Winter Commencement 2026
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Ceremony Schedule
Commencement Ceremony
Commencement Speaker: Jay Jones, Attorney General of Virginia
Important Details
Graduates participating in Commencement must submit the Commencement Fee . The fee includes cap and gown.
- Order deadline: October 16, 2026
- Pickup: December 8–11
- Hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Location: Office of Finance and Administration, Brock Commons
Students who miss the deadline may not participate in the ceremony but will still be listed in the Commencement program.
Graduates may also purchase a Graduate Giving Package .
Tickets are required for admission to the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
- Four tickets are available for each graduate.
- Tickets will be distributed December 8–11 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. in the Office of Finance and Administration, Brock Commons.
- Overflow tickets may be requested beginning on November 12.
Additional-ticket requests are first come, first served and require a Batten University email address.
Graduation announcements, diploma frames, apparel, and other Commencement items are available through University partners.
The University Store in Batten Plaza will also be open on Commencement Day.
GradImages photographs each graduate as they cross the dais.
- View and purchase graduate photos
- Pre-register with GradImages and receive 20% off
- View candid photos on the University Flickr page
- Watch the archived ceremony on the Batten University Digital Broadcasting Network
GradImages questions: 800.261.2576 or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Students must submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of the Registrar no later than May 1, 2026. To apply, visit WebAdvisor and click on "Application for Graduation" under the Academic Profiles heading on the Student Menu.
Students must submit the Commencement Fee (includes the cost of the cap and gown) by October 16, 2026. Students who miss the deadline will not participate in the ceremony but will still be listed in the program.
Caps, gowns, and tickets will be available in the Office of Finance and Administration in Brock Commons December 8 - 11, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Each graduate receives four (4) tickets. The ceremony is held in Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center which has a smaller capacity than TowneBank Arena. Graduates may request overflow tickets on November 12.
Yes. A livestream link will be available on this page before the ceremony. The archived video will be available for one year following the event.
Yes, rehearsal is mandatory. It will take place on Friday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. in Hofheimer Theatre, Beverly Hall. Caps and gowns are not needed at rehearsal.
Graduates should arrive at 9:00 a.m. at Hofheimer Theatre, Beverly Hall.
Each graduate should walk with the school of the major that appears first alphabetically. Consult the School Organization Chart to determine your academic school. For example, a graduate who double majors in English (BA) and History (BA) would walk with the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities because E comes before H.
No balloons, sound makers, bullhorns, signs, umbrellas, or other visibility obstructions will be allowed.
Have additional questions? Email commencement@batten.edu
Additional Information for Graduates
Before you cross the dais, there are a few things to take care of. If you received federal student loans, you'll need to complete exit counseling. If you're a member of an academic honor society, military service member, or participated in study away or Greek life, you may be eligible to wear honor cords, stoles, or pins during the ceremony.
We've put together a complete guide covering exit counseling, the full list of recognized honor societies, military honor cords, approved regalia, and everything else you need to know before Commencement Day.
Honor Cords, Regalia & Graduate Information