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Graduation 2026
Congratulations Class of 2026!
Astronomy-Physics (BS)
TBD
Astronomy (BA)
TBD
Astronomy Master’s
TBD
Astronomy PhD
TBD
Graduation Information
Action Items for Graduating Students
TBD — Details will be added as they are confirmed.
Event Details
The Astronomy Department holds its annual graduation ceremony jointly with the Physics Department. During the event, we celebrate the achievements of our undergraduate and graduate students who completed our program and who earned department awards.
2026 Ceremony
General Info
Fair-Weather / Inclement-Weather / Severe-Weather Location: Virginia Guesthouse, Grand Ballroom
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Astronomy Department Contact: Eunah Howard; eunah@virginia.edu
Physics Department Contact: Avery Bledsoe-Duy; ptt3vn@virginia.edu
Schedule of Events
TBD — Pending confirmation
Refreshments will be available, courtesy of the Departments of Physics, Astronomy, and the College of Arts & Sciences.
- Opening and Introduction of Speakers: TBD
- Welcoming Remarks: TBD
Presentation of Awards
- D. Nelson Limber Award for Undergraduate Work in Astronomy: TBD
- Outstanding Undergraduate Major Award in Physics: TBD
- Alexander Vyssotsky Prize for Undergraduate Research in Astronomy: TBD
- The Steven Thornton Award in Physics Undergraduate Research: TBD
- McCullough Scholarship Award for Undergraduate Work in Astronomy: TBD
- The Physics Community Leadership Award: TBD
- The Laurence W. Fredrick Teaching Award: TBD
- 2022 Outstanding Graduate Research in Physics: TBD
- Emma Williams Prize in Astronomy: TBD
Distribution of Ceremonial Scrolls
- B.A. Astronomy
- B.S. Astronomy-Physics
- B.A. Physics
- B.S. Physics
- M.S. Astronomy
- Ph.D. Astronomy
- M.A. Physics
- M.S. Physics
- Ph.D. Physics
1:30 p.m. — End of event
Tickets
Tickets are required for the department ceremony. You will need to pick them up from your department administrator (Eunah Howard in Astronomy or Avery Bledsoe-Duy in Physics). Each student will get 3 tickets. Additional tickets can be requested via the online form.
Parking
TBD
FAQs
Do I need tickets to attend?
Tickets are required for the department ceremony. You will need to pick them up from your department administrator (Eunah Howard in Astronomy or Avery Bledsoe-Duy in Physics). Each student will get 3 tickets. Additional tickets can be requested via the online form. This will be sent out in April.
Tickets are also required for the larger graduation ceremony for Arts & Sciences (more details here).
Will there be food?
Yes, food and drinks will be provided.
Who can come?
Department members, family, and friends are all welcome to attend.
If I'm graduating, do I need to wear a cap and gown?
We won't turn you away if you're not wearing regalia, we highly encourage graduating students to fully participate by wearing your cap and gown. For more information on acquiring your cap and gown, visit the UVA Graduation website.
Will I get my diploma at the ceremony?
No. You will be handed a stand-in scroll during the ceremony. Your real diploma will be mailed to you at the address you have listed in SIS. You should ensure that your mailing address is correct well in advance of graduation. For more information about diplomas, visit the College of Arts and Sciences website.
I'm getting a department award. Should I attend graduation?
Yes! A portion of the ceremony is dedicated to department award-winners. You will receive your award certificate at the ceremony and be recognized for your work. You are encouraged to attend and bring any family and friends with you.
What else should a graduating student know?
TBD
Please also see the action items below. (TBD)