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Regent University Commencement Information

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

Regent University holds an annual commencement at the end of the spring semester. This year’s commencement will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. EDT.

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We are preparing a wonderful program that will honor the incredible achievements of each graduate. We are so proud of our Regent graduates, and we are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2024!

Regent University’s Commissioning Services are considered sacred ceremonies. Graduates are invited to reflect and worship with their peers and be recognized for their academic achievement. Family members and close friends of our graduates are welcome to join this cherished and significant tradition. All times are Eastern Daylight Time for Virginia Beach, VA. View the Regent University campus map.

Click the links below to watch the video stream:

Friday, May 3

The School of Law Commissioning and Walking
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
Library Plaza

Commissioning Reception
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Communications Building Plaza

The Robertson School of Government Commissioning and Walking
12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
Shaw Chapel

Commissioning Reception
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Communications Building Plaza

The School of Education Commissioning and Walking
4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
Shaw Chapel

Commissioning Reception
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Communications Building Plaza

The College of Arts & Sciences* Commissioning and Walking
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. ET
Library Plaza

Commissioning Reception
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Communications Building Plaza

*This includes the Honors College

Thursday, May 2

The College of Health & Behavioral Sciences* Commissioning and Walking
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
Library Plaza

Commissioning Reception
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Communications Building Plaza

*This includes the School of Psychology & Counseling, School of Allied Health, and the School of Nursing

The School of Communication & the Arts Commissioning and Walking
12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
Shaw Chapel

Commissioning Reception
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Communications Building Plaza

The School of Divinity Commissioning and Walking
4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
Shaw Chapel

Commissioning Reception
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Communications Building Plaza

The School of Business & Leadership Commissioning and Walking
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. ET
Library Plaza (outside)

Commissioning Reception
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Communications Building Plaza

Students must obtain approval to participate.

All students must have completed all requirements toward graduation prior to participating in commencement. However, due to the uniqueness of some programs and the fact that there is only one commencement yearly, Regent provides the opportunity for students who have not completed all requirements to participate in commencement, if they meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate students who have no more than three courses remaining for graduation. Students must be registered for these courses in the summer session. The coursework may include an internship or practicum experience, which can also be completed during the summer.
  • Graduate students who have no more than two courses remaining for graduation. Students must be registered for these courses in the summer session. The coursework may include an internship or practicum experience, which can also be completed during the summer.
  • Theses, dissertations, and portfolios must have been successfully defended or approved before the spring cut-off date (varies by school), with only final edits remaining.

Students approved to participate in commencement will be notified via email no later than March 15th, 2024.

Once a graduation application has been submitted, the Registrar’s Office will conduct a detailed review. If everything is confirmed, they will post the degree and send an email notification to the student’s Regent email address. Students can also check their Genysis account for degree conferral information and view an unofficial transcript.  

Important Notes:

  • Degrees cannot be posted until after the term has ended and all final grades have posted.
  • Degrees are usually posted within 6-8 weeks after all grades are received. The Registrar’s Office is aware that many students have deadlines for job applications, licensure, raises, etc. and will work to process degree paperwork as quickly as possible.
  • Diplomas and certificates are ordered from a third-party vendor twice a month and generally arrive within six weeks after the order is placed. Graduates will receive an email when the diploma and/or certificate is mailed.

Attorney General Jason Miyares to Deliver Regent’s 2024 Commencement Address

Attorney General Miyares, the 49th Attorney General of Virginia, got his relentless drive to succeed from his mother, Miriam Miyares, who fled communist Cuba and immigrated to Virginia to raise her son to appreciate freedom, fairness, and justice for all. Jason Miyares is now the first Hispanic American to be elected to a statewide office in Virginia and the first child of an immigrant to be attorney general.

Since his inauguration in 2022, Miyares has focused on fighting violent crime, improving public safety, strengthening economic growth, and combating the deadly impact of opioids and fentanyl. AG Miyares secured over a billion dollars in opioid settlements for drug addiction and recovery from pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. He led an investigation that discovered that the 2020 Virginia Parole Board broke the law and endangered Virginians by releasing violent, repeat offenders early with life sentences. AG Miyares also launched Operation Ceasefire, a multifaceted intervention in communities and aggressive prosecution of violent gun crimes. 

Presiding: Gordon Robertson

Student Processional*The Hilton Brass
National Anthem**Regent Singers
Invocation & Welcome*Gordon Robertson
Chancellor, Regent University
Introduction of Commencement SpeakerGordon Robertson
Commencement AddressJason S. Miyares
49th Attorney General of Virginia
Recognition of Honors & Joint Degree ProgramsDr. William L. Hathaway
Provost
Graduate ReflectionsDaniel J. Luster
Juris Doctor, School of Law
Presentation of Chancellor’s AwardDr. William L. Hathaway
Greetings from the Board of TrusteesMr. Phil D. Walker
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Commencement MessageGordon Robertson
Presentation of GraduatesGordon Robertson

Dr. Joshua J. McMullen
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Anna S. Ord
Dean, College of Health & Behavioral Sciences

The Hon. Michele Bachmann
Dean, Robertson School of Government

Dr. Doris G. Gomez
Dean, School of Business & Leadership

Dr. Simon Tarr
Dean, Honors College
Director, School of Communication & the Arts

Dr. Corné J. Bekker
Dean, School of Divinity

Dr. Kurt Kreassig
Dean, School of Education

Mr. Bradley J. Lingo
Dean, School of Law
Conferring of DegreesGordon Robertson
Regent SongAbigail Carolyn Phelps
Bachelor of Arts in Government, Honors College
Benediction**Dr. Claire Foster
Executive Vice President for Advancement & Enrollment
Student Recessional*The Hilton Brass

*Audience Seated
**Audience Standing

Commencement is the university-wide event that celebrates all graduates as a community. Graduates are able to experience special keynote messages from alumni, students, Chancellor Gordon Robertson, and our featured speaker. Regent University views this ceremony as its most prized event.

Commissioning is an intimate occasion shared with fellow graduates, faculty, and distinguished individuals from a specific school of study. These events are centered around blessing our graduates.

No. Students can attend one, both, and none of these events.

If a student is graduating from multiple schools, they are eligible to attend more than one Commissioning.

Students can RSVP by logging into their MyRegent portal, selecting the Student tab at the top, and scrolling down to the RSVP For Commencement and Commissioning prompt under My Account.

The deadline to RSVP for the May 2024 Commencement and Commissioning events is March 31, 2024.

Oak Hall is Regent University’s personalized regalia provider. All students attending on-campus graduation events MUST have Oak Hall regalia. No other regalia is permitted.

Please visit https://regent.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome to place your order.

We provide two options for regalia shipment. Students can have regalia shipped to their home directly or to Regent University for pick-up at designated times starting May 2024.

  • It is recommended to order regalia as soon as possible. Online ordering will open on February 12, 2024.
  • The ship to home deadline is March 31, 2024.
  • The ship to Regent University deadline is March 24, 2024.

Students should contact the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible to communicate their regalia needs: registrar@regent.edu.

  • All graduates are required to wear the designated Oak Hall “Green Weaver” cap and gown.
  • Graduates may not alter or decorate their regalia – that includes caps.
  • During the Commencement ceremony, dual and joint degree graduates should only wear the hood of the degree with which they are sitting.
  • University approved Latin honor stoles (undergraduate students), military cords, recognized academic honor society cords, and student government leader cords are the only additional embellishment permitted to be worn at the ceremony. These embellishments are provided to eligible students by way of Regent University. Please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@regent.edu with your questions regarding approved cords.
  • Graduates may not carry handbags, banners, placards, or similar accessories.
  • Sunglasses and small cameras are permitted.
  • Men wearing caps should remove them during prayer.

Regalia packages for graduate and post-graduate students will come with an appropriate hood for your degree program. To familiarize yourself with the proper hooding technique, please view this short video clip.

Regent University’s 2024 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, on the Virginia Beach campus, starting at 9:15 a.m. Graduates are asked to arrive on campus by 7:30 a.m. and to monitor their Regent email should additional details arise.

  • Men should wear a shirt and tie – no jacket.
  • Ladies should wear dresses or a skirt and blouse.
  • Graduates should wear sensible shoes (flats or low wedges) to offset the lengthy amount of standing and walking (approximately ½ mile).
  • Graduates and guests traveling to campus on Saturday, May 4, should plan to use the Centerville Turnpike entrance located near the Communication Building on the Campus Map.
  • Graduates are urged to arrive by 7:30 a.m. to secure parking and prepare for the procession line up.  Plan accordingly for traffic and delays.
  • Graduates will need to be at their assigned line up location at the Administration Building (see Campus Map) no later than 8:00 a.m.
  • Row assignments for Commencement will be provided upon arrival for line up.
  • Row numbers will be posted on tall signs in front of the Administration Building.
  • Upon arrival, report to the check-in table at the front of the Administration Building to receive your row number assignment.
  • Graduates who have not checked in with their faculty marshal by 8:30 a.m. may be assigned to an alternate row by a staff member or faculty marshal.
  1. Commissioning ceremony guests should park in the parking lot closest to their scheduled event except for College of Arts & Sciences. For the Friday night commissioning, commissioning guests should plan to use the Centerville Turnpike entrance located near the Communication Building on the Campus Map and follow parking directions given by lot attendants.
  2. Graduates and guests traveling to campus on Saturday, May 4, should plan to use the Centerville Turnpike entrance located near the Communication Building on the Campus Map.
  3. Graduates are urged to arrive by 7:30 a.m. to secure parking and prepare for the procession line up.  Plan accordingly for traffic and delays.
  4. Guests with disability related concerns can expect campus-wide accessibility services including assistance with transport from parking areas to services as well as communication accommodations. Handicap parking will be available on-campus by decal only. Guests with handicap decals should follow the signage and traffic direction to the handicap parking locations. 

For ride sharing and other taxi and car services, use 5641 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach, VA as the address to our campus. This will direct the GPS to the Founders Inn, parking lot F.

Please allow additional time to get to campus by walking.

  • The closest restrooms to the graduate line up area are in the Classroom Building, the Dede Robertson Student Center, and the Administration Building.
  • Commencement programs will be distributed to graduates prior to processing.
  • Water bottles will be available to graduates during line up.
  • HASHTAG: Use #RegentGrad24 and your photo, tweet, and more may appear on the big screen prior to the ceremony. Search #RegentGrad24 on social to see what others are posting.

Each school holds a Commissioning ceremony to honor graduates by degree program. Graduates are requested to view and RSVP to their Commissioning ceremony through their MyRegent portal. Additional information with further details will be sent from schools as the date approaches.

Commissioning ceremonies will be held on Thursday and Friday, May 2 and 3, 2024.

There will not be a guest limit or need for tickets for the ceremonies.

Regent University is pleased to partner with Herff Jones to offer personalized graduation items. Please visit colleges.herffjones.com/college/ru/ for more information.

Herff Jones will be in the 77 Coffeehouse lounge during Commencement week on the following dates and times:

Thursday, May 2, 20249:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 20249:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 20248:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Your diploma will be ordered approximately 6-8 weeks following the semester in which all program requirements have been completed.

No, diplomas will be made available six to eight weeks following the term in which degree program requirements are completed.

Graduates will walk and have their names read during the Commissioning ceremonies on Thursday and Friday, May 2 and 3, 2024.

Regent University certainly recommends The Founders Inn and Spa, which is adjacent to the campus. Hotels in the Greenbrier area of City of Chesapeake offer excellent proximity and amenities, as well.

You will always have access to your Regent email even after you graduate. You will have access to the portal about one year from your graduation.

For undergraduate students, Latin Honors will be determined after the conclusion of Session C, and qualifying students will be contacted. Honor cords will be provided if the student is participating in graduation ceremonies. Please refer to the catalog for cumulative GPA requirements.

For students with disability related needs, accommodations will be offered for all commissioning and commencement services. Students requesting disability related accommodations should fill out the Graduation Accommodations Request form below no later than April 1st, 2024. Documentation to support the request for accommodation should be submitted no later than April 22nd, 2024. 

Guests with disability related concerns can expect campus-wide accessibility services including assistance with transport from parking areas to services as well as communication accommodations. Handicap parking will be available on-campus by decal only. Guests with handicap decals should follow the signage and traffic direction to the handicap parking locations. 

For any accommodation or accessibility questions or concerns, please email disabilities@regent.edu or call at 757.352.4485. One of our coordinators will be happy to connect with you and assist you.

GRADUATION ACCOMMODATIONS REQUEST FORM

"*" indicates required fields

Name:*
Events Needed:*
Type of Accommodations:*
Max. file size: 2 MB.
Please submit medical documentation along with your request—This should be from a licensed professional who can verify the diagnosis of a disability. Or, you may send documentation to disabilities@regent.edu by April 24, 2023.

Commencement Regalia

Order Regalia for this year’s commencement ceremony. Learn where to order and get details about the cost.

A graduate at Regent University's commencement ceremony in Virginia Beach.

Purchase your academic regalia through Oak Hall. Online ordering will open on February 12, 2024.

Please note that only Oak Hall regalia may be worn by graduates for on-campus related commencement activities. 

  • Deadline to ship to home: March 31, 2024
  • Deadline to ship to Regent: March 24, 2024

You are encouraged to select the ship-to-home direct option. The ship-to-Regent option may be most convenient for residential and international students.

**Orders that graduates request to be shipped to Regent University will be available to pick up on the following dates:

Tuesday, April 30; 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Center, Divinity Building Room 177

Wednesday, May 1; 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Center, Divinity Building Room 177

Thursday, May 2; 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Center, Divinity Building Room 177

Friday, May 3; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Welcome Center, Divinity Building Room 177

Graduates are strongly encouraged to pick up regalia prior to May 4. However, regalia may also be picked up the morning of Commencement beginning at 8 am at the regalia station near the student line-up.

Undergraduate regalia package (robe, cap, and tassel)
$32 plus shipping, handling, and tax

Master’s regalia package (robe, cap, hood, and tassel)
$54 plus shipping, handling, and tax

Specialist’s regalia package (robe, cap, hood, and tassel)
$54 plus shipping, handling, and tax

Doctoral regalia package (robe, tam, hood, and tassel)
$94.50 plus shipping, handling, and tax

Oak Hall offers a variety of shipping options. See the Oak Hall website for details.

How to Make the Most of Your Regent – Alum Status

Good News! You have an exceptional alumni community available to help you stay connected once you graduate. Here are two ways to stay engaged with Regent Royals around the world and stay up to date with what’s happening at the university. 

  1. Follow us on social!
    Find us on Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn by searching “@regentalumni”. You’ll find regular posts about university and alumni events, alumni achievements, and more! 
  2. Build your profile on the Regent Alumni Websitewww.RegentAlumni.org
    This is your one-stop hub for alumni business listings, class notes, spotlight stories, and details on your nearest alumni chapters.

If you’re local, we’d love for you to come to Regent events such as weekly chapels or theatre performances. Also, feel free to stop in to say hi in Administration Building Suite 128. 

We welcome all our alums to email us anytime at  alumni@regent.edu or call us at 888.294.2586. We’re here for you!

Graduation Keepsakes – Herff Jones

Through our partnership with Herff Jones, you can get your graduation announcements, class rings, and other keepsakes. To order any of these items just visit colleges.herffjones.com/college/ru/.

REGENT KEEPSAKES

Get your Regent University keepsakes like a 2024 Commencement T-shirt, alumni swag, class rings, and more!

Regent University souvenirs that may be purchased during the graduation celebration in Virginia Beach.

Pre-order your exclusive 2024 Commencement T-shirt, listing the names of all the graduates confirmed through the Registrar’s Office.

https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/regent/

Shirts are white, standard unisex sizing, and 100% cotton.
Cost: $30 each, plus $4.99 shipping per order.
No order limit.

***********

You can also pre-order flowers and Teddy bears for pick up on Commencement Day!

Any gifts ordered through the site can be picked up on Saturday, May 4 at either of the Commencement Flowers tents. Gifts do not have to be pre-ordered, but supplies will be limited on Commencement Day.

Day-of purchases are first come, first serve.

If you are not planning to join us in person for the 2024 Commencement ceremonies, you can still order a shirt to be mailed to you. That link is available here: 
https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/regenttees/

These are the same shirts as above, just available for direct mailing and will not be available for pick up at Commencement.

Hurry! Orders must be received by May 15, 2024.
Shirts will be delivered by early June.

Celebrate your accomplishment by purchasing your alumni gear and diploma frame.

Graduation Week Hours

Monday, April 29, 202410:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 30, 202410:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1, 202410:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 2, 202410:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 20249:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 20248:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 2024Closed

Remember that, through the alumni partnership with Herff Jones, you can get your graduation announcements, class rings, and other keepsakes. To order any of these items just visit colleges.herffjones.com/college/ru/.

Herff Jones will be in the 77 Coffeehouse lounge during Commencement week on the following dates and times:

Thursday, May 2, 20249:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 20249:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 20248:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Other Commencement Resources

About to graduate and need to update your career development skills? As a Regent alumnus, you have access to coaches, premier online career assessments and job listings available through Handshake. Let us be a part of your continuing career journey! https://webdev.regent.edu/resources/center-for-student-happiness/career-services/

Upcoming Career Workshops – The Office of Career Services will offer virtual career workshops this summer. Please continue to check out our events page for updates.

Make an appointment on Handshake to meet with a Career Coach to go over your resume, cover letter, practice mock interviewing or update your LinkedIn profile to better stand out to employers.

We’re proud of your accomplishments and excited for all that is ahead for you. One of the best strategies for continued success is to commit to being a lifelong learner. Stay connected through social media, send updates to your schools and our alumni team, and, when you’re ready to explore additional certificates and degree opportunities, please reach out!

regent.edu | regent.edu/info | 800.373.5504

Did you know that all borrowers of Federal Student Loans are required to complete Exit Counseling when you graduate? Through the online session, you will learn your loan repayment schedule, payment plans available to you, and relief options that exist should you need them.

Loan Exit Counseling is a very important requirement that will help you prepare to enter repayment with confidence. The session is self-paced, and most students report that it takes them approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Visit the studentaid.gov website and select the option to Complete Loan Exit Counseling when you are ready to get started.

Regent University is proud to recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. military. One way we do this is by offering honor cords that may be worn at school commissioning ceremonies and commencement, free of charge. If you are a graduating student and U.S. military active-duty service member, veteran, reservist, National Guardsman, or ROTC cadet or midshipmen, simply verify your current military status in Genisys through my.regent.edu to ensure you receive a cord. You may pick up your honor cord in the Welcome Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or on commencement day starting at 6:30 a.m. If you are unable to attend commissioning and commencement, you may request that an honor cord be mailed to your home by sending an email with your first and last name, student ID, and complete mailing address to military@regent.edu.

If you are both a military dependent AND a military veteran or service member, you must note your eligibility status so that you are flagged for inclusion (A dependent-only status would not qualify for the cord.). We salute you for your service!

Any questions? Email the Military Resource Center at military@regent.edu.

To the Class of 2024, we love you, we are proud of you, and we are always cheering you on.