Commencement Information

The EVMS Commencement Ceremony is Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 10 a.m. EDT at the Norfolk Scope located at 215 E. Brambleton Avenue. The ceremony typically lasts two to three hours. The doors for general admission will open at 8:45 a.m. Enhanced safety and security procedures have been implemented at Norfolk Scope. Upon entrance, all guests will be subject to physical and visual inspections, bag checks and/or wanding which will affect entrance times. Please note that balloons are not permitted inside the Scope. Additional public health requirements may be implemented upon arrival. Please plan accordingly and arrive early.

The Norfolk Scope is an accessible venue.

Parking

Disabled patron parking is available inside the underground Scope Garage (entrance on St. Paul’s Boulevard). Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seating

Scope ushers will be on hand to direct guests to the accessible seating in the arena. Family members accompanying disabled guests should be able to sit together.

Wheelchair Escorts

Patrons with mobility impairments who do not have access to a wheelchair may request a wheelchair to transport the individual to their seat, free of charge. Please be aware that Scope personnel will not remain with you during the event, nor will they allow you to remain in the wheelchair for the duration of the event. Transport is not available from outside Norfolk Scope property.

Sign Interpretation

Sign language interpretation will be provided for guests seated on the risers closest to the arena floor in section 122.

Service Animals

Service animals or service animals in training are welcome. If you require space for your animal, please contact the ticket office at 757.664.6464.

Limited parking is available in the underground garage below Norfolk Scope or in the Brambleton lot across St. Paul’s Blvd. Parking is a flat fee (cash only) in both locations. The City of Norfolk provides additional parking options near Norfolk Scope. View parking options and fees here.

Norfolk Scope is also easily accessible via light rail. The Monticello Station, servicing this venue, is located in the center of Monticello Avenue near Charlotte Street and Freemason Street in front of the Wells Fargo Center.

Commemorate the day by purchasing flowers for your graduate from Flowers 4 Grads and a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to EVMS. 

Pre-order sales will close on Thursday, May 16 at 11 a.m. You may pick up your prepaid orders on the Concourse level at the Flowers 4 Grads tables before the start of the Commencement Ceremony.

A limited quantity of items will be available for purchase on the day of the ceremony.

You may purchase EVMS branded items from the Matthews EVMS Bookstore. The bookstore will be open Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, May 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Cameras and recorders are allowed. Please note that a professional photographer will be taking individual graduate photos which will be available for purchase at GradImages® within 7 days after the ceremony.

All who attend EVMS Commencement are asked to demonstrate the civility and decorum expected at a formal graduation ceremony. In order to make Commencement a memorable event for all involved:

• Please remain seated during the ceremony.
• “Seat saving” will not be allowed.
• Please be reminded that no babysitting services are provided. Parents and guests with children will be encouraged to exit the arena if their children become disruptive at any time during the ceremony.
• Place cell phones and pagers on silent mode throughout the ceremony.
• Please refrain from excessive cheering to ensure each graduate's name can be heard.
• Air horns or noise makers are not permitted.
• Balloons are not permitted in the Scope arena.
• Please remain for the entire ceremony as a sign of respect for all graduates.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Business attire is appropriate for all Commencement activities.

Norfolk Scope is home to the Norfolk Admirals hockey team. Due to the team's possible playoff advancement, EVMS Commencement may take place on ice with a temporary flooring on top. While the arena will be a kept at a comfortable temperature, we advise all attendees to dress in layers to accommodate any temperature variance that may occur.

In case of an emergency during Commencement, please remain seated until further instructions are announced. Scope staff will guide guests and graduates to the nearest exit if needed. If medical attention is needed, please seek out a Scope usher or an EVMS police officer who will notify on-site emergency responders.

Please review the arena floor diagram located in the printed Commencement program. Graduates will be seated according to their respective programs. Listen carefully as names will be called in a self-selected order as graduates cross the stage in their respective groups.

Following the ceremony, please meet your graduate near the fountain outside the Norfolk Scope. Please note that no guests are allowed in the Exhibition Hall. Reentry into the Scope is not permitted.