Commencement

image of students at commencement

Spring 2024 Commencement

Date & Times

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Ceremony : 1:00 p.m.

Guest Speaker

Portrait of JR Bontrager

JR Bontrager is the Director of Technology and 3D Design at 3D Herndon, where he produces innovative solutions for clients, including adaptive prosthetics and replicas of ancient bones for the Smithsonian. He studied music at Northern Virginia Community College before obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Washington. Currently, he works full-time while studying engineering at NOVA.

Graduates

Student at Commencement

Congratulations to our Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates! We invite you, along with your family and friends, to attend our 2024 Commencement Ceremonies on the campus of George Mason University. Below, you'll find important information to ensure that you have a successful graduation.

Action Items Due Date
RSVP in Marching Orders April 12
Order Online Regalia April 12
Order In-Store Regalia May 9
Request Accommodations April 12

RSVP Available March 8 through Marching Orders

Please follow the login instructions emailed to you by your ceremony coordinator to access your school-specific Marching Order login portal.

If you need additional support, please contact commencement@nvcc.edu.

Graduation regalia (cap and gown) is mandatory for attending commencement. Purchase them along with invitations and class rings before April 12 from Barnes and Noble (Herff Jones) using the link below.

Purchase Regalia

  • Each graduate can bring up to 4 guests to the commencement ceremony.
  • Access to tickets can be found within the Marching Orders portal.
  • Tickets are required for all guests two years or older to enter the EagleBank Arena for Commencement.
  • Children under 2 (lap-seating) accompanying a ticket-holding adult do not require a ticket.

Arrival: Graduates should arrive at the arena at 11:30 am. Please follow the postage signage for parking and where to assemble.

What to Bring: We kindly ask all graduates to attend in their complete regalia and refrain from bringing personal items (purses, keys, jackets, sunglasses). We suggest graduates leave their items with guests.

Overview of Commencement: The commencement proceedings will begin with a processional, official welcome and an address delivered by a guest speaker. Subsequently, graduates will walk across the stage, and there will be an opportunity for an official photo. Dr. Kress will deliver the closing remarks, and the ceremony will conclude with a recessional.

Duration: Two hours

ASL interpretation and live captioning services will be available at Commencement. If you need additional accommodations, please specify your needs by sending an email to accommodations@nvcc.edu.

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.

Family & Guests

Family celebrating Commencement

Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate what's possible with hard work, determination and the support of family, friends and classmates.

Please follow the posted signage for NOVA commencement parking. Parking is free for the ceremony.

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.

Contact Photo Specialties

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