Below are some tips that we think will aid students in their preparation for graduation:

• Verify your permanent grade/billing address. This is where your diploma will be mailed.
• Remember that temporary grades ( I ) an incomplete takes time to be changed to permanent grades. Take care of these well before graduation.
• If you are taking a correspondence course to fulfill your last requirements: Let the instructor know, that you plan to graduate at the end of the semester.
• Make sure all work is completed 4 weeks prior to Commencement Day.
• Your graduation will depend on the early arrival of your grade at the Registrar’s Office.
• Check your degree candidacy. Is it correct?
• Your academic department will determine whether you have met all major requirements (Undergraduate students only).
• A student’s name will not appear in the Commencement Program whose application for graduation does not reach the Office of the Registrar by the priority deadline.
• If you would like to request a duplicate diploma, there will be a fee of $75 made to Hampton University.

1. Do babies need tickets?
   If a child needs a seat, they need a ticket.
2. Can we not wear cords either?
   You may wear academic and honor cords.
3. Can we wear our country’s stole?
   Graduates are permitted to wear one stole that represents their affiliation or participation in activities such as athletics, sororities, fraternities, Kente cloth, or religious organizations. Visit Herff Jones to order the stole of choice. Act now for the order date is ending quickly!
4. Can you speak on provisional walkers?
   This will be the last year of provisional graduates.  You may walk if you have only six hours remaining to complete by the end of the semester.
5. Where do we get our honor cords?
   Cords can be picked up at the book store, after you have been cleared.
6. I have a family member that’s handicap. Should I indicate that somewhere on their ticket or how does that work?
   Guest who require special accommodations should arrive at the Coliseum early for seating.
7. Do I have to have a hood?
   Hoods and tassels are part of the commencement attire and are required to process.
8. Is the Coliseum going to charge for parking?
   No
9. Is there no lenience or variation in the colors we can wear?
   Students in academic regalia must wear auxiliary clothing that harmonizes with the black gown. Women: black dresses of appropriate length, Solid black shoes, skin tone or dark stockings, no pants or jeans; Men: white collared shirts with ties, black shoes, black dress slacks, and no jeans. Students that self-identify as Non-Binary: please aim for your polished, professional look that is true to who you are. Attire may include the following: black suits with shirt or blouse, long black trousers with shirt or blouse, black dress, skirt with shirt or blouse, and neckties. Anyone failing to meet these guidelines (carrying flowers, attachments, corsages, ribbons, scarves, etc. with his or her academic attire) will be escorted from the procession. Academic regalia should be worn with limited jewelry. Large earrings, bangles, chains, pins and other pieces are inappropriate and will not be allowed.  No garment outside of dress code may be seen outside of your gown.
10. We need our physical IDs for Graduation?
    All candidates for graduation must have a VALIDATED physical ID to clear for participation.  
11. Will there be special transportation for students with wheelchairs?
    Students in wheelchairs should notify the Office of Ceremonial Occasions ASAP.