Changes to achievement ceremonies

Virginia Tech will discontinue identity-based Graduation Achievement Ceremonies beginning in spring 2026. The decision aligns with guidance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, which states that federal civil rights law prohibits using race in decisions related to graduation ceremonies and cautions that such practices may be perceived as segregation.

University Chartered Student Organizations (UCSOs) and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) may consider how celebrating academic success supports their missions. Student-allocated board funding — including Student Activity Fee Allocations Board (SAFAB), Graduate Student Senate Board (GSBB), or Undergraduate Student Senate (USS) Appropriations — cannot be used for graduation achievement ceremonies.

Major venues fill quickly, so student groups planning events for graduating seniors should contact the appropriate scheduling office, such as Event Services, by the end of January. As has been the case for many years, student organizations may not reserve space after Reading Day (May 7, 2026).

For questions regarding this decision, please contact Mark Owczarski, interim vice president for Marketing and Communications and university spokesperson.