Department Contact

Lisa Ishler, (434) 982-4947, nesccordinator@virginia.edu

2025-2026 Graduating Class

At this event, we recognize students who completed the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience BA degree requirements in Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026. 

Students planning to graduate in Summer 2026 will be invited to the May 2027 ceremony. Summer 2026 grads interested in attending the spring 2026 ceremony should contact the coordinator for approval.

Guests and Tickets

• Neuroscience Diploma Ceremony (no tickets required): Each graduate may bring up to 6 guests. The limit of 6 guests enables each graduate to have an equitable opportunity for family and friends to attend. Students that would like to request more than 6 guests may indicate this on the RSVP survey and decisions will be made no later than May 1st on whether additional seats have become available.
• Final Exercises on the Lawn (tickets required): Degree candidates will receive a total of six (6) tickets for Final Exercises on the Lawn (morning ceremony) for use by family and guests. If Final Exercises is moved to John Paul Jones Arena under the severe weather plan, degree candidates will receive three (3) tickets.

Diploma Ceremony RSVP/ Exit Survey

As Graduation nears, graduates will receive an RSVP request for the Diploma Ceremony. Graduates will also be invited to complete an exit survey and participation in a 4th year spotlight. Details will be sent to graduates at their UVA email account.

Ceremony Duration and Reception

The Neuroscience Diploma Ceremony will be 60-90 minutes, including light refreshments offered at the end of the ceremony.

Academic Attire (Caps and Gowns)

Information about complimentary academic attire for bachelor, master, and doctoral degree candidates can be found on the Caps and Gowns Major Events Website or by calling (434) 924-3721.

Photography

A professional photographer will take pictures during the ceremony. Commencement photographs will be taken of each graduate as they receive their diploma and are individually congratulated. Friends and family may also take photographs within designated areas. Information about ordering or taking photographs will be included in the graduate pamphlet on the day of the ceremony.

Parking

Please visit this Major Events Parking page for parking tips and information.

• Parking (including Accessible/ADA parking) is available at John Paul Jones Area (295 Massie Road).
  Shuttles are offered from this location.
• Parking is available at Scott Stadium (1815 Stadium Road) and Central Grounds Garage* (400 Emmet St S). Shuttles are NOT offered from these locations.
  *Payment is required for Central Grounds Garage through Parkmobile.

Accommodations

Should you require disability-related accommodations for the NESC Diploma Ceremony, please indicate this request on the RSVP form that will be emailed to you.  Visit the ADA website for more information: https://majorevents.virginia.edu/finals/generalinformation/accessibility 

Diploma Information

Students will receive a blank diploma during the ceremony, while the real one will be mailed to you. Inquiries related to diploma mailing may be directed to the University Registrar at https://registrar.virginia.edu/diplomas

Final Exercises Weekend Schedule/Lawn Ceremony

The University has a full weekend of graduation activities planned. The Lawn Ceremony for Arts and Sciences graduates will take place on Saturday morning. Visit the Finals Weekend Schedule of Events for details or call 434-982-3099. 

Questions?

Please contact Lisa Ishler by phone or email for questions: (434) 982-4947, nesccoordinator@virignia.edu.