Important Information: Finals Weekend 2024

To
Graduating Students
From
Danielle Stephens, Chair, 2024 Graduation Committee

Dear Class of 2024,

It's hard to believe that we are in our final semester at the University of Virginia. In just a couple months, we will all take our final walk down the Lawn as undergraduate students. Congratulations on all your achievements thus far!

The information included below is intended to help you in planning the details of Finals Weekend (May 17-19). Please be sure to forward this information to your family.

FINALS WEEKEND OVERVIEW

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

The Finals Weekend website includes the schedule of events.

VALEDICTORY EXERCISES

Friday, May 17th, 3:30 p.m., John Paul Jones Arena (295 Massie Road).

Before the Class of 2024 walks down the Lawn at Final Exercises, they will pay tribute to their fellow classmates and their time spent at the University at the Valedictory Exercises ceremony. This unique ceremony includes the presentation of the Class Gift and University and Class Awards as well as a speech from the Valedictory Exercises keynote speaker, who will be announced soon.

Tickets are not required, and the ceremony is open to the public. It will also be live-streamed.

Tip: Please be sure to allow extra time for arrival to John Paul Jones Arena. The University’s clear bag policy will be in effect and will be subject to search.

FOURTH-YEAR CLASS PARTY

Friday, May 17th, 9:00 p.m. to midnight, Alumni Hall (211 Emmet Street South).

The Fourth-Year Class Party is a special celebration for the members of the graduating class and their guests. The party will include music, dancing, a class slideshow, light hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and a photo booth. For those who prefer a more laid-back vibe, the Virginia Room and the outdoor patio will provide guests with the perfect opportunity to kick back and relax while enjoying the company of old friends and new.

As a graduate, you will receive automatic entry into the class party with your student ID, and you may bring up to 2 family members or friends as guests. Due to space constraints, please make every effort to bring no more than two guests.

Parking

  • Alumni Hall: limited complimentary parking available
  • Central Grounds Parking Garage: Hourly rates applicable. (Payment via ParkMobile Only: https://parkmobile.io/ ) Zone 5515
    • Approx. a 2-minute walk from Alumni Hall
  • Emmet/Ivy Parking Garage: Complimentary parking 
    • Approx. a 7-minute walk from Alumni Hall 
  • John Paul Jones Arena: Complimentary parking is available in both the JPJA surface lot and the parking garage
    • Approx. a 12-minute walk from Alumni Hall

FINAL EXERCISES

The University will hold two Final Exercises ceremonies: one on Saturday, May 18, for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy, and the School of Education and Human Development, and the other on Sunday, May 19, for all other schools.

Tickets

Final Exercises tickets will be distributed digitally no later than May 9th. Degree candidates will receive six guest-seating tickets for Final Exercises on the Lawn for use by family and guests. If Final Exercises is moved to John Paul Jones Arena under the severe weather plan, degree candidates will receive three guest-seating tickets. Degree candidates do not need a ticket to attend Final Exercises but will need to be wearing academic regalia to gain access to the Lawn or John Paul Jones Arena.

Digital tickets will be distributed using the Virginia Athletics ticketing system. An email from the Office of Major Events and External Relations will be sent to each degree candidate’s UVA email address with instructions on how to claim tickets. Degree candidates must have a registered student account with Virginia Athletics in order to claim tickets.

On the morning of each Final Exercises ceremony, ushers will begin scanning  tickets and seating guests starting at 7:00 a.m. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. To expedite entry, please have all guests arrive together with all digital tickets loaded on one mobile device. Wi-Fi and cell service is not reliable on Grounds. Please download all tickets to the mobile wallet prior to arriving to the Lawn.

Ticket Lottery

A ticket lottery will be available starting in April for degree candidates to enter to win one additional ticket to their ceremony on the Lawn, based on ticket availability for each day. The lottery will open on Monday, April 1st, and closes on Sunday, April 28th. Winners will be notified during the first week of May and the additional ticket will be available in the degree candidate’s Virginia Athletics ticket account. The lottery is available to degree candidates only, and the entry form must be completed by the degree candidate, not family members.

Tickets to Final Exercises have no cash value. The selling or bartering of Final Exercises tickets is strictly prohibited and is considered an honor offense. If you are discovered to be selling or bartering Final Exercises tickets, the tickets will be voided and the case will be referred to the Honor Committee.

More Information regarding Tickets.

Remote Viewing Locations

Those without tickets may watch the Final Exercises ceremonies on Grounds at remote (indoor) viewing locations or via the live online broadcast. The remote viewing locations, which are climate-controlled and wheelchair-accessible, are a great option for elderly guests as well as guests with infants or small children.

SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT GRADUATION CEREMONIES

School and department graduation ceremonies are held in the afternoon following Final Exercises to recognize graduates individually for their academic accomplishments. Ceremonies vary by school and major and are held on the same day as each school's Final Exercises ceremony (e.g., CLAS department ceremonies will be held on Saturday and SEAS, COMM, etc. will be held Sunday).

See the website to view the times/locations of the school and department graduation ceremonies.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

To provide a safe environment for attendees, the University has implemented a clear bag policy and will be utilizing metal detectors for all Final Exercises ceremonies. These security enhancements mirror those used for athletic events at Scott Stadium and John Paul Jones Arena.

All graduates, faculty, staff, and guests will be subject to a security screening before entering the Lawn or John Paul Jones Arena (severe-weather site). All bags must be in compliance with the University's clear bag policy and will be subject to search, which may delay entry into the venue (Lawn or the Arena).

Everyone wearing an outer garment such as an academic robe or coat will be asked to open it for a visual inspection. To expedite entry into the assembly areas, graduates are encouraged to robe after passing through the security checkpoint.

For more information on the safety & security checkpoints, the clear bag policy, and a list of prohibited items, please visit the Finals Weekend Policies, Public Safety & Security webpage.

FINALS WEEKEND LODGING

On-Grounds accommodations are full for guests attending Finals Weekend; however, a waitlist is available. To learn more or join the waitlist, please visit the Conference Services website.
 
For information on area hotels and room availability, please visit the Charlottesville/Albemarle County Convention and Visitors Bureau website.


OTHER GRADUATION-RELATED INFORMATION

CLASS OF 2024 AWARDS

Each year the Class Trustees present three awards at the Valedictory Exercises Ceremony. These Class Awards recognize students who have made a profound impact on the University and/or Charlottesville community during their time at UVA. This year’s awards are:

  • Cultural Fluency
  • Community Service
  • Pillar of UVA

For more information on individual award criteria and submission, please visit our submission page. Members of the Class of 2024 may nominate fellow classmates for these awards and we also accept submissions from members of the UVA Faculty and greater Charlottesville community.

The deadline to submit nominations for this year’s Class Awards is Monday, March 25th, at 11:59 p.m.

HOOS GIVING BACK CAMPAIGN 2024

The Class of 2024 Hoos Giving Back campaign encourages every fourth-year student to give back to the area(s) of the University that have meant the most to them during their time at UVA. Students can give to anything, including their school, academic department, Student Affairs, a CIO, AccessUVA, Athletics, etc. We encourage all students to consider the legacy they will leave at the University upon graduation, and we hope that part of this legacy will include a gift to UVA. As of today, 1,561 graduating students have donated to the Class Giving Campaign to support their favorite area of the University. 100% of all gifts go directly to the intended recipient – there is no middleman. If you haven’t yet donated, consider doing so today! Donors who give $10+ will receive a navy blue/silver philanthropy cord to wear during Final Exercises. To donate, visit the Class of 2024 Hoos Giving Back donation form.

CAP AND GOWN

For students who have not yet received their gap and gown, the Bookstore will be distributing graduation attire during the following times:

  • Wednesday, May 15 - Friday, May 17:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 18: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 19: 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

GRADUATION MERCHANDISE

The University Bookstore, in partnership with the fourth-year class, sells diploma frames that conform to UVA’s diplomas, as well as class rings, Jefferson cups, and UVA captain's chairs. These items can be ordered in the Bookstore, through their toll-free number 1-800-759-HOOS (4667), or online.

SUBMIT PHOTOS FOR THE FOURTH-YEAR CLASS PARTY SLIDESHOW

The Graduation Committee is looking for student-submitted photos to include in a slideshow that will be played during the Fourth-Year Class Party. We are looking for photos that highlight the experiences of members of the Class of 2024. Group photos are encouraged. Please upload photos to this form.

STAY INFORMED & STAY CONNECTED

We look forward to celebrating with you this May. For questions on any of the aforementioned items, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
 
Sincerely,

Danielle Stephens
Graduation Committee, Chair
Class of 2024 Trustees | University of Virginia