brought into the stadium for the ceremony?
Bags can be brought into the stadium; however, all bags and items are subject to search prior to entering the stadium. Umbrellas are permitted in the stadium.
How long will the Commencement Ceremony be?
At the Commencement Ceremony, the names of all graduates will be called and each graduate will be recognized on stage. The Bachelor's Degree ceremony is approximately three hours long, and the Master's and Doctoral Degree ceremony are approximately two and a half hours long.
Will graduation be livestreamed?
Baccalaureate and Commencement will be simulcast live graduation weekend. Please view the livestream information for the links.
What about parking?
All graduates and guests will need a Commencement parking pass to park on campus during graduation weekend 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 ceremony venues are fully accessible. For those unable to utilize the bleachers in the stadium, there will be designated seating for guests with special needs. Please alert an usher in the stadium for assistance.
Who do graduates and guests contact if they need special accommodations for the ceremony (i.e. sign language interpreter, etc.)?
Please contact commencement@villanova.edu for any specific accommodations that you may need.
What is the President's and Deans' Reception?
Immediately following the Commencement Ceremony is the President's and Deans' Reception where graduates and their guests can enjoy light refreshments while celebrating with fellow graduates and faculty in college-designated locations throughout campus.
What are the dining options on campus?
Immediately following the Baccarlaureate Mass on Friday, May 16, a picnic-style lunch provided by Wawa will be offered on campus. Ordering will open in late Spring.
Several a la carte options will be available in campus dining facilities.
What is the severe weather plan?
In the event of rain, the Baccalaureate Mass will be moved into the Finneran Pavilion.
The Commencement Ceremony will be held outdoors rain or shine. If necessary, the ceremony start time may be adjusted in the case of a passing weather system. In the event of severe weather where we are unable to safely hold the ceremony outdoors, the ceremony will be moved into the Finneran Pavilion and will be limited to graduates and two guests. These details, and any changes, will be communicated via email and text alerts as needed.
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, thank you notes and other commemorative items are available via Villanova University through the Print Center. For ordering information and further details, please visit the iPRINT website.
What are the dates of future Commencements?
Class of 2026:
NOTE: Date Change for Commencement 2026 (updated April 2024)
The Bachelor's Degree Commencement and Recognition Ceremony will take place Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and the Master's and Doctoral Degree Commencement and Recognition Ceremony will take place Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Class of 2027:
The Bachelor's Degree Commencement and Recognition Ceremony will take place Friday, May 14, 2027, and the Master's and Doctoral Degree Commencement and Recognition Ceremony will take place Saturday, May 15, 2027.
Class of 2028:
The Bachelor's Degree Commencement and Recognition Ceremony will take place Friday, May 19, 2028, and the Master's and Doctoral Degree Commencement and Recognition Ceremony will take place Saturday, May 20, 2028.