Inclement Weather Plan
The Inclement Weather Plan applies only to Commencement ceremonies taking place outside on Shellenberger Field:
- Undergraduate Ceremony
- DMSc Hooding and Ceremony
The University tries to hold Commencement outside Shellenberger Field, rain or shine. If there is severe weather (thunder, lightning, or other dangerous conditions), the exercises will be held inside Turner Gymnasium. Please reference the campus map (PDF) for building locations. Should the University implement the inclement weather plan:
- Guests will need tickets to attend the indoor ceremony. The graduating students will assign these tickets and send them to their guests ahead of time using our MarchingOrder software program.
- Additional viewing locations with a live video feed:
- Sydnor Performance Hall, Schewel Hall
- Auditorium, Hopwood Hall
- West Room, Drysdale Student Center
If the weather on Commencement Day is questionable, we will decide whether to stay outside on Shellenberger or move inside to Turner Gymnasium three hours before each ceremony.
In the case of the indoor ceremonies, there will be no processional of graduation candidates. Faculty will process as usual, then leave the gym. Only those on the platform/stage will stay.
Check-in locations will be in Turner Gymnasium for students. Faculty can check in via Turner’s third floor (parking lot level), classrooms, and dance studio.
Undergraduate and DMSc Ceremonies
- Plan A: Rain delay. Commencement will remain outside on the Shellenberger and begin two hours later (11 a.m.).
- Plan B: Move inside. Commencement will move inside the Turner Gymnasium and begin two hours later (11 a.m.).
- Doors will open to guests (Time: 10 a.m.).
Weather announcements/changes will be posted on the University’s website and social media channels.
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 14-16, 2025:
- 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 13-16, 2025. 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 14, 2025.
- If you are attending or working Commencement activities on May 15 or May 16, 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 14, 2025.
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)
