<p>If it is anything like hs graduation, i'm thinking of not going. Hs grad took like 5 hours because of hearing the same thing over and over again, then they called up everyone BY NAME which took forever. Was bored out of my mind.
Sure, talking with friends before and after was fun, but definitely not worth it.
Is it the same for UVa? What's it like? Was it worth going?</p>
<p>The speech was the least important part of my UVa graduation, but I wouldn’t miss that weekend if I was you.</p>
<p>I graduated 25 years ago and even though our speaker was sort of a big deal (for the time) I can’t remember a word he said. I do remember, however, being so happy to be with my friends, watching other friends who were in other schools (like A school, Engineering, etc) walk up the lawn and celebrating afterward. You’re only going to get this chance once – I recommend you be there. It would be better to regret wasting a couple of hours if you’re ultimately not psyched to be there than to regret missing your graduation.</p>
<p>Like justwonderful, I don’t remember a word the speaker(s) said, but I walked the lawn both times I graduated, and I am glad I went! If you have older family members coming in, I would consider steering them to the department ceremony (assuming there will be room there). The lawn will be crowded, and if it is a hot day, it can be uncomfortable.</p>
<p>I hated hs graduation for the same reasons you state. I seriously considered not going to graduation, and I know at least 1 or 2 people who didn’t go. I chose to go and I’m glad I did. I had a great time and no one was called by name. It was boring calling all of the programs by name but you sit with your friends and can talk during the ceremony unlike high school, and just take pictures with everyone around you, and it’s over before you know it. Definitely go to your department ceremony, that one is more important. Even though they call everyone by name, if your department isn’t that big, it won’t take long and that’s where the professional graduation people take your picture and also getting your REAL COLLEGE DEGREE is much cooler than your high school degree so it is worth it. Then go out afterwards and have a great time with your family. 
Bring sunscreen, and an umbrella… You never know.</p>