Friday, May 3, 2024

Commencement Ceremonies

Join us in celebrating the graduation of the Southern Virginia University Class of 2024!

Fair Weather Plan

11 a.m. on the front steps of Main Hall

Graduates should report to the Performing Arts Center by 9:45 a.m.

As rain showers are common in May, please prepare for the chance of inclement weather. In the case of severe weather such as lightning, the Commencement ceremonies will follow the severe weather plan.

Severe Weather Plan

3 p.m. in the Knight Arena

Graduates should report to the Stoddard Center by 1:45 p.m.

The University will determine which plan to follow by May 2. By the evening of May 2, the event time and location will be updated on this page and emailed to graduates with instructions on when and where they need to be prior to the event. Please check this page carefully for any updates.

  • The Commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live on this webpage.

  • To be announced May 2024

  • To be announced May 2024

    Academic Honors

    Latin Honors
    Latin honors are noted on the transcripts of students who have completed all requirements for graduation, earned at least sixty credit hours at Southern Virginia, and achieved the following cumulative grade-point averages:

    3.95–4.00, summa cum laude (“with highest praise”)
    3.85–3.949, magna cum laude (“with great praise”)
    3.70–3.849, cum laude (“with praise”)

    Valedictorians (gold cord)
    Cumulative grade-point average 4.0

    Cumulative grade-point average 4.0 (gold cord)


    President’s List for Two or More Semesters
    Semester grade-point average in the top ten percent of current students

    Provost’s List for Four or More Semesters
    Semester grade-point average at or above 3.5

    Barrus Scholars (green chord)
    Excellence in the Liberal Arts

    Marriott Scholars (maroon cord)
    Excellence in Scholarship, Leadership, Service & Extracurricular Activity

    Chi Epsilon Omega (purple & gold cord)
    Business Honor Society

    Omicron Delta Kappa (white, black & light blue cord)
    National Leadership Honor Society

    Psi Chi (navy & silver cord)
    International Honor Society

    Phi Alpha Theta (red & light blue cord)
    History Honor Society

    Phi Kappa Phi (blue & gold medallion)
    All-Discipline Honor Society

    Phi Sigma Tau (white & purple cords)
    Philosophy Honor Society

    Sigma Delta Pi (red & gold cord)
    Spanish Honor Society

    Graduation Distinctions

    Leader-Servant Graduation Distinction (crimson & gold medallion)
    Completed 100 hours of community service, including a capstone project

    Institute Graduates (white cord)
    Church Educational System

  • As one of the most beautiful times to visit the Shenandoah Valley, we recommend all visitors review the below recommendations for lodging, dining, and activities.

    Local Businesses & Deals

    Flowers & Things at Sycamore Lane
    2265 Beech Ave., Buena Vista, VA
    Full service flower and gift shop. Offering 10% discount on flower orders for graduates.

    The BeeVe: Sweet Souvenirs
    2175 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista, VA
    Ice cream, soda, and souvenir shop. New merchandise, designs, and new t-shirts will be available during graduation week.

    Katana: Sushi and Hibachi Express
    1913 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista, VA
    Authentic Japanese sushi and hibachi restaurant with dine-in and takeout options. Graduation week specials will include The Knights Roll, Hot Summer Roll, and Chicken Katsu with Sweet Chili Sauce on May 11–20.

    Vinyl Cuts
    2159 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista, VA
    Gift shop specializing in custom cut shirts, banners, and signs. Graduation week deals will include Virginia themed items 20% off and a free “I heart BV” decal. Located near the Buena Vista mural wall for photo opportunities.