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Spring 2008 Commencement - National Capital Region

Congratulations on earning your graduate degree! Pursuing graduate study is not an endeavor many choose, and you have a big reason to celebrate.

Attending graduation gives you the opportunity to share the celebration with family and friends. We hope you’ll join us for the Virginia Tech National Capital Region Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Center for the Arts in Fairfax.

Graduate candidates must electronically submit through Hokie Spa www.hokiespa.vt.edu either an Application for Degree (AFD) for degree conferral or an Application for Degree or Certificate Conferral (AFDC) for certificate conferral for names to appear in the Commencement Bulletin. The Plan of Study must be approved prior to submitting the AFD. PHD and EDD students must also include their dissertation titles when submitting the AFD for their names to appear in the bulletin. Without this title, names will not be listed. The information entered on the AFD is used to order the diploma, so ensure that the information is correct. A fee ($25.00) will be assessed to the student’s account.

Attending commencement ~ Graduate candidates must confirm plans to attend commencement by completing the Attendance Form found on Hokie Spa www.hokiespa.vt.edu (click Degree Menu, Graduate Student Degree Menu, and then Attending Commencement, campus location, and number of guests).

Doctoral candidates must complete all requirements, including approval of the ETD by May 2, 2008, to be eligible to participate in the hooding ceremony during commencement. This deadline allows time to prepare diplomas for presentation on stage to the doctoral candidates. Education Specialist and Master’s diplomas and graduate certificates will be available after the ceremony for graduates who have completed all requirements by the published deadlines. Graduate candidates should check with their departments at check-in to see if their diploma is ready for pick-up. All other diplomas and certificates will be mailed.

Student Check-in ~ Graduate candidates should report to their department tables at 12:00 p.m. where they will receive a name card, then proceed to the robing rooms. Personal belongings cannot be stored in the robing rooms; therefore, arrangements should be made for securing these items. Instructions will be given as to how to be hooded, line up, process and recess.

All graduate candidates will march by degree, college, and department. Line-up will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Late arrivals will march at the end of the line.

Academic regalia is required ~ Caps, gowns, hoods, and tassels may be purchased from the bookstore at the Northern Virginia Center either in person or by calling (703) 538-8488. Items will be available April 17, 2008 and must be picked up by May 9th.

Announcements ~ Announcements may be ordered at https://www1.herffjones.com/college/graduation/

Guests and Seating ~ Guests will be seated beginning at 12:30 p.m. Seating for individuals with impaired mobility will be available at the ceremony. The Center for the Arts is easily accessible. A sign language interpreter will be provided. The ceremony will last approximately one to two hours. Strollers are not permitted in the auditorium.

There is no limit to the number of guests invited to the ceremony.

Reception ~ A reception will be held in the main lobby of the Center for the Arts following the ceremony.

Professional Photographer for Commencement ~ cb Photography will take photos of all the students. Students will be able to view and purchase photographs online at http://www.cbphotography.com. If you do not  wish to have your photograph online, please let the GSSO know at gsso@nvc.vt.edu..

Parking ~ Free parking is available in Parking Lot K across the road from the concert hall. Officers will be onsite for directions. Handicapped parking is available adjacent to the concert hall. There is a charge for parking in the four level parking garage adjacent to the Concert Hall.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact the Graduate Student Services Office 48 hours prior to the event at Tel: (703) 538-8327 or TTY (703) 538-8314

For additional commencement information, contact the Graduate Student Services Office at (703) 538-8327 or gsso@nvc.vt.edu