Weather Plan Notifications
In the event of inclement or severe weather, the University will announce the weather plan using:
- University of Virginia's homepage
- Office of Major Events' website
- Social media accounts
- Weather Phone Lines: (434) 924-7669 or (434) 243-7669
Finals Weekend Weather Plans
Final Exercises and School/Department Ceremonies (Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21): On both Saturday and Sunday morning, announcements regarding the weather plan will be made by no later than 5:30 a.m. For Saturday and Sunday, there are three possible weather plans that may be followed:
Fair-Weather Plan
Weather conditions are ideal – little to no rain. Final Exercises will be held on the Lawn and specified school/department ceremonies will be held outside.
Inclement-Weather Plan
In the event of rain without the presence of thunder, lightning, high winds, or other unsafe conditions, Final Exercises will be held on the Lawn and all School/Department Graduation Ceremonies will be held indoors.
Severe-Weather Plan
If thunder, lightning, high winds, or other dangerous conditions are present, Final Exercises will be moved to the John Paul Jones Arena and all School/Department Graduation Ceremonies will be held indoors. Under this plan, there will be a limited procession (faculty and President's Party only). Arena doors will open at 8 a.m. Faculty and graduating students must be wearing academic regalia to gain access to John Paul Jones Arena. Graduating students should arrive at the arena at 8:00 a.m. and proceed directly to the seating area on the main floor of the arena. Faculty should be assembled in the Press Room, which is located on the bottom level of the arena, by no later than 8:30 a.m. (so plan on arriving by no later than 8:15 a.m.). Graduating students will be limited to 3 (three) guests. Only guests with barcoded tickets will be allowed entry into the arena. Please allow extra time for arrival since traffic will be congested around the arena.
Updated: March 13, 2023