86th Commencement Exercises

Don't forget to sign up for Commencement 101!

Congratulations to the Class of 2012 and their families from the faculty and staff at Christopher Newport University.

Please check back often for updates to the Commencement Schedule of Events.

Tickets are not required for Commencement exercises on the Great Lawn. Should Commencement be relocated to The Freeman Center due to extreme inclement weather, rain tickets are required.

Parking
Free parking is available in any of the parking areas on campus. Check with parking attendants on duty; they will direct you to the closest available space. Remember that carpooling helps alleviate traffic congestion. For more parking information, go to parking.cnu.edu.

Commencement DVD
Relive your special day with a full-length Commencement recording. With a $50 tax deductible donation, you can enjoy a DVD that gives you glimpse of the day shot from multiple camera angles and ensures that you will not miss a moment of your memorable day. Please contact the Office of Advancement at (757) 594-7179 to order your DVD. 

Photographs
Guests are welcome to take pictures from their seats and open areas on the lawn. Please stay behind posted stanchions and police / security personnel.

A professional photograph from Candid Color will be taken of each graduate as the president presents his / her diploma. Within two weeks after graduation, a 43-mm proof and all ordering information will be sent to the graduate’s permanent address on file at the University. There is no obligation to purchase photographs. You will also be able to purchase photographs online at www.candidcolor.net.

Please check with the Office of the Registrar at (757) 594-7155 to make sure your address is correct.

Cell phones and pagers
During the procession, ceremony and recessional, we ask guests to please remain at their seats, keep all aisles clear and silence all cell phones and pagers.

Special needs requests must be received on or before May 7, 2012.

Special Needs Seating
Limited special needs seating is available. This seating is reserved for physically challenged guests who need wheelchair accessibility or require the assistance of a sign language interpreter. Because seating in this area is limited, only one individual may sit with the special needs guest. Be sure to arrive early for special needs seating. A pass is required for entrance to this area. Should Commencement be moved indoors, both the special needs guest and the assisting individual must have a rain ticket.

Written requests for special seating may be mailed or e-mailed to:

The Office of University Events
Christopher Newport University
1 University Place
Newport News, VA 23606
E-mail: cnuevents@cnu.edu

Special Needs Parking
A limited number of handicapped-designated parking spaces are available to vehicles identified with Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle handicapped license plates and temporary decals.

When and where will Commencement be held?
Commencement will be held on May 12, 2012 at 10 a.m. on the Great Lawn on the campus of Christopher Newport University. In the case of extreme inclement weather, the rain plan will be implemented and we will move inside to the Freeman Center Field House.

What time should I arrive?
The Great Lawn will open for seating at 7 a.m. We ask that all guests are seated by 9:45 a.m. for our 10 a.m. ceremony. 

Do I need tickets to attend?
When Commencement is held outside, no tickets are needed.  Incase of rain, one will need to obtain rain tickets from their student. See the rain plan for more information.

I have a guest with special needs.  How will you accommodate that?
Limited special needs seating is available. This seating is reserved for physically challenged guests who need wheelchair accessibility or who require the assistance of a sign language interpreter. Because seating in this area is limited, only one individual may sit with special needs guest. Be sure to arrive early for special needs seating. A pass is required for entrance to this area. Should Commencement be moved indoors, both the special needs guest and the assisting individual must have a rain ticket.

Written requests for special seating may be mailed or e-mailed to:

The Office of University Events
Christopher Newport University
1 University Place
Newport News, VA 23606
E-mail: cnuevents@cnu.edu

What happens if it rains?
If it rains, Commencement will still be held outdoors, so please bring your rain gear!  In the case of extreme inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved into the Freeman Center and the rain plan will be implemented. 

Where do I park?
Free parking is available in any of the parking areas on campus. Check with parking attendants on duty; they will direct you to the closest available space. Remember that carpooling helps alleviate traffic congestion. For more parking information, go to parking.cnu.edu.

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How long is the ceremony?
The actual ceremony lasts about 2 hours. Diplomas will be handed out directly following the ceremony in the courtyard between the David Student Union and the Trible Library.

How do I order my announcements?
You may order your announcements during Commencement 101 with your cap and gown or by going directly to Jostens website.

How do I order my cap and gown?
You may order your cap and gown during Commencement 101 or beginning March 30, you make call the Captains Locker (757-599-5170) to place your order. Please see the Graduates tab for more information.

How do I register for graduation?
Graduation registration will open April 1st.  Please come back to the Commencement website to register for graduation. All students MUST register in order to graduate.

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How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?
All graduating students should have filled out an Intent to Graduate (pdf) form during the second semester of their junior year.  If you have a question about your status to graduate, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 757-594-7155.

Will the bookstore be open during Commencement Weekend?
The bookstore will be open during Commencement Weekend from 8 a.m. to
2 p.m. on Saturday, May 12th.

 
Is there a dress code for graduates? If so, what is it?
Yes, graduates are expected to be in business attire with NO flip flops. Comfortable shoes and low heels are encouraged because there is a long walk across campus and you will be walking on the football field, which can be a very uneven and soft surface. 
 
Will there be pictures taken of the graduates? 
A professional photograph from Candid Color will be taken of each graduate as the President presents his/her diploma. Within two weeks after graduation, a 43-mm proof and all ordering information will be sent to the graduate’s permanent address on file at the University. There is no obligation to purchase photographs. You will also be able to purchase photographs online at http://www.candidcolor.net/.
 
Will the ceremony be video taped?
The ceremony will be professionally filmed and a Commencement DVD may be purchased through for a tax deductible donation of $50. Please call the Office of University Advancement at 757-594-7179 for more information.
 
Will I be able to view the Commencement ceremony online if I cannot attend?
Commencement will stream live on the CNU homepage. Please visit www.cnu.edu on May 12, 2012 at 9:45 a.m. in order to view a live video of the ceremony. 

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