Commencement

May 1-16 2024: Cap, Gown, and Hood pick-up in the Music Building.

Academic attire can be picked up between May 1 & 16 from 8 AM – 3 PM from Joanne Nowak, Administrative Assistant to the Executive Vice President. That office is located on the ground floor of the Music Building, next to Classroom M70.

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Commencement Rehearsal: 2 PM in the Commons

The seating chart and final instructions will be distributed at this time.  Dress is casual. Do not bring your associate or bachelor hood, cap and gown. Please be on time.

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Graduate Reception: Immediately following the rehearsal in the Commons

Reception in the Commons and one last opportunity to celebrate with other graduates, faculty, and staff before the big day.

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Hooding Ceremony and Commencement Liturgy: 9 AM in the Villa Maria Convent Chapel

Graduates will gather in your academic gowns (no cap) by 8:30 AM in the entrance to the convent chapel, 600 Doat Street.  Bring your academic hood with you—you will be hooded during a special ceremony. Family members are to go directly to their seats.

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Commencement Exercises: 11 AM in the College Auditorium

Graduates are to assemble in the Commons by 10:30 a.m. Wear your cap, gown, and hood. Procession is to be ready by 10:45 a.m.

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Reception: Immediately following Commencement Exercises on front lawn of the College (weather permitting)

Light refreshments will be served.

If you have any questions, please contact Alexus Laster, dean of students, at 716-961-1878 or [email protected].

All graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony need to wear academic regalia: black gown, black cap, tassel, and an academic hood.

Order your academic regalia through this link: https://villamaria.shopoakhalli.com. All orders need to be placed by March 24, 2024.

Associate Degree (Two Years)
Associate Degree Complete Package — includes cap, gown, tassel, and hood — $38.50

Bachelor Degree (Four Years)
Bachelor Degree Complete Package—includes cap, gown, tassel, and hood — $40.50

You will be asked to provide your payment information at the time of the order. Your order will be for the complete package which includes cap, gown, tassel, and hood. You will be asked if you want to purchase extra items (e.g., an extra cap or tassel). You do not need to order these as they are included in the complete package. To save on shipping costs, all orders will be assembled and shipped to the College. Orders can be picked up between May 1 & May 16.

Women & men: black gown, black cap, academic hood, dark shoes
Delta Epsilon & Phi Theta Kappa members: follow above, plus honors stole if applicable.
Military: follow military protocol

Graduation cap must be worn according to regulation: level with ceiling when on your head, tassel on the right-hand side; hoods should be worn to the ceremony.

Please do not bring purses or any other item that you need to carry. Leave all items with family members or lock them in your car trunk.

The Spirit Store is now located in the Commons. College apparel and other branded items can be purchased here. The Spirit Shop will be open from 9 AM to 12 PM on Commencement Day.

All graduates are asked to be in their cap, gown, and hood upon arrival.
For all questions related to caps and gowns, please visit https://villamaria.shopoakhalli.com.

Students will be given their diploma holder by Dr. Giordano during the ceremony. Once the ceremony is over, students who are eligible to receive their diploma on the day of Commencement during the outdoor reception.

Students may invite as many guests as you wish to the Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 18, at 11 AM.  Guests do not need tickets for the graduation ceremony.

Students: Check-in is in the ground floor hallway near The Commons and then find your spot in the procession line-up.

Board members: Academic Regalia will be located in Room 103 and the procession lineup will be in the main lobby.

Faculty members: Academic Regalia will be located in Room 102 and the procession lineup will be in the main lobby.

Following the Commencement Ceremony, the Class of 2024 and their families are invited to celebrate at an outdoor reception. The reception will take place on the lawn outside of the Main Building and will be held rain or shine. Light refreshments will be served. Diplomas can be picked up during the reception.

All graduates will have the opportunity to pick up their diplomas and a gift from Student Life and Alumni Affairs. Graduates and their guests can use the time after the ceremony to take pictures on campus.

All graduates are required to attend a short rehearsal for this year’s Commencement ceremony.

Commencement Rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Villa Maria College. Please come to the Commons for rehearsal at 2 PM sharp. Please arrive on time. The seating chart and final instructions will be distributed at the rehearsal. Dress is casual — do not bring your hoods, caps or gown.

A graduate reception will immediately follow the rehearsal. This is an opportunity to gather with your fellow graduates one last time before the big day. Faculty and staff who have worked with you throughout your time at Villa will  be present to share in your success. This is your moment. Come and celebrate! Refreshments will be served.

Graduates will be lined up by degree type and will process to their seats assisted by ushers. Seating in the auditorium is available for all guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Families and friends are welcome to sit in any section that is not marked as reserved. A section of the auditorium will be reserved for guests who prefer to continue social distancing.

All tuition and fees must be cleared before participation in the May Commencement activities. Graduates may not be permitted to attend Commencement if financial obligations are not settled. Please settle all financial obligations by May 1.