The countdown is on. In just a few weeks, members of the University of Virginia’s Class of 2025 will process down the Lawn during Finals Weekend.
The celebrations begin Friday, May 16 at 3 p.m. with Valedictory Exercises in John Paul Jones Arena. Virginia Beach native, 1994 UVA graduate and “Grey’s Anatomy” star Jason Winston George will deliver the keynote address and student leaders will present awards to faculty and staff.
On Saturday, May 17, Michael Suarez, director of UVA’s Rare Book School, will address graduates from the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and the School of Education and Human Development.
On Sunday, May 18, retiring Dean of Students Cedric Rucker will speak to graduates of the remaining UVA schools.
Both Saturday’s and Sunday’s ceremonies will take place on the Lawn, unless severe weather intervenes.
UVA’s Office of Major Events is coordinating the weekend extravaganza and Executive Director Cecil Banks offers these tips to make the most of it.
Digital Ticketing
“That’s the No. 1 question we get right now,” Banks said.
UVA moved to electronic ticketing last year. Students can request up to six tickets and one additional ticket for themselves through the Virginia Athletics ticketing system. “The graduating student should log into their Virginia Athletics SHOTS account and they will see a link to request Final Exercises tickets. Questions can be sent to gradtickets@virginia.edu," Banks explained.
Guests will need to create an account in the system so their students can transfer tickets to them. “As always, we tell people to make sure that their tickets are downloaded to their mobile wallet before they get on Grounds because there could be connectivity issues with the Wi-Fi or cell phone service” on Finals Weekend, Banks said.
Tickets will be dispersed by May 6. If tickets remain after that, students can enter a lottery for a chance to win up to two additional seats.
Make a Plan With Your Student, and Clear Bags Only
Make a post-Lawn ceremony plan with your student. “Once the ceremony ends, there’s a mad dash amongst everyone to get to their next place,” he said. “So, having a plan where you’re going to meet your family will help everyone get to their next stop without a hassle.”
The University’s clear bag policy is in effect for Finals Weekend. “If people do arrive to Grounds and they get to the Lawn with a bag that isn't in compliance, we will have two bag check locations nearby so people can drop their bag off with some security staff, and then they just need to pick the bag up after the ceremony has ended,” Banks said.
Balloons
The University strongly urges students not to bring balloons to Final Exercises because of their environmental impact. Banks said if graduates do so anyway, they should just bring one and make sure it’s not too big because balloons obstruct views.
UVA Sustainability and Facilities Management will be on hand to collect balloons after the ceremony to be distributed to patients at UVA Health Children’s.
Arrive Early
“Arriving early is always the best,” Banks said. “That starts with parking. If people need assistance or have limited mobility, we recommend they park at John Paul Jones Arena in the parking lot.
“There is an accessibility shuttle that’s available from John Paul Jones Arena that will get guests with limited mobility to Central Grounds,” he said.
There are also regular, free shuttles at the arena. People can also park for free at Scott Stadium and walk to the Lawn.
Guest entrances to the Lawn seating areas open at 7 a.m. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m.
