Important Information: Finals Weekend 2023

To
Graduating Students
From
UVA Class of 2023 Trustees

Dear Class of 2023,

It's hard to believe that we are in our final semester at the University of Virginia. In just a couple months, we will all take our final walk down the Lawn as undergraduate students. Congratulations on all your achievements thus far!

The information included below is intended to help you in planning the details of Finals Weekend (May 19-21). Please be sure to forward this information to your family.

FINALS WEEKEND OVERVIEW


WEEKEND SCHEDULE

See the Finals Weekend schedule of eventsPlease note that Final Exercises on Saturday and Sunday mornings will begin at 9 a.m. This is an hour earlier than prior years.


VALEDICTORY EXERCISES

Friday, May 19, 3:00 p.m., John Paul Jones Arena (295 Massie Rd).

Before the Class of 2023 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 selected 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 19, 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 2023 will receive three complimentary tickets (one ticket for the graduate and two tickets for guests). Tickets must be picked up in-person by the graduate with a valid photo ID, and will be distributed at the University Bookstore during the following times:

  • Wednesday, May 17 - Friday, May 19: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Parking

  • Alumni Hall: limited complimentary parking available
  • Central Grounds Parking Garage: Hourly rates applicable. (Payment via ParkMobile Only: https://parkmobile.io/ ) Zone 5515
    • Approximately a 2-minute walk from Alumni Hall
  • 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 20, for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and the other on Sunday, May 21, for all other schools. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. each day on the Lawn.

Tickets

Each graduating student will receive six guest-seating tickets for Final Exercises (three tickets if the ceremony is moved to JPJ due to severe weather). Tickets will be distributed at the University Bookstore during the following times:

  • Wednesday, May 17 - Friday, May 19: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 20: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 21: 7 a.m. - 8:30 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 7:00 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 control 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).

Please view the times/locations of the school and department graduation ceremonies.


SAFETY AND SECURITY

Clear Bag Policy. 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.

Security Screening. 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).

Robing. 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.

Water. Several water refilling stations will be available on the Lawn. Guests are permitted to bring an empty beverage container to Final Exercises and utilize the water refilling stations. Bottled water will also be available for purchase at concession stands on Central Grounds. Complimentary bottled water will be available in the graduating students’ assembly areas and in their seating section.

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.


FINALS WEEKEND LODGING

On-Grounds Graduation Weekend Accommodations. Reservations are still available for guests of graduating students looking for an affordable, no-frills alternative to a hotel for Finals Weekend (May 18-22). Student-style accommodations are available in first-year dorm rooms located in the Alderman Road Residence Area. There is no minimum-night stay requirement. Cost is $110 plus tax per room, per night when you provide your own bed linens, or $130 plus tax when bed linens are provided. Reservations are being accepted until April 27, or until maximum capacity is reached.

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


OTHER GRADUATION-RELATED INFORMATION


CLASS OF 2023 AWARDS

Each year the Class Trustees present three awards at the Valedictory Exercises Ceremony. These Class Awards recognize students who have made a profound impact on the University and/or Charlottesville community during their time at UVA. This year’s awards are:

  • Cultural Fluency
  • Community Service
  • Good Cheer on Grounds

For more information on individual award criteria and submission, please visit our submission page. Members of the Class of 2023 may nominate fellow classmates for these awards. We also accept submissions from members of the UVA faculty and greater Charlottesville community.

The deadline to submit nominations for this year’s Class Awards is Friday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m.


CLASS GIVING CAMPAIGN 2023

The Class Giving campaign encourages every fourth-year student to give back to the area(s) of the University that have meant the most to them during their time at UVA. Students can give to anything, including their school, academic department, Student Affairs, a CIO, AccessUVA, Athletics, etc.

We encourage all students to consider the legacy they will leave at the University upon graduation, and we hope that part of this legacy will include a gift to UVA. As of today, more than 1,800 graduating students have donated to the Class Giving Campaign to support their favorite area of the University. 100% of all gifts go directly to the intended recipient – there is no middleman. To make a gift, please visit the Class Giving donation page.


CAP AND GOWN

For students who have not yet received their gap and gown, the Bookstore will be distributing graduation attire during the following times:

  • Wednesday, May 17 - Friday, May 19: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 20: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 21: 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

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.


SUBMIT PHOTOS FOR THE FOURTH-YEAR CLASS PARTY SLIDESHOW

The Graduation Committee is looking for student-submitted photos to include in a slideshow that will be played during the Fourth-Year Class Party. We are looking for photos that highlight the experiences of members of the Class of 2022. Group photos are encouraged. Please send photos to [email protected].


STAY INFORMED & STAY CONNECTED


We look forward to celebrating with you this May. For questions on any of the aforementioned items, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Mason Marché
Graduation Committee, Chair
Class of 2023 Trustees | University of Virginia