Sunday, May 17, 2026
10 a.m., Berglund Center Coliseum
Check back regularly for updates and important info
Schedule of Events
Hollins Store Hours for Commencement Weekend
- Friday, May 15, 8:30 a.m.  – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May, 16 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 17, CLOSED
Commencement Rehearsal
May 16 – Commencement rehearsal for the Class of 2026 (optional for Graduate Students)
duPont Chapel
Saturday, May 16, 2026
3 p.m.
Baccalaureate Celebration
duPont Chapel
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Commencement Ceremony
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. |
Shuttles for graduating seniors, graduate students, members of the Hollins choir, and student Marshalls only will depart from Hollins to Berglund at 8:30 a.m. from the Moody parking lot. [PLEASE NOTE: We strongly encourage residential students to take the shuttle, and commuter students are welcome to park on campus and take the shuttle should they choose. There will be no late bus. Do not be late or you may miss your ride.]
The Berglund Center’s doors will open for general admission at 8:30 a.m. and guests should enter through gates 1, 2, or 12. |
| 9:00 a.m. |
All graduating students should arrive at the arena no later than 9 a.m. and gather in Berglund Hall (down the stairs at the flagpoles of the main entrance).
We will have staff directing students from the shuttle drop-off point to their meeting location.
Faculty wishing to process must assemble at 9 a.m. in Berglund Hall (down the stairs at the flagpoles of the main entrance). Shuttles for non-graduating students attending commencement will depart from Hollins to Berglund starting at 9 a.m. |
| 10:00 a.m. |
184th Commencement Ceremony
Commencement Exercises will begin as planned at 10 a.m. EST. There are no guest limits for students and all seats are first-come-first-served. Shuttles returning to campus following the event will be available beginning at the conclusion of the ceremony with the final shuttle run departing Berglund no later than 1:30 p.m. We understand that many students will plan to leave the venue with family or friends. Watch live on the Commencement Livestream webpage. Tap the ‘notify me’ button for a reminder on the day. |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Residence Halls Close
All on-campus residential students not staying during the summer must move out of their space by 6 p.m. |
Questions?
Megan Canfield
canfieldm@ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.edu
540-362-6021
Important Information from the Registrar’s Office
Students who have completed all degree requirements and are in good financial standing prior to Commencement will be able to participate in the 2026 ceremony.  Students who graduated October 1, 2025 are also invited to attend Commencement exercises.
Reminder: Candidates with outstanding balances including paying the grad fee should contact the Business Office to settle their accounts or they will only be able to walk in and sit with their classmates during the ceremony. They will not be able to walk across the stage, receive a diploma, have their name called, or have their name published in the program.
If you have concerns about the pronunciation of your name at Commencement, and have not yet completed an Intent to Graduate Form, you may find it at  .
2026 Commencement Speaker
Sabrina Rose-Smith ’00
Hollins alumna, trustee, and nationally recognized attorney Sabrina Rose-Smith ’00 is an equity partner in Goodwin’s Financial Services Litigation and Consumer Financial Services Litigation practices, where her nationwide practice focuses on defending large financial institutions in complex, high-stakes litigation and government investigations. Over her 23-year legal career, she has earned a reputation for navigating the intricate intersections of law, finance, and public policy.
A first-generation high school, college, and law school graduate, Rose-Smith is deeply committed not only to the practice of law but also to shaping leadership and culture within the profession. Read the full announcement