Information for Seniors and Graduates

Cap and Tassel, Gown, and Degree Hood

All Commencement participants need regalia, which they should purchase early to obtain the proper sizes and colors. Regalia can be purchased online now from The Hornet Shop’s website.

Ordering deadlines:

March 1 — Custom regalia (medical master’s and doctoral candidates only)

April 1 — Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral order deadline

For questions about your regalia order, please email thehornetshop@lynchburg.edu.

Gown — All graduates wear black gowns that vary in style depending on the level of their degrees. Postgraduate degree students should purchase a master’s level gown.

Cap — Graduates wear a mortarboard and tassel. Doctoral graduates wear a velvet tam.

Tassel — Attaches to the cap. It is commonly worn on the right before the student receives their degree and moved to the left after it’s presented.

Hood — A scarf that drapes over the shoulders and down the back. Has a strip of color unique to the student’s program.

Stole — This resembles an oversized necktie with two wide ends. It is worn, draped around the neck, and hangs down the front.

Honors Cord/Medallion — Honors cords are awarded to Undergraduate students, and medallions are awarded to Graduate level students. Certificate graduates are not eligible for honors.

Military cords — These are provided to active duty and veteran students only.

Societal Cords — Contact the society or departmental office for information on cords worn to represent a department or society.

Important Senior Events

Mark your calendars for key senior events on Wednesday, May 14:

Commencement Rehearsal – 2 p.m. on Shellenberger Field
Senior Class Photo – Immediately after rehearsal
Baccalaureate – 5 p.m. in Snidow Chapel
Candlelight Ceremony & Champagne Toast – 8 p.m. in Snidow Chapel/Friendship Circle

On Commencement Day, arrive one hour before your ceremony for check-in (refer to the Schedule of Events for details). Dress comfortably—no narrow or spiked heels on the athletic field—and don’t forget sunscreen. Bring your regalia (cap, gown, cords, and sashes).

Guest tickets are not required unless inclement weather moves the ceremony indoors (see the Inclement Weather Plan for details). The ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hours, and graduates are expected to stay for the entire event out of respect for their peers. Family and friends can watch the live stream at lynchburg.edu and on the Commencement homepage.

For questions, email commencement@lynchburg.edu.

Class Rings

Class rings may be purchased from Balfour. Click on “Shop Now” under “Class Rings.”

Campus Store is open for extended hours for graduation and regalia pickup, purchases, or exchanges:

Wednesday, May 14: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 15: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, May 16: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.