Commencement

Graduates must register to participate in Commencement through the Tassel portal. Completing the graduation application does not automatically register graduates for the ceremony.

Registration and ticket access open in March 2026. Graduates will receive details via their NOVA email.

Each graduate will receive up to four (4) guest tickets, available free through Tassel. Selling or transferring tickets for profit is prohibited.

Alternate Viewing Options

Guests without tickets may watch the ceremony via livestream on their own device or at the Center for the Arts on George Mason University’s campus.

Tickets are not required to access the Center for the Arts, and seating is first-come, first-served.

The Center for the Arts is a short walk from EagleBank Arena; guests may park in the same lots.
For directions and accessibility information, view the George Mason University Accessibility Map (PDF).

Regalia is now available for purchase through Barnes & Noble (Herff Jones).

Order by April 20, 2026, for best prices. The last day to place your order is May 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Order Regalia

Caps, Stoles, and Honor Cords

• Cap decorations: You may decorate your cap, but please avoid anything commercial (e.g., advertisements), political, or offensive out of respect for your fellow graduates and guests.
• Stoles: You may choose to wear a stole, though it’s not required. Stoles can represent academic honors, programs, cultural heritage, or first-generation status.
• Honor cords: NOVA does not include Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude) in Commencement announcements. Students who wish to purchase an honor cord should visit the Campus Bookstore in person once available.

The college reserves the right to ask students or guests to remove or alter decorations deemed inappropriate or in violation of college or arena policies.

Commencement Photography by GradImages

NOVA has partnered with GradImages as our official commencement photography vendor. Graduates will be photographed before, during, and after crossing the stage and will receive a secure link after the ceremony to view and purchase their photos.

What Graduates Can Expect

• Professional photos taken before, during, and after crossing the stage
• Direct communication from GradImages with secure access to photo proofs
• A variety of print and digital packages available for purchase
• No obligation to buy

Save 20%: Pre-register with GradImages to receive 20% off your photo order and get notified as soon as your images are ready.

Doors open at 10:00 a.m., and seating is first-come, first-served. Each guest must present a valid ticket to enter the arena.

Guests and belongings will go through a security screening, including a walk-through metal detector. To ensure a smooth entry, please arrive early and limit personal items.

Re-entry is not permitted once you leave the arena.

Children under two years old may attend without a ticket but must sit on a parent’s lap.

Venue Policies (EagleBank Arena)

EagleBank Arena maintains its own guest and security policies to ensure a safe environment for all visitors. All attendees must follow venue guidelines regarding permitted items, bag sizes, and security procedures.

For full details, visit EagleBank Arena’s Guest Services page. 

Parking will be available in the designated EagleBank Arena General Lots. Guests should plan to arrive early to allow time for traffic and security screening.

Accessible parking and drop-off areas are located near the main entrance for guests with DMV-issued placards or license plates. Please note that campus parking decks may charge a fee.

For detailed maps, directions, and parking information, visit EagleBank Arena – Directions & Parking.

Guests

EagleBank Arena provides accessible seating areas for guests with mobility needs. These spaces accommodate wheelchairs and offer comfortable viewing angles. Please request access from an usher upon arrival.

Communication Access

Real-time closed captioning will be displayed on arena screens, and a sign language interpreter will be present during the ceremony.

Additional Support

For any other accommodations or assistance during the event, please contact EagleBank Arena staff on-site. They will be available throughout the venue to ensure your experience is comfortable and accessible.

Graduates

Graduates who require specific accommodations — such as reserved seating or other services — should submit their request through the Tassel portal during registration.

NOVA’s Commencement Ceremony will be photographed, recorded, and livestreamed.
By participating in or attending the event, all graduates and guests grant permission for NOVA and its representatives to capture, reproduce, and distribute images, video, and audio recordings from the ceremony for promotional and educational purposes.

These materials may be used in print, online, and social media communications without further notice or compensation.

Individuals who prefer not to appear in photography or video are encouraged to avoid camera areas.

For questions about photography or video use, contact marketing@nvcc.edu.