College of Engineering Undergraduate Commencement

College of Engineering (COE) Undergraduate Commencement

Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Cassell Coliseum
COE Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies #1, #2, and #3
(For COE Master's Commencent Ceremony #4 go here)

GET READY TO GRADUATE:

• Apply for your Degree
  • All students must apply for your degree on Hokie Spa for Virginia Tech to know the semester and year you plan to complete your degree requirements.
• Review your Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS).
  • Confirm that all degree requirements are completed or in-progress. Contact your advisor about any issues or incomplete requirements.
• Review your mailing address. 
  • Confirm in HokieSPA that your address is your permanent address that the University can use for the mailing of your diploma.
• Review your confidentiality settings.
  • If your entire record is marked confidential in HokieSPA your degree cannot be verified for prospective employers.
• Complete the First destination after undergraduate degree survey.
  • The survey opens before commencement and closes six months later.

ATTENDING COMMENCEMENT:

• Register for the College of Engineering Commencement Ceremony 
  • College of Engineering undergraduate students need to register to participate in the May/Spring COE Commencement Ceremonies.  Invitations and registration instructions will be sent around March 2026 from commencement@mail.eng.vt.edu to students who applied for their degree on Hokie Spa for fall 2025, winter 2026, spring 2026 and summer 2026. The deadline to register will be April 2026.   
•  Get a cap and gown
  • Order your cap, gown, tassel, and honor sash (if applicable) from the University Bookstore. 
• Get cords and stoles.
  • Pick up cords and stoles from the appropriate organizations/offices.
• Review and make plans for ceremony.
  • Review the University Commencement page as well as the College of Engineering Commencement page, which have important information for you and your guests.

COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND:

• University Commencement: Friday, May 15
  • For all graduates, any level, and their families.
  • You will NOT cross the stage.
  • Wear your cap and gown.
  • No registration required
• College of Engineering Commencement Ceremonies: Saturday, May 16
  • For graduating undergraduates and their families.
  • You WILL cross the stage.
  • Wear your cap and gown.
  • Limit guests to 10 people. 
  • Share this link with your guests!  

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR THE DAY:

• ARRIVING
  • Parking on campus is free on Saturday.  No parking pass is required.  
  • Arrive to Cassell Coliseum and enter through the Graduate Entrance located off of Beamer Way (between Cassell Coliseum and the Merryman Athletic Center as shown on this map
  • Review Prohibited Items and note CLEAR BAG POLICY is in effect.
  • Arrive no earlier than 1 hour prior to your ceremony start time and be seated no later than 30 minutes prior to your ceremony.
  • You are highly encouraged to bring in a factory sealed bottle of water. There is no concession access for graduates.
  • Make sure your cell phone is fully charged. 
  • Add your StagePass to your mobile wallet or print.
  • You must have your StagePass to participate in the ceremony.  
  • You must have a cap and gown to participate. 
  • Have your gown unzipped for security upon your arrival
• ONCE THROUGH SECURITY
  • Zip your gown back up
  • Tassel on the right 
  • There will be no processional
  • Seating will be by degree, and signage will show your section.
• THE CEREMONY
  • Speakers
    • There will be a few brief remarks from the dean, distinguished alumnus, and student speaker. 
  • Crossing the stage
    • Marshals will direct you to the stage at the appropriate time; have your StagePass ready to scan. 
    • Scan your StagePass and cross the stage slowly and calmly
    • Use stairs to exit stage; use caution, the stairs are very steep.
  • Photography
    • After crossing the stage, you will have your official commencement photo taken by GradImages. If you have any questions regarding these photos, contact GradImages at gradimages.com and or (800) 261-2576  or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
    • Stay in line in the order you crossed stage; deviating may cause your name/pictures to be out of order.      
  • Return to your seat
    • Once you have your photo taken, you will proceed back to your section until the end of the ceremony.
    • All ceremonies are expected to last two hours; plan your time accordingly.
  • Conclusion 
    • Remain seated until the stage party exits.
    • You will be dismissed, and the ceremony is concluded.

DIPOLMAS:

• Diplomas will be mailed to graduating students as soon as possible, they will not be handed out at the ceremony.
• Double check your mailing address and read the How will I get my diploma?  FAQ for complete details.  

GUESTS:

• Remind your guests of the Prohibited Items and note CLEAR BAG POLICY is in effect.
• All guests should enter through the main Coliseum Entrances.
• Graduates are requested to limit guests to 10 people (no tickets are required for your guests).
• Seating: General
• Arrange a meeting place with your guests for after the ceremony and outside of Cassell Coliseum.
• Guests may only bring in a factory sealed bottle of water. Concessions will be available at Cassell Coliseum, but payment will be credit card only, no cash.
• Watch Live