UVI Commencement Ceremonies

What is the Graduation Fee?

The Graduation Application Fee is $125.00.

Where do I order my Cap & Gown?

Prospective graduates should place orders with respective Campus Bookstore.
Including on-line graduates
Philantrophy Chords will be given by Institutional Advancements
Class Stoles, etc must be purchased separatedly at Campus Bookstore $30/each.

When is Commencement?

Thursday, May 14, 2026 (OEK Campus)
Friday, May 15, 2026  (Island Center of St. Croix)
1:00 p.m. AST - (Prompt)

Where will commencement be held?

Commencement will be held at the following locations:
- Sports & Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus, St. Thomas, USVI
-Island Center of St. Croix , 184C Pepper Tree Road Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI

When is rehearsal for graduates?

 St. Thomas:

Monday, May 11, 2026
4:00 p.m. 
Elridge W.  Blake Sports  and Fitness Center - Orville E. Kean Campus

 

St. Croix:

Tuesday, May 12, 2026
3:30 p.m.
Island Center of St. Croix

 

When are tickets distributed?

Orville E. Kean Campus (St. Thomas):

May 12 - 13, 2026
10 AM - 5 PM 
Laverne E. Ragster Administration and Conference Center
Second Floor Conference Room 

Albert A. Sheen Campus (St. Croix):  

May 12 - 13, 2026
10 AM - 5 PM 
Alumni Office: Room REC 107

How many guest tickets will be issued to each graduate?

Each graduate will receive eight (8) tickets.

Will there be professional photographers taking pictures at Commencement?

Yes, professional photographers will be taking photos at the commencement ceremonies.  Please ask your commencement student advisor for information on the photograher that graduates can select, arrangements for the photoshoot and the cost of the photo packages.  

Accessibility Concerns

For accessibility accommodations, kindly contact (340) 692-4170.

Are there other viewing options?

Tune in to Government Access Channel 

View live streaming - 

• UV's YouTube Channel 
• UVI's Facebook Page

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UVI offers a special needs seating and parking area for our guests. Contact the following Commencement Committee chairpersons for further information:

Orville E. Kean Campus Commencement Committee – Chair:  Jeannine Francis-Brown, Co-Chair: Dr. Leslyn Tonge

Albert A. Sheen Campus Commencement Committee – Chair: Toi Matthews

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First Graduation Class

The first graduation class of the College of the Virgin Islands (CVI) with First Lady "Lady Bird" Johnson (President Lyndon B. Johnson’s wife) who was the commencement speaker and Dr. Lawrence Wanlass, CVI’s first president.

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Invitations & Ticket Pickup Schedule:

Orville E. Kean Campus (St. Thomas)

May 12 - 13, 2026
10 AM - 5 PM 
Laverne E. Ragster Administration and Conference Center
Second Floor Conference Room 

Albert A. Sheen Campus (St. Croix):  

May 12 - 13, 2026
10 AM - 5 PM 
Alumni Office: Room REC 107

CAP and  Gown Pick-up Information

Orville E. Kean campus (St. Thomas):   April 27 to May 12, 2026 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Albert A. Sheen campus (St. Croix):  April 29 to May 12, 2026 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Graduation Rehearsal

 St. Thomas:

Monday, May 11, 2026
4:00 p.m. 
Elridge W.  Blake Sports  and Fitness Center - Orville E. Kean Campus

St. Croix:

Tuesday, May 12, 2026
3:30 p.m.
Island Center of St. Croix

Rehearsal is strongly encouraged.

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To ensure the safety of our students and guests, and to support an orderly and enjoyable ceremony, the University of the Virgin Islands has established the following rules and guidelines for all commencement-related events and programs. 

  

By attending or participating in the Commencement Ceremony, all individuals agree to adhere to these guidelines. Failure to comply may result in removal from the event by Campus Security and/or the Virgin Islands Police Department staff. 

 Graduation Day Etiquette & Conduct

Commencement is a celebratory and formal academic event. All graduates and guests are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and appropriate manner. 

• Disruptive behavior is strictly prohibited. Air horns, bull horns, cowbells, and other noise-making devices are not permitted. Applause and celebratory expressions should be courteous and brief to ensure all names can be heard clearly.  

• Caps and gowns should remain appropriately worn until instructed otherwise. 

• Graduates are asked to remain for the entire ceremony, except in emergencies. 

• Guests and graduates must remain seated before and after crossing the stage and until the official recessional concludes.  

• Only University approved photographers and videographers may operate in designated ceremony areas.   

• The use or possession of alcohol or illegal substances is strictly prohibited.  

Failure to comply may result in removal from the event by campus security. 

 

 Permitted and Prohibited Bags & Items

To ensure safe and efficient entry, all bags and items are subject to inspection and all attendees may be subject to checks using metal detectors or wands. Prohibited items will not be stored by the University.  

Allowed Items 

•  Small purses or clutch bags 

• Diaper bags. 

• Medically necessary equipment 

• Items required for medical, family, or childcare needs  

• Backless seat cushions  

• Umbrellas 

 

Prohibited Items 

• Coolers or large containers  

• Airhorns or any noise-making devices 

•  Drones or unmanned aerial devices 

• Weapons of any kind  

• Balloons  

•  Pets (service animals permitted in accordance with ADA guidelines)  

• Luggage (no storage will be available) 

• Confetti or glitter  

• Alcohol  

  Outdoor Ceremony Guidelines (St. Croix – Island Center Amphitheatre)

This section applies specifically to commencement ceremonies held outdoors. 

Weather Preparedness 

This is an outdoor event. Guests and graduates should plan accordingly for sun, heat, wind, or rain. 

• Lightweight, breathable clothing is strongly recommended.  

• Sunscreen, hats, and hydration are encouraged.  

• The ceremony will proceed rain or shine unless otherwise communicated by the university.  

Umbrella Policy 

• Umbrellas are permitted for weather-related use only.  

• Guests must be courteous and ensure umbrellas do not obstruct the view of others.  

Footwear Guidance 

• Due to outdoor terrain and walking distances, comfortable footwear is strongly encouraged.  

• Graduates may consider carrying formal shoes and changing prior to crossing the stage  

Wind & Environmental Considerations 

• Secure loose items (programs, caps, personal belongings)  

• Avoid bringing lightweight items that may be affected by wind.  

  Health, Safety & Emergency Procedures

• First aid support and/or emergency personnel will be available on-site  

• Guests should follow all instructions from Campus Security, event staff, and emergency personnel  

• In case of emergency, remain calm and await direction from event officials  

• Hydration is strongly encouraged, particularly for outdoor ceremonies  

  Entry, Seating & Event Access

• Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking and entry  

• Seating is generally first-come, first-served unless otherwise designated  

• All aisles, walkways, and exits must remain clear at all times  

• Re-entry may be restricted once the ceremony begins  

  Accessibility & Accommodations

The University is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all attendees. 

• Accessible seating will be available.  

• Guests requiring special accommodations should contact the University in advance.  

• Service animals are permitted in accordance with ADA guidelines.  

  Technology & Livestream Etiquette

• Please silence all mobile devices during the ceremony.  

• Guests are welcome to take photos; however, aisles and walkways must remain clear.  

• Do not obstruct cameras or designated media areas supporting the livestream.  

  Guest Courtesy Guidelines

To ensure an enjoyable experience for all: 

• Be mindful of others’ visibility and space  

• Follow directions from ushers, staff, and Campus Security  

• Refrain from prolonged standing, blocking views, or excessive disruptions  

• Celebrate respectfully so that every graduate has their moment recognized  

  Enforcement

All rules and guidelines will be enforced by Campus Security and designated event staff. Individuals who fail to comply may be asked to leave the venue. 

  

Contact Information 

For questions or additional information, please contact: 
Orville E. Kean Campus (St. Thomas): Jeannine Francis-Brown at 340-693-1696 or jeannine.francisbrown@uvi.edu or Dr. Leslyn Tonge at 340-693-1200 or leslyn.tonge@uvi.edu. 

 

Albert A. Sheen Campus (St. Croix): Toi Matthews at 340-692-4011 or toi.matthews@uvi.edu. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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