Commencement 2019

You had to believe in yourself and aspire to a higher level to reach the point of graduation. Now that you have achieved your goal, take the time to reflect on your journey and applaud your accomplishments. You have attained a significant milestone and you deserve to be proud!

We're looking forward to celebrating with you during NOVA's 53rd Commencement on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Jiffy Lube Live.

To ensure Commencement is a meaningful occasion, read this web page carefully so you are prepared for this important event. If you need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Wherever life takes you next, best wishes from everyone at NOVA!

Graduate To-Do List:

Caps and Gowns

Commencement is a traditional ceremony. Black caps and gowns with hoods displaying NOVA school colors are the required academic regalia for participating graduates. Caps, gowns and hoods can be purchased from a NOVA campus bookstore. The cost for a cap, gown, tassel and hood set is $51.95, plus tax. Honors cords are $14.98. Limited supplies of regalia will be available for purchase starting at 9:00 a.m. on the day of Commencement at Jiffy Lube Live past the main gates. Any student not wearing the proper regalia will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony, therefore we strongly suggest that you purchase regalia prior to the day of graduation.

Tickets and Seating

NOVA is not requiring tickets this year for graduates and guests. Covered seating for guests will be on a first-come; first-served basis and limited to level 200 and 300 seats only. Ample lawn seating is available, but please come prepared for rain and/or wet ground. Lawn chairs, blankets and/or umbrellas are permitted. Guests should enter through the main gates and proceed to the South Plaza. Graduates will proceed to the North Plaza and the Processional staging area.

PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR SEAT ONCE YOU RECEIVE YOUR DIPLOMA. GRADUATES WILL BE EXCUSED AFTER THE CEREMONY IS FINISHED.

Prohibited Items

No weapons of any kind. Glass bottles, alcohol, selfie sticks, laser pointers, balloons or air horns are not allowed.

Graduate Meeting Areas

All graduates are to report to the North Plaza of Jiffy Lube Live no later than 9:15 a.m., wearing the appropriate regalia in order to participate in the processional. NOVA volunteers will assist you. Wearing flat shoes are strongly encouraged for safety reasons and graduates cannot carry purses or bags.

Parking

Please park in lots around Jiffy Lube Live. You will be directed by police and staff. Handicapped and special assistance parking is available in the lots.

Guest Arrival Information

Jiffy Lube Live will open at 9:00 a.m. for early guest seating. All covered seating is on a first-come, first-servedbasis. Graduates must arrive at the North Plaza by 9:15 a.m. The ceremony will last approximately 2.5 hours (concluding at approximately 1:00 p.m.). Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

Special Needs

Graduates and/or guests needing special physical arrangements are asked to email Disabilityservices@nvcc.edu/Interpreters@nvcc.edu or call 703.323.3187 as soon as possible and no later than Tuesday, May 14th. Powered carts with drivers will be available for family members needing assistance moving from the main gates to seating.

Photographs

GradImages will take individual pictures as you cross the stage to receive your diploma cover. You will receive a passport-sized, full-color proof in the mail from the vendor approximately one week after the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase the photo, and you will have the option of ordering several enlargement packages at reasonable prices. If you have questions concerning the proof from the vendor, call GradImages at 800.261.2576. Guests will NOT be permitted on the floor near the stage to take pictures during the ceremony. Thank you for your cooperation.

Rain Contingency

In the case of rain, Commencement will be held as scheduled. Graduates will report to the North Plaza of Jiffy Lube Live and guests will process to the South Plaza. Faculty marshals and volunteers will assist you in locating your seat.

Degrees

Students who have met all graduation requirements for Spring semester graduation will receive their diplomas through the mail. If you do not receive your diploma by August 1, please contact your nearest Student Services Center.

Television Schedule

Television Schedule for Commencement – May 17, 2019

Note: We do not sell copies of the telecast, please be sure to record it at home if you wish to retain a copy.

LIVE From Jiffy Lube Live on May 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

Carried on the following cable systems:

• Alexandria - Comcast (Ch. 72)
• Fairfax County – Cox (Ch. 19)
• Reston - Comcast (Ch. 19)
• Verizon Fios – Ch. 19 (Ch. 43 in Arlington)

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We will also stream the live telecast on our website at: http://www.nvcc.edu/tvcenter/

The telecast will be repeated on:

• Monday, May 20, 2019
• Tuesday, May 21, 2019
• Wednesday, May 22, 2019
• Thursday, May 23, 2019
• Friday, May 24, 2019

Beginning at 12:00 p.m. on the following cable systems:

• Alexandria - Comcast (Ch. 72)
• Fairfax County – Cox (Ch. 19)
• Manassas - Comcast (Ch. 99)
• Reston - Comcast (Ch. 19)
• Loudoun – Comcast (Ch. 25)
• Woodbridge - Comcast (Ch. 99)
• Verizon Fios – Ch. 19 (Ch. 43 in Arlington)

Beginning at 8:00 p.m. on the following cable systems:

• Alexandria - Comcast (Ch. 72)
• Arlington – Comcast (Ch. 73)
• Fairfax County – Cox (Ch. 19)
• Reston - Comcast (Ch. 19)
• Verizon Fios – Ch. 19 (Ch. 43 in Arlington)

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Saturday, May 25, 2019, Beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 26, 2019, Beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Carried on the following cable systems:

• Alexandria - Comcast (Ch. 72)
• Arlington – Comcast (Ch. 73)
• Fairfax County – Cox (Ch. 19)
• Manassas - Comcast (Ch. 99)
• Reston - Comcast (Ch. 19)
• Loudoun – Comcast (Ch. 25)
• Woodbridge - Comcast (Ch. 99)
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• Verizon Fios – Ch. 19 (Ch. 43 in Arlington)

Students with Broadband Internet service may access the program on our Video on Demand system by clicking on the Public Videossection on the Video Services web page after May 20: http://eli.nvcc.edu/videoservices/