Transportation adjustments as a result of the construction of the Emmet/Ivy parking garage and the John Paul Jones Arena will likely affect the traffic flow at Final Exercises May 15-16. These adjustments were included on the Office of Major Events' Web site launched March 10, according to Pamela W. Higgins, director of major events.
In the past, guests for Final Exercises and graduation events were bused from various sites surrounding University Hall, but due to the construction of the new sports arena, planners have arranged for bus transportation from other sites including the west entrance of University Hall and the entrance of the Student Activities Building at Scott Stadium, Higgins said.
Guests may also park at the newly erected Emmet/Ivy parking garage and walk to the events on Grounds. Higgins said she believed this would be a popular alternative for guests this year.
University Police Capt. Michael Coleman said he anticipates some adjustments in traffic patterns as a result of the Emmet/Ivy parking garage.
"We expect a change in the traffic flow," Coleman said. "There will be more pedestrian traffic at the intersection. We will have traffic control at Emmet and Ivy."
According to Higgins, the number of people that flock to Grounds for graduation events has doubled from 15,000 in 1991 to nearly 35,000 in 2003.
"It has grown tremendously," Higgins said. "I think each graduate brings more guests than they did 13 or 14 years ago -- there are some students who bring 15 to 20 people."
According to Coleman, the increased number of guests for graduation events also has affected traffic control.
"We have seen the amount of people increase from year to year," Coleman said. "We have additional police officers brought in so we can make traffic move slowly and effortlessly."
Traffic control and event planning is a process that began, in some instances, up to a year ago, Coleman said.
"It is a completely planned out process long before people get to the Grounds," he said.
Valediction Exercises have been held inside University Hall for the past three years because of rain. Final Exercises will only be held at rain sites if there is high wind, thunder and lightning.
According to Higgins, no single University building can hold the large number of ceremony attendants.
If a rain site is required, the diploma ceremony for College students will be held at University Hall while others will be directed to various sites around Grounds.
"The grads have always been insistent that they want to walk the Lawn," she said.
The University will be providing faculty, students and parents with information about Final Exercises through the Office of Major Events Web site and a printed brochure that will be sent to the parents of graduating students, Higgins said.
Read More
Two university presidents under pressure — one resigned, one got a raise
By Adeline Miller | 5 hours agoThe Trump administration has put pressure on major public institutions to eliminate DEI which they say violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Paul Mahoney, former dean of Law School, selected as interim president
By Cecilia Mould and Naima Sawaya | YesterdayMahoney’s unanimous appointment as interim comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the Board and the Department of Justice surrounding allegations that the University has not adhered to anti-discrimination civil rights laws.
Virginia General Assembly demands answers about Ryan's resignation in Aug. 1 letter
By Brendon Bordwine | 3 days agoIn a 10-page letter obtained by The Cavalier Daily, State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, demanded written responses and documentation from University Rector Rachel Sheridan and University Vice Rector Porter Wilkinson regarding the lead up to and fallout from former University President Jim Ryan's resignation.
