All students must submit a graduation application by the deadline date for the semester to graduate. Once you submit your application, you will receive a graduation status message in your NOVA email. Please be sure to check your NOVA email for all graduation updates.

Instructions

Application Form

Semester Deadlines for Graduation Applications

Applications received after the deadline will be processed for the following semester.

It’s not too late to RSVP and have your name read aloud as you cross the stage to receive your degree or certificate from NOVA!

To RSVP to the Spring 2023 Commencement ceremonies, please check your VCCS email and spam folder for a message with the subject line “Congratulations - Register Now for NOVA 2023 Commencement!”.

Emails with the next steps for commencement registration have been sent to all Fall and Summer 2022 & Spring 2023 graduates. Make sure the email is in your main inbox and not your spam folder, or the link will not appear. If you have not yet received this email, please contact commencement@nvcc.edu with your student ID, and we will work to get you added.

Please note the difference between applying to graduate and participating in commencement. Applying for graduation occurs when the requirements for your degree are completed and you are officially awarded your degree or certification. Commencement is the celebration of graduates and the ceremony where you cross the stage to receive your diploma. You are required to apply for graduation to receive your degree or certificate, but it is not mandatory to participate in commencement.

Graduation regalia (cap and gown) is required to attend commencement. Caps, gowns, official graduation invitations, and class rings can be purchased from any of the NOVA campus bookstore locations.

Cap & Gown Loaner Program

There is a limited number of caps and gowns set aside to assist students in need. To reserve a cap and gown, please complete the loaner request form below no later than Thursday, May 4th. Please note that tassels are not included and must be purchased separately.

Loaner Request Form

Each graduate will be able to invite six (6) guests. Please select how many guests you will be bringing when you complete your RSVP.

Diplomas will be mailed to the address you have on file in late June 2023. Regardless if you attend commencement or not, you will receive a diploma if your graduation application was processed.

Our Central Records Office will send all communication regarding awarded degrees and certificates.

Arrival: Graduates should arrive at the arena an hour and a half before their ceremony time. Please follow the posted signage for parking and where to assemble.

What to Bring: We kindly ask all graduates to arrive in their full academic regalia and not to bring any personal items into the arena. We recommend students leave their belongings (purse, keys, jacket, sunglasses, etc.) with their guests.

Commencement Overview: Commencement will begin with a processional, an official welcome, and a commencement address given by a guest speaker. Following the guest speaker, graduates will walk the stage to receive their diploma, with an opportunity to take an official photo after they cross the stage. A closing speech will be given by Dr. Kress and the ceremony will conclude with a recessional.

Students should expect the ceremony to last approximately an hour and a half.

For the safety of our patrons, everyone must pass through a security checkpoint before entering the arena. You may be subject to a physical search prior to entry, as there are a variety of items which are not allowed inside the arena.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Weapons (guns, knives, pepper spray, etc.)
• Outside food or beverages
• Bottles, cans, containers and coolers
• Balloons, silly string, noisemaking devices
• Non-service animals

The NOVA Educational Foundation will award up to five $1,000 student success scholarships at each exercise. You must be present to receive the award. For students transferring, the scholarship will go directly to that college or university. If you’re selected as a non-transfer student, The Foundation will instead contribute to an approved job-related expense.

Please follow posted signage for NOVA commencement parking. Parking is free for both ceremonies.

All entrances to the Eagle Bank Arena are at street/concourse level. There are no steps or ramps to maneuver in and out of the entrances. Parking is available for guests with disabilities at both the South and West entrances, including a drop-off location near the West entrance. Please remember that all vehicles must display state-issued accessible parking tags to park in these spaces.

The venue provides adequate accessible seating. ASL Interpreters will be provided on the day of the event. If you are an individual with a disability and require other accommodations to participate in or attend this event, please email accommodations@nvcc.edu.

Accessibility

Photo Specialties will be taking photographs of each graduate during the commencement ceremonies. Communication regarding proofs and how to purchase prints will come directly from Photo Specialties and be sent to students via the email they registered for commencement with. For any follow up questions or concerns please contact Photo Specialties through the form below.

Photo Specialties Contact

Flowers will be available to purchase on the concourse level of the arena.