Regent University Commencement Information

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

*Audience Seated
**Audience Standing

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

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://www.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.