Important Information: UVA Finals Weekend 2022

To
Families of the Class of 2022
From
UVA Class of 2022 Trustees

Dear Class of 2022 Families,

In a couple of months, the Class of 2022 will take their final walk down the Lawn as undergraduate students of the University of Virginia. The information included below is intended to help you in planning the details of Finals Weekend (May 20-22).

Finals Weekend Overview

Weekend Schedule

See the Finals Weekend schedule of events.

Valedictory Exercises

Friday, May 20, at 3:00 p.m. John Paul Jones Arena (295 Massie Rd).

Before the Class of 2022 walks down the Lawn at Final Exercises, they will pay tribute to their fellow classmates and their time spent at the University at the Valedictory Exercises ceremony. This unique ceremony includes the presentation of the Class Gift and University and Class Awards as well as a speech from a keynote speaker, who is chosen by the class.

The ceremony is open to the public. It will also be live-streamed.

Tip: Please be sure to allow extra time for arrival to John Paul Jones Arena. The University’s clear bag policy will be in effect and will be subject to search.

Fourth-Year Class Party

Friday, May 20, from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Alumni Hall (211 Emmet Street South).

The Fourth-Year Class Party is a special celebration for the members of the graduating class and their guests. The party will include music, dancing, a class slideshow, light hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and a photo booth. For those who prefer a more laid-back vibe, the Virginia Room and the outdoor patio will provide guests with the perfect opportunity to kick back and relax while enjoying the company of old friends and new.

Tickets

Tickets are required to attend this event. Each member of the Class of 2022 will receive three complimentary tickets (one ticket for the graduate and two tickets for guests). Class Party tickets will be distributed at the University Bookstore from Wednesday, May 18, through Friday, May 20, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tickets must be picked up in-person by the graduate with a valid photo ID.

Parking

  • Alumni Hall: limited complimentary parking available
  • Central Grounds Parking Garage: Hourly rates applicable (Payment via ParkMobile only) Zone 5515. Limited parking is available at this location.
  • Emmet/Ivy Parking Garage: Complimentary parking ▪ Approx. a 7-minute walk from Alumni Hall
  • John Paul Jones Arena: Complimentary parking is available in both the JPJA surface lot and the parking garage ▪ Approx. a 12-minute walk from Alumni Hall

Final Exercises

The University will hold two Final Exercises ceremonies: one on Saturday, May 21, for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and the other on Sunday, May 22, for all other schools.

Tickets

Each graduating student will receive six guest-seating tickets for Final Exercises. Tickets will be distributed at the University Bookstore during the following times:

  • Wednesday, May 18 - Friday, May 20: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 21: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 22: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Tickets must be picked up in-person by the graduating student with a valid photo ID. Guests without tickets will not be permitted on the Lawn. Graduating students do not need a ticket.

On the morning of each Final Exercises ceremony, ushers will begin collecting tickets and seating guests starting at 7:30 a.m. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Remote Viewing Locations

Those without tickets may watch the Final Exercises ceremonies on Grounds at remote (indoor) viewing locations or via the live online broadcast. The remote viewing locations are a great option for elderly guests as well as guests with infants or small children as they are climate-controlled and wheelchair accessible.

School and Department Graduation Ceremonies

School and department graduation ceremonies are held in the afternoon following Final Exercises to recognize graduates individually for their academic accomplishments. Ceremonies vary by school and major and are held on the same day as each school's Final Exercises ceremony (i.e., CLAS department ceremonies will be held on Saturday, and SEAS, COMM, etc. will be held Sunday).

View the times/locations of the school and department graduation ceremonies.

Safety and Security

To provide a safe environment for attendees, the University has implemented a clear bag policy and will be utilizing metal detectors for all Final Exercises ceremonies. These security enhancements mirror those used for athletic events at Scott Stadium and John Paul Jones Arena.

All graduates, faculty, staff, and guests will be subject to a security screening before entering the Lawn or John Paul Jones Arena (severe-weather site). All bags must be in compliance with the University's clear bag policy and will be subject to search, which may delay entry into the venue (Lawn or the Arena).

Everyone wearing an outer garment such as an academic robe or coat will be asked to open it for a visual inspection. To expedite entry into the assembly areas, graduates are encouraged to robe after passing through the security checkpoint.

For more information on the safety and security checkpoints, the clear bag policy, and a list of prohibited items, please visit the Finals Weekend Policies, Public Safety & Security webpage.

COVID-19 Protocol

Final Exercises will proceed as planned. As public health conditions continue to improve, we anticipate that masks will not be required for indoor or outdoor elements of the celebrations. We also strongly encourage everyone who attends Finals to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling to Charlottesville, but we will not be imposing a vaccination requirement.

Finals Weekend Lodging

For those looking for an affordable alternative to a hotel with no minimum stay requirement, the University offers convenient on-Grounds housing for guests attending Finals Weekend. Guests will stay in the new dorms located in the Alderman Road Residence Area. These air-conditioned, hallway-style accommodations include shared common areas and bathrooms.

Housing is $110.00 + tax per room, per night. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Conference Services at 434-924-4479 or visit their website. Registration is now open.

For information on area hotels and room availability, please visit the Charlottesville/Albemarle County Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Other Graduation-Related Information

Graduation Merchandise

The University Bookstore, in partnership with the fourth-year class, sells diploma frames that conform to UVA’s diplomas, as well as class rings, Jefferson cups, and UVA captain's chairs. These items can be ordered in the Bookstore, through their toll-free number 1-800-759-HOOS (4667), or online.

Stay Informed & Stay Connected

We look forward to your participation in this special weekend. For questions on any of the aforementioned items, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Chesley Strickler
Graduation Committee, Chair
Class of 2022 Trustees | University of Virginia