Commencement

Photography
The College will again utilize local photographers to capture images of our graduates. You may purchase your son’s images for one set price.

• • Formal cap and gown photos will be captured during the Senior Fair on Thursday, April 18. These are optional. If you would like these images of your son, please encourage him to participate. He does not need to register in advance. We will have pre-steamed gowns, hats, etc. for use during the fair.
  • Photographers will be on-hand on Commencement day to capture your son’s graduation. Each graduate will be photographed during the diploma hand-off on stage and as he leaves the stage for a more celebratory shot. However, we also photograph them from line-up to champagne toast, so there may be additional images.
  • The College agrees to provide digital copies of these specific photos to you for a set price of $75, which includes two potential batches of images (cap & gown, and Commencement day).

Order formal commencement photos

The College will release a public photo gallery of images after Commencement. This gallery includes broad imagery across the day and is free of charge.

Videography
Memories Videography provides our videography services, including the live broadcast. The video will include footage not found anywhere else, to include graduate interviews during lineup. If you would like to order a copy of the video (download, dvd, or blu-ray) please make your request:

Memories Videography Request

Annual Pronouncement Of Weather: "...And there shall be no rain."

Commencement will be held outdoors on the Venable Lawn. Guests should arrive prepared for weather conditions to include umbrellas (clear) or ponchos, and weather appropriate attire. All are encouraged to bring bottled water.

Please monitor the College website and student email Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning for updates in case of inclement weather.

Unsafe or undesirable forecasted weather may lead the College to enact the rain plan for the baccalaureate and/or commencement ceremonies. Once this call is made, it will not be reversed even if the weather forecast changes.

Business Office
Students must have all financial obligations settled with the College before they may receive their diploma or have transcripts released. Please contact the Business Office at (434) 223-6223 if you have any questions regarding financial obligations.

Room Check-Out and Key Return

• Check-out: Office of Residence Life, Brown Student Center
  • Rooms must be clean, free of debris and personal property
  • Students will be charged for the cost of any debris removal or damages
  • Failure to complete check-out process results in fines of up to $75
• Saturday, May 10, 2025: all college-owned student residences will be closed, locked, and vacated by 4 p.m.
  • Keys must be returned to 3rd Floor, Brown Student Center by 4 p.m.
• Housing questions should be addressed by contacting Dean Schrader at jschrader@hsc.edu

If Commencement Rain Plan Is Enacted, Room Checkout Would Change As Follows: All College-owned student residences will be closed, locked, and vacated and keys must be returned to the drop-box on 3rd Floor, Brown Student Center no later than 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025.