2023 Graduation

Graduation Events

Current Students - 2023 Graduation

2023 Graduation

Congratulations to the Darden Graduating Class of 2023! Graduation Ceremonies will be held Sunday, 21 May.

Class of 2023 Final Exercises: Sunday, 21 May 2023

General Information

A Graduation Meeting will be held Tuesday, 28 March from 1:30 – 2:30 in the Abbott Auditorium to discuss topics such as:

  • Ticket Information
  • Other Graduation Events
  • Electing Student Speakers
  • Electing Faculty Marshals
  • Alumni Resources

Graduation Day for the Darden MBA Class of 2023 is Sunday, 21 May.

Graduation Weekend begins Friday, 19 May – Sunday, 21 May. For a complete schedule, please see the UVA Schedule of Events.

The UVA Major Events page provides the most current information regarding the 21 May event, including answers to frequently asked questions.

More information will be added to this page as it is provided.

Events

  • Tuesday, 28 March 2023

    Graduation Meeting

    A Graduation Meeting will be held Tuesday, 28 March from 1:30-2:30 in the Abbott Auditorium to discuss topics such as:

    • Ticket Information
    • Other Graduation Events
    • Electing Student Speakers
    • Electing Faculty Marshals
    • Alumni Resources
  • Saturday, 20 May 2023

    1. Residential MBA Program Graduates - 33rd Annual Sherwood Frey Picnic 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. in the Grassy Field between the Faculty Building and North Grounds Recreational Center (rain or shine).

      Open to Darden Graduates, Guests, Students, Faculty, and Staff. The Office of Student Affairs hosts Darden's 33rd Annual Sherwood Frey Picnic. The picnic is named in honor of Emeritus Professor, Sherwood Frey, who began the tradition of hosting graduates and their families for more than 30 years. Join us for socializing, traditional BBQ and vegetarian entrees, and lawn games.

      This is a great alternative to fighting the dinner crowds at Charlottesville restaurants! Picnic blankets and casual attire suggested

      Contact: Ali Torres at [email protected].

  • Sunday, 21 May 2023

    Final Exercises - Fair Weather Plan

    1. 8 a.m. - UVA Central Grounds
      Assemble for the academic procession in Poe Alley (between Pavilions III and IV) Wear your cap and gown, and tassel on the right front side of the cap.

      Please notify your guests of UVA's clear bag policy for events.
       
    2. 9 a.m. - UVA Lawn
      Academic procession and Final Exercises. Graduates follow faculty marshals to their proper position on the Lawn.
    3. 11:15 a.m. - Full-Time MBA Graduates meet in the Darden Faculty Office Building, 1st Floor. Executive MBA Program and MSBA Graduates meet in the Classroom Building, 1st Floor Hallway near Room 190.
      Graduates assemble alphabetically for the Darden procession. If inclement or severe weather occurs a Volunteer will be onsite to direct you. 
    4. 12:15 p.m. - Flagler Court, Darden
      Darden Ceremony - presentation of ceremonial scrolls, awards, and hoods. Tassel should be on the front left side of your cap. March out with your cap on. The Darden Ceremony starts promptly at 12:15 p.m. unless the UVA Lawn Ceremony runs late. In that case, the Darden Ceremony begins 30 minutes after the Lawn Ceremony ends. 

Helpful Information

  • Seating and Tickets

    Each Graduate is allowed one(1) Parking Pass, six(6) Tickets for the Lawn Ceremony, and four(4) for the Darden Inclement Weather Ceremony.

    Lawn Ceremony - Seating is available for Graduates and six(6) Guests. 

    • Only Guests with UVA Lawn Ceremony tickets will be permitted on The Lawn.
    • Guests without tickets will be directed to remote viewing sites (please see the Remote Viewing tab)

    Darden Ceremony - No tickets are required for the Flagler Court Ceremony

    * Please refer to the Inclement or Severe Weather tab for potential changes to seating and tickets.

    Full-time MBA Caps and Gowns will be distributed into mailboxes located in front of the Office of Student Affairs.

    Executive MBA Caps and Gowns will be distributed during LR2.

    There are no extra Parking Passes or Tickets available.

    Ticket and Parking Pass Distribution Information TBA

  • Inclement or Severe Weather

    Final Exercises – INCLEMENT Weather Plan

    1. 8 a.m. – UVA Central Grounds  
      Assemble for the academic procession in Poe Alley (between Pavilions III and IV) Wear your cap and gown, and tassel on the right front side of the cap.                                                                                                  *       Please notify your guests of UVA's clear bag policy for events.
    2. 9 a.m. - UVA Lawn                                                                                                                                      Academic procession and Final Exercises. Graduates follow faculty marshals to their proper position on the Lawn.
    3. 11:15 a.m. - Full-Time MBA Graduates meet in the North Grounds Recreation Center via the Main Entry.
    4. 12:15 p.m. – North Grounds Recreation
      Darden Ceremony - presentation of ceremonial scrolls, awards, and hoods. Tassel should be on the front left side of your cap. March out with your cap on. The Darden Ceremony starts promptly at 12:15 p.m. unless the UVA Lawn Ceremony runs late. In that case, the Darden Ceremony begins 30 minutes after the Lawn Ceremony ends. 

    Final Exercises – SEVERE Weather Plan

    1. 7 a.m.  – John Paul Jones Arena                                                                                                                  Faculty and graduating students must be wearing academic regalia to gain access to John Paul Jones Arena. Graduating students should arrive at the arena by 7:45 a.m. and proceed directly to the seating area on the main floor of the arena.                                                                                                                                    * Please notify your guests of UVA's clear bag policy for events.
    2. 9 a.m. – John Paul Jones Arena                                                                                                                    Ceremony commences. The event will be live-streamed throughout Darden Grounds for unticketed guests.
    3. 11:15 a.m. - Full-Time MBA Graduates meet in the North Grounds Recreation Center via the Main Entry.
    4. 12:15 p.m. – North Grounds Recreation
      Darden Ceremony - presentation of ceremonial scrolls, awards, and hoods. Tassel should be on the front left side of your cap. March out with your cap on. The Darden Ceremony starts promptly at 12:15 p.m. unless the UVA Lawn Ceremony runs late. In that case, the Darden Ceremony begins 30 minutes after the Lawn Ceremony ends. The event will be live-streamed throughout Darden Grounds for unticketed guests.

     

    1. Services for Persons With Disabilities

      Contact Rachel Dudzik at [email protected], prior to Final Exercises if disability accommodations are needed. For the Lawn ceremony please visit the UVA Finals website for information related to the Lawn.

    2. Remote and Online Viewing Options

      The ceremonies may be viewed live at Darden in classrooms, in the Abbott Lounge, and online at www.darden.virginia.edu/graduation/webcast.

    3. Programs

      UVA Programs will be available at the Lawn, and Darden Programs will be available before the ceremony begins. 

    4. Photos

      A photographer will photograph each graduate receiving their scroll and will take a Class of 2022 photo in front of Saunders Hall after the Darden Ceremony.

      Information on ordering prints will be emailed by Grad Images to Graduates once the photos are ready.