Commencement Map & Parking

Due to the current weather forecast of significant rainfall, and in consultation with leaders in the senior class, Commencement Exercises will be held at the Berglund Center Coliseum in downtown Roanoke.   

While we regret not being able to have commencement on Front Quad, this location change will avoid the impact of the predicted inclement weather and guarantee that all who wish to attend this celebratory event will be able to do so in person. The event will still be livestreamed for those who cannot or do not wish to attend in person.  

The address of the Berglund Center is 710 Williamson Road NE. Parking is free. Click here for directions to the Berglund Center.  

 Commencement Exercises will begin as planned at 10 a.m. EDT.   

 To ensure that our graduates, their families, friends, and guests are able to fully enjoy the wonderful celebration of their accomplishments, please read all of the following information to outline the process and timeline for Sunday: 

  • The Berglund Center’s doors will open for general admission at 8:30 a.m.  
  • Shuttles for graduating seniors only will depart from Hollins Moody Center to Berglund at 8:30 a.m. Snacks and beverages for graduating students will be provided on the shuttle. [PLEASE NOTE: We strongly encourage all residential students to take the shuttle, and commuter students are welcome to park on campus and take the shuttle should they choose. There will be no late bus. Do not be late or you may miss your ride and be late for the commencement ceremony.]
  • Shuttles for non-graduating students attending commencement will depart from Hollins Moody Center to Berglund starting at 9 a.m.  
  • All graduating students should arrive at the Berglund Center no later than 9 a.m. and gather in Berglund Hall (down the stairs at the flagpoles). We will have staff directing students from the shuttle drop-off point to their meeting location.  
  • Faculty wishing to process must assemble at 9 a.m. in Berglund Hall (down the stairs at the flagpoles).  
  • Shuttles returning to campus following the event will be available beginning at noon with the final shuttle run departing Berglund at 1:30 p.m. We understand that many students will plan to leave the venue with family or friends.