General Commencement Information
2024 Commencement Ceremonies, for the 275th year in the life of the university
The 169th Commencement ceremony for the Washington and Lee University School of Law will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 10 a.m., and the 237th undergraduate Commencement will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. There is also an undergraduate Baccalaureate Service on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. All ceremonies will be held on the Front Lawn of the main campus, between the Colonnade and University Chapel (plans in case of inclement weather will be announced early the day of the ceremony). See also the Schedule of Events. [top]
Announcements
Personalized Commencement announcements may be ordered from Balfour for the undergraduate Commencement at the Undergraduate Grad Fair. Announcements for the law Commencement may be ordered from Balfour at the Law Grad Fair. Both Undergraduate and Law Graduation announcements can also be ordered through the W&L Store Web Site: STORE.WLU.EDU. [top]
Caps and Gowns
Graduating seniors must attend in approved regalia, with no unapproved adornment. There is no additional charge for the regalia; it may be kept after the ceremony. The regalia is produced with "green" material. The Grad Fair is the only opportunity to be sized for undergraduate caps and gowns from Oak Hall. Caps and gowns for undergraduates pick up date is Monday, May 27, during senior day in the Elrod Commons.
Law-student regalia is provided through Balfour, including tams, gowns, tassels, and hoods, through the University Store. With the exception of the tam and tassel, these must be returned at the end of the ceremony to the Elrod University Commons. Measurements for law academic regalia will take place at the Law Grad Fair. [top]
Diplomas
During the Commencement ceremony, students receive their actual diploma in a blue diploma tube handed to them on stage, so please handle them with care. The diploma order is submitted in early March, after which any changes to names or degrees will incur a reprint fee charged to the student account. After Commencement, students also receive an official, secure, and verifiable certified electronic diploma at no additional charge. [top]
Disability Accommodations
W&L provides sign-language interpreters for both Commencement ceremonies. Service dogs and family members in wheelchairs are welcome. While W&L does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility equipment, Lexington Prescription Center (540-463-9166) is a local source for wheelchair rentals. Guests who have special needs in order to enjoy the ceremonies, including special seating in view of the interpreters, should contact Public Safety, by email (PublicSafety@wlu.edu) or telephone (540-458-8999). See also Parking. [top]
Dress
Graduates must attend in approved regalia, with no unapproved adornment such as cords, flowers, etc. Guests are advised to dress comfortably. The weather in Lexington during May is often warm and humid. If ceremonies are held outside, most seating will be on the beautiful, sunny, and gently sloping Colonnade in front of University Chapel, facing toward the sun, so comfortable shoes, light clothing, hats, and sunglasses will be useful. In the case of inclement weather, the Law School commencement exercises will be moved indoors to W&L's Richard L. Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center (DARC) where seating is on bleachers, so a cushion would be useful. The undergraduate Baccalaureate and Commencement would be held at Cameron Hall Gymnasium on the campus of Virginia Military Institute. Cameron Hall is air-conditioned and has individual, padded, stadium seating. [top]
Duration
Law Commencement Exercises are expected to be completed by 11:15 a.m. The Undergraduate Baccalaureate Service usually ends shortly after 11:00 a.m. The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony is expected to end by 12:30 p.m. [top]
First Aid / Cooling Station
The Student Health staff is available in Newcomb Hall at the left end of the Colonnade to assist those who need minor first aid or are becoming overheated. Remote viewing of the Commencement exercises is available. Public Safety or Student Health staff are also able to contact a local rescue squad who are standing by in case of a medical emergency. [top]
Framing
Diploma frames -- all featuring archival quality mats embossed in gold or a medallion with the University coat of arms and name -- are available from the University Store in a variety of styles. The University Store also offers an exclusive diploma-frame design which incorporates a panoramic sepia photo of the Colonnade. All diploma frames will be available for purchase at a five-percent discount ONLY during the Law Grad Fair and the Undergraduate Grad Fair.
The University Store also offers special photo frames matted with gold and embossed with the W&L coat of arms and name suitable for holding the diploma-presentation photograph (see Photographs below). These frames will also be available at a discount ONLY during the respective Grad Fairs. [top]
Gifts for the Graduate
A large selection of exclusive gifts to celebrate the Washington and Lee experience is available in the University Store and on its website: the W&L armchair or rocker, lamp, a selection of fine framed art depicting W&L, quality embossed leather briefcases and computer cases, time pieces, writing instruments, and apparel, all subtly enhanced with the W&L or W&L Law official mark. Many of these items can be personalized with the graduate's name and class year. Special Class of 2024 merchandise will also be available to purchase at the grad fair. The University Store will wrap your gift of choice at no additional charge to commemorate this special day. [top]
Grad Fair
- The Law Grad Fair is scheduled for Law School Moot Court Lobby, February 6 & 7, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- The Undergraduate Grad Fair is scheduled for Elrod Commons Atrium, March 6, 7, & 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Parking
Parking for commencement exercises is available in the parking garage located off Nelson Street and East Denny Circle behind the gymnasium complex. The Front Lawn is a short walk from the parking garage. The campus map is available here.
Washington and Lee provides other convenient access to the law and undergraduate commencement exercises and the undergraduate baccalaureate service for all those who are able to walk only short distances, who have difficulty climbing steps, who use a wheelchair, or who otherwise need special assistance. Please inform your parents and families that the university provides special parking and transportation for the Commencement and undergraduate Baccalaureate ceremonies for those guests who are handicapped or have special health concerns.
We designate the University Chapel Visitors lot and the Corral Lot, both on Jefferson Street, as well as the area on Washington Street from Lee Avenue to Nelson Street as Handicapped and Special Assistance drop-off and parking areas. These areas will be closed to all others. Please advise your families that this parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so they need to plan arrival times accordingly. We also will have several golf carts available to transport guests needing special assistance to the ceremonies from these areas. We strongly encourage families to utilize these areas as drop-off and pick-up areas only, as parking in these areas is limited. Golf carts will run to/from these areas starting at least 2 hours prior to the start of the ceremonies, and will continue running until well after the ceremonies have completed.
Access to the Elrod University Commons or to the rain-plan site for law commencement at the Richard L. Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center may be granted to individuals through the underground entrance. If undergraduate Baccalaureate or Commencement uses VMI's Cameron Hall for the rain site, guests may park in the W&L parking garage and walk to Cameron Hall on Main Street, or try on-street parking in the vicinity of VMI. To request additional assistance or for questions, please contact Public Safety, by email (PublicSafety@wlu.edu) or phone (540-458-8999). [top]
Photographs and Videos
Photo
Class pictures are scheduled prior to Commencement at times and locations noted in the Schedule of Events. A "Class of ..." banner will be set up on the Colonnade for individuals, families and other groups who may want a photo. [top]
Amateur photographers are asked to be aware of and respect others taking pictures, including the university's photographers. Space and line-of-sight limitations prevent us from accommodating tripods near the stage during the ceremony.
Graduates receiving law degrees or undergraduate degrees from The College cross the stage from right to left facing University Chapel, so guests may find the best vantage point to the left of the stage facing the chapel. Graduates receiving degrees for work in the Williams School cross the stage from left to right facing the chapel, so guests may find the best vantage point to the right of the stage facing the chapel.
Individual still photographs are taken of each graduate by a university-approved vendor, Photo Specialties, which captures the special moments of graduation ceremonies. Photo Specialties will send proofs of each graduate's photograph(s) to them via email and US mail within two weeks after the ceremony. Official Washington and Lee frames for these and other photographs are available in the University Store. For additional information about individual still photography or photo frames, please contact the University Store at store@wlu.edu or 540-458-8633.
Video
The ceremonies are also streamed live to the Web or "smart" devices from go.wlu.edu/commencementlive/. This year, DVDs will not be available for purchase, but an HD digital video of the ceremony will be available for free download within a week of the ceremony. Questions can be addressed to the Office of Communications and Public Affairs by e-mail at jgoodwin@wlu.edu. [top]
Printed Programs
A limited number of extra printed programs are available at the entrances to seating areas. [top]
Procession and Tradition
Coat-of-arms and Banners
In 1890, at the request of Leslie Lyle Campbell, Class of 1887, Professor W. G. Brown designed a white silk banner bearing the words Washington and Lee University embroidered in gold letters on a blue scroll. Below the scroll was a composite shield made up of heraldic elements from the coats-of-arms of the Washington family and the Lee family. The shield has survived the years, but the original banner has not. Before 1903, Professor Brown designed a full coat-of-arms with crest and motto. The black raven rising out of the golden ducal coronet comes from the Washington crest. The upper left quarter of the arms depicts an open book with an injunction from I Thessalonians to "test all things." The upper right quarter exhibits the arms of Washington of Sulgrave, and the lower left quarter the arms of Lee of Coton. The arms in the lower right quarter are those of Astley of Staffordshire, and signify a marriage between the Lee and the Astley families. The motto, non incautus futuri, based on a phrase from Horace’s Satires and translated "not unmindful of the future," comes from the Lee family arms.
In 1998, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of W&L's founding, David D. Brown, Law School Class of 2000, designed four banners that draw upon the original heraldic design of 1890. The new University banner is a revised version of the design by Professor W. G. Brown. The banners for The College, the Ernest Williams II School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, and the School of Law derive their separate designs from the university banner.
Mace
A mace is a ceremonial staff and a symbol of authority. The mace is used to denote that the university is in session. It was designed in 1951 by Marion Junkin, Class of 1927 and Head of the Department of Fine Arts, and carved by Mary Barclay, a member of the staff of the Alumni Office, from a 150-year-old walnut beam taken from the old Lexington firehouse. The university coat-of-arms is carved on opposite sides of the urn-shaped head and painted silver, blue, red, and gold. Below the arms are the scroll and the motto. Atop the mace are the coronet and raven from the university coat of arms.
Academic Costume
In the procession of the faculty, guests will see a variety of academic costumes. The design of the gowns has evolved over centuries from medieval origins. Most of the regalia seen during the ceremonies represent the Doctor of Philosophy degree or the Juris Doctor. Traditionally, the doctoral gown is black, has full sleeves gathered at the wrists, velvet bars on the sleeves and velvet panels on the front. The colors on the hood, which is worn around the shoulders, designate both the academic discipline of the degree earned by the wearer and the university that awarded it. The gold tassel on the hat is another sign that the wearer holds a doctoral degree. Over the years some universities have adopted gowns in colors that complement their hoods.
Flags
International flags are displayed at university events to represent the home countries of students. In addition to the flag of the United States of America, the flags of the following countries have been displayed in the past several years: Afghanistan, Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, German Federal Republic, Ghana, Greece, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palestinian Authority, Paraguay, People's Republic of China, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Republic of China (Taiwan), Republic of South Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Union of Myanmar, United Kingdom, United Republic of Cameroon, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. [top]
Rain Plan
Though we expect the weather to be warm and dry, if the ground in front of University Chapel is saturated or if rain (not drizzle) is falling -- and only as a last resort -- undergraduate ceremonies will be held at an indoor facility, VMI's Cameron Hall gymnasium on North Main Street. (It is the only facility in the area which can accommodate the 4,500 people who usually attend.) See the Inclement Weather page for more information. Law Commencement would be held in W&L's Richard L. Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center. [top]
Remote Viewing
For the undergraduate commencement ceremony, air-conditioned, remote viewing of the Commencement exercises is available in the first aid/cooling station area of Newcomb Hall and in the Leyburn Smart Zone on the main floor of Leyburn Library, in addition to the streaming video on the Web. [top]
Restrooms
Restrooms for guests are available inside each building on the Colonnade, the Leyburn University Library, and the Elrod Commons (where the University Store, Marketplace, and Café '77 are also located). [top]
Rings
Balfour is the official provider of class rings for both undergraduates and law students. Rings may be ordered at any time from the University Store as well as the Law Grad Fair and the Undergraduate Grad Fair. [top]
Safety and Security
Members of the Public Safety staff are in uniform and will be available throughout the ceremonies. If you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to seek them out. You may reach a member of the Public Safety staff by phone at 540-458-8400 or 540-458-8999. [top]
Seating and Line-Up
The ground in front of University Chapel is slightly sloping and the university provides chairs. There is also limited space under shade trees, shading tents, and along the Colonnade on the edges of the graduation area. The audience faces into the sun, so appropriate protection and clothing is advised. The sun is almost directly over University Chapel at 12 noon. If we must move inside, VMI's Cameron Hall has individual, padded, stadium seats and is air-conditioned and remote viewing sites will be set up on W&L's campus. [top]
Social Media
Share your photos and observations using #wlu24.
Speakers
Each of the ceremonies is led by the president of the university, Dr. William C. Dudley. [top]
Streaming Video
A live, streaming video of the undergraduate commencement will be available on the Livestream <https://www.livestream.com/wlu> and YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/washingtonandlee> (with closed captions) beginning a few minutes prior to the start of each ceremony. [top]
Tickets
The number of guests at commencement is not limited, and those attending may sit anywhere in the area other than in a few designated sections. No tickets are required for any of the Washington and Lee's commencement activities and the ceremonies are open to the public. [top]
Water
Water stations are provided to the sides and behind the seating area. Faculty and graduates also have bottled water at their seats. [top]
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Lexington is available at forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.78&lon=-79.45.