Extra security measures are being put in place for graduations at Virginia Tech and Liberty University because of high-profile commencement speakers.
First Lady Michelle Obama will give the commencement address at noon Friday at Virginia Tech.
On Saturday at Liberty University, Republican presidential candidate will give the commencement speech. Liberty's ceremony is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.
WDBJ7 will live stream both graduations.
Virginia Tech graduation
Here is some additional information from Virginia Tech about Friday's commencement. For more information about Virginia Tech's graduation, click here. To see a cell phone-friendly version of Virginia Tech's commencement website, click here.
You can see Virginia Tech's commencement program by clicking here. For a map of Lane Stadium, click here.
Security Checks
All persons entering the stadium will be subject to metal detection prior to entering the gates.
Prohibited
· Alcoholic Beverages
· Noisemakers (Horns, whistles or artificial noisemakers of any kind)
· Fireworks or any Explosive
· Folding chairs
· Illegal Drugs
· Weapons
· Balloons
· Pets (except service animals for the disabled)
· Coolers/Containers (unless containing medical supplies)
· Wrapped presents
· Tailgating
· Backpacks
Allowable (everything will be searched)
· Cell phones
· Cameras
· Snacks/Bottled Water (plastic)
· Chair Backs/Seat Cushions
· Strollers/Wheelchairs
· Umbrellas
· Small purses
Concessions
Concession stands are located beneath all permanent stands and can be reached by exiting from any portal.
Concessions in Cassell Coliseum and Lane Stadium will open at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, May 11.
Gate Entry and Closure
Guests of Graduates: Enter at Gates 4, 5, and 8
General Public: Enter at Gates 1 and 3
ADA Accessible: Enter at Gates 1 and 5
Gates Closed : Gates 2, 6, and 7
Out of respect for our graduating students and their guests, the general public is asked to sit in the south end zone.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located beneath all permanent stands and can be reached by exiting any portal. Family/Special Needs restrooms are located in the following locations: Behind Section 1 in the East Stands and behind Sections 205 and 509 in the South End Zone as well as behind Sections 2 and 18 in the West Stands. All restrooms are equipped with diaper changing stations.
Smoking
Virginia Tech is committed to providing a smoke-free environment in all facilities, both indoor and outdoor. Smoking WILL NOT BE PERMITTED in stadium concourses, seating areas, restrooms or portals leading to the seating area.
First Aid Rooms
First aid stations are in the West Side behind Section 20 and in the East Side behind Sections 1 and 31. The South End Zone station is located behind Section 202.
NOTE: The Virginia Department of Transportation will suspend blasting on Interstate 81 on Thursday and Friday in Montgomery County to help ease traffic congestion.
Liberty University graduation
Here is some information about Saturday's commencement ceremony at Liberty University. The school has not released security measures yet. For additional information, click here.
Commencement Check-In
All graduates are required to stop by Commencement Check-In on Friday, May 11. It will take place in between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m in the Hancock Welcome Center.
Reader Card *VERY IMPORTANT*
At Commencement Check-In, graduates will receive a reader card to be used during their college's individual graduation ceremony. This card serves two purposes: the card is used so the graduate's name is read aloud during the second ceremony and is also used for the photographers to contact graduates with information and proofs from the event. Graduates must have their reader card during the ceremony. For hard to read names, graduates may write, as clearly as possible, a phonetic spelling or pronunciation of their name on the card. If this card is misplaced, another card can be obtained Saturday prior to the processional or at your second ceremony location.
Honor Cords
During Commencement Check-In, qualifying graduates may stop by the honor tables to pick up their honor cord or stole. For more information on graduation honors, please see the Honors & Regalia page.
Commencement Ceremony
Participating graduates must arrive no later than 8:00 a.m. at the Hancock Welcome Center Practice Field. Signs will direct graduates to their assembly locations. At 8:45 a.m. the graduate procession will begin. Family and friends should be sure to be at their seats before this time.
Commencement will consist of two ceremonies. The first ceremony will take place in Williams Stadium and begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. The second ceremonies will be the degree presentation ceremonies. A list of these ceremonies and their times and locations is available on the Degree Presentation Ceremonies page. Dr. Godwin will preside over the first ceremony that will include a processional of graduates, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees. Several of the Liberty University music groups will perform.
This first ceremony should be completed by 11:15 a.m.
Graduate Procession
At 8:45 am the graduate procession will begin. Family and friends should be in their seats before this time.
Dress Code
Ladies: dark, comfortable shoes (you will be walking down an incline into the stadium). Dresses are encouraged but not required.
Men: shoes, socks, ties, and trousers should be dark in color. White or light-colored shirts are preferred. Jackets are not necessary.
Military uniforms are acceptable as an alternative to the Commencement regalia.
Special Needs
Reserved handicap parking for graduates and attendees will be available in the Speakman parking lot which is adjacent to Williams Stadium, behind the Liberty University Bookstore.
Handicap seating will be at the top of the concourse level at Williams Stadium. Should a family member or friend need assistance with seating, it is suggested they arrive at Commencement no later than 8:15 a.m. If handicap guests will need transportation to a second ceremony, please see staff on the concourse for a transportation ticket.
