Frequently Asked Questions
what qualifies a student to walk in the commencement ceremony? A student must have 25 credits or less (undergrad) left to complete as of April 1st to be eligible to walk in the commencement ceremony.
what is a student loan exit counseling session? Students with loans are required to meet with Student Financial Services no later than May 1, 2006, to complete the exit interview paperwork prior to participating in graduation.
when and where does commencement take place? Thursday, May 20, 2006 (4:00pm) in the Communications and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Regent University.
Students are required to assemble promptly by 3:30pm in the foyer of the Communication and Performing Arts Center; the ceremony and processional will begin at 4:00pm. Doors open to friends and family one hour before the ceremony, and are asked to proceed directly to their seats.
are tickets needed to attend commencement? Tickets will be provided based on the information submitted on the graduation reception reservation form. There is no cost for tickets, but it is imperative that the university have an accurate count of those in attendance. The venue is small and graduates are asked to consider the size and nature of the ceremony when considering bringing young children.
what about commencement invitations? Commencement announcements may be ordered through Balfour online or at 1-877-BALFOUR (225-3687). When ordering it is important to note that you/your student is receiving a bachelor of science degree in Food Service Management.
is there a commencement reception? Yes. on May 18, 2006, following the ceremony and until 7:00pm, graduating students and their friends and family are welcome to attend a reception that is being hosted by the Norfolk Campus faculty and administration at The Founder's Inn on the campus of Regent University.
Due to overwhelming response, reservations are required. Print, complete and return the reception reservation form to the Student Affairs Office by May 1, 2006.
what if a student is unable to attend the ceremony? Although it is traditional to graduate by attending the commencement ceremony, there may be circumstances that prevent a student from attending. If a student has completed all graduation requirements but is unable to attend, they are still considered a member of the graduating class.
do students actually receive his/her diploma at commencement? Our goal is to provide all graduates their diploma at the ceremony on May 18, 2006. In order to do this, students must address all financial obligations and financial aid paperwork by May 1, 2006.
We recognize some graduates have payment plans extending until June. If you cannot make your final payment by May 1, 2006, your diploma will be mailed to the address provided on the graduation application. It is the students' responsibility to make sure that the information on the application is correct.
is parking available for commencement ceremonies? There is ample free parking on the Regent University campus, both at the Communication and Performing Arts Center and the Founder's Inn.
is handicapped seating available at the ceremony? Yes. Please call the Office of Student Life at 757-853-3508 ext. 236 to make further arrangements for these special accommodations.
is there a way to know where a student will be sitting? No. Students march in with others in their major, but there is no way of knowing where they will sit.
how long does the commencement ceremony usually last? The ceremony is usually one and one half hours in length. If you are making dinner reservations, please allow extra time to be on the safe side.
are photos taken of students receiving their diplomas? Yes. Photos of each student will be taken. and will contact the student directly with the opportunity to purchase photos. Students are under no obligation to buy the photos. Guests are not allowed on the main floor to take photos during commencement ceremonies. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates and their guests are welcome to return to the arena and use the platform as a backdrop for photographs.
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