Rain Procedures

The Longwood University commencement rain plan will only be put in place in the event of extreme conditions, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, or other severe weather events.  The ceremony will be held outside on Wheeler Mall if at all possible.

If the rain plan is put in place, the announcement will be made by Friday if possible, and no later than 6:00 a.m. the day of commencement. Please check this website or call (434)395-2000 for the latest update on commencement and if the rain plan has been activated.

Graduates, Faculty and Platform Party

Graduates report to Willett Gym by 8:00 a.m. to find your seat.  Graduates will not process.

Faculty members report to Willett Hallway with your academic regalia by 8:30 a.m.  Faculty members will process and will be seated on the gym floor.

Platform party members report to Willett administrative offices by 8:30 a.m.  Platform party will process and will be seated on stage.

Guests

Due to the size of our graduating class, unfortunately, there is no room available for guests of the graduates in Willett Gym.

Guests of graduates should proceed to the following locations to view the ceremony by live video streaming:

• Jarman Auditorium
• Blackwell Ballroom (Maughans Alumni Center)
• Wygal Auditorium
• Jeffers Auditorium

Classrooms in:

• Hiner Hall
• Hull Hall
• Rotunda

Guests who requested accessible seating should report to Blackwell Ballroom. 

You may also watch the ceremony LIVE on your mobile devices at http://www.longwood.edu/commencement/live

Inclement Weather

If we experience inclement weather during the ceremony, we may decide to move to other locations on campus.  Please follow the individualized instructions below. 

If there is an announcement during the ceremony please follow the instructions below.

Graduates, Faculty and Platform Party Members

Rain Only: Remain on Wheeler Mall 

Thunderstorms or Severe Weather:  Proceed to Willett Hall

Guests

Rain Only: The ceremony will continue on Wheeler Mall but you may elect to move to one of these locations to view the ceremony by live video streaming:

• Jarman Auditorium
• Blackwell Hall (Maugans Alumni Center)
• Wygal Auditorium

Classrooms in:

• Hiner Hall
• Hull Hall
• Rotunda

Thunderstorms or Severe Weather:  Proceed to one of the locations above.

Maps, Directions and Shuttles

Visit Maps & Directions for a printable campus map. 

Free shuttle service will be provided from 7:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at the following locations:

• Longwood Village
• Lancer Park
• Comfort Inn
• Days Inn
• Super 8
• Hilton Tru
• Sunchase
• Hampton Inn
• Holiday Inn Express
• Wynne Lot (Signs on Main Street will direct you to Wynne Lot)