Tickets
University of Lynchburg Commencement ceremonies have no limit to how many guests each student can invite.
However, if any ceremony scheduled on Shellenberger Field is moved indoors because of bad weather, tickets will be needed. Therefore, we ask that you claim your two tickets now.
Please note: this is a precautionary measure, as guest tickets are limited if we have to move indoors. The University will make every effort to hold Commencement outside on Shellenberger Field — rain or shine. Only severe weather (thunder, lightning, or other dangerous conditions) will bring the ceremony indoors to the Turner Gymnasium.
Please refer to our Inclement Weather page for additional information.
How to claim your tickets
- Log in to your University of Lynchburg MarchingOrder student portal. You will need to use the email address and the password you created the first time you accessed the Marching Order site. If you have not yet accessed the site, please use this same email address and create a password.
- If you cannot find your email inviting you to create your MarchingOrder password, please search your email inbox or spam/junk folder for: commencement@lynchburg.edu or marchingorder.com.
Commencement ceremonies scheduled inside Turner Gymnasium are much smaller, or inside the Sydnor Performance Hall (in Schewel) are much smaller in number, and will not exceed the fire marshal’s maximum occupancy limit. Therefore, tickets will not be required for any commencement ceremony scheduled inside Turner Gymnasium or Sydnor Performance Hall (of Schewel).
If you are unsure of the scheduled location and time of your ceremony, please refer to the Schedule of Events page.
Directions and Maps
Please visit the travel and maps section of our website for maps, transportation options, and more.
Lodging
During Commencement, nearby accommodations may be difficult to find. Make sure to book well in advance.
The Lynchburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism provides a comprehensive list of hotel and lodging options. Their website also includes a calendar of local events, information about historical places of interest, and dining and shopping options.
Parking
Please reference the Commencement parking map (PDF) for additional guidance.
Guest Parking
Please refer to the following guidelines for events on May 16-17, 2024:
- All guests arriving on campus are asked to enter the main entrance on Lakeside Drive. Please proceed to any open parking spot as directed by the security stop point, dropping off is encouraged.
- Parking for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility is available close to Shellenberger Field. Guests should come to the main campus entrance off Lakeside Drive. Security will provide directions to the parking area which is near Westover Hall. If the designated parking area is full, visitors can still drop off family members at this accessible entrance. They can then park elsewhere on campus.
- Signage and guides will be available at the entrance to Westover Hall on the first floor. Visitors will enter Westover Hall, use the elevator to the second floor, and walk down a short hall to Shellenberger Field. Seating on the field is not reserved. Accessible bathroom facilities will be available in both Westover Hall and Turner Gymnasium.
- There is moderate walking required to access the field and bathroom facilities.
- All Commencement seating on Shellenberger Field is in full sun. Umbrellas are not allowed. Indoor air-conditioned space is available in Turner Gymnasium. A large viewing screen is provided.
Student, Faculty, and Staff Parking
We would like to ask for your help in providing parking for guests attending Commencement activities on May 16-17, 2024. Doing this will help make the event more convenient for everyone.
- On May 16 and 17, all graduates will have to park their cars behind Southside housing. The areas are along Vernon, Brevard, Westwood, College, Lakewood, and McCausland streets; Peaksview Apartments, and the townhouse area.
- Please remove all vehicles parked on campus before 6 p.m. on May 15, 2024.
- If you are attending or working Commencement activities on May 16 or May 17, you will need to park in specific areas. These are the commuter/gravel lot (corner of Westwood and College Streets), the Nest parking lot, or behind Southside housing.
- Disability/accessibility parking and drop-off area will be located in the parking area behind Freer Hall. All student vehicles must be removed from this area before 6 p.m. on May 15, 2024.
Medical
EMTs and a first-aid station will be available at both Commencement ceremonies. The Office of Campus Safety and Security and Lynchburg EMS will be available for help by calling 434.544.5555.
Commencement Firearm/Weapon Policy
To ensure the safety of all graduates and guests, security measures will be in effect throughout commencement ceremonies and events. We ask that you cooperate with these important precautions. Firearms and weapons are not allowed on the University of Lynchburg’s property. Additionally, large bags are not allowed on Shellenberger Field.
If anyone sees anything suspicious, please do not hesitate to contact University security.
Phone Numbers
434.544.8100 (Non-emergency)
434.544.5555 or 911 (Emergency)
