Appropriate regalia is mandatory for graduates who participate. Regalia can be purchased either in-person at the Barnes & Noble @ VCU or online at Balfour.

For those who need financial assistance for this purchase, we offer support through the Dean of Students office on a first-come, first-served basis. To request assistance with regalia, visit the Dean of Students' Financial Support page.

Contact your academic adviser with name changes no later than two months prior to commencement so that your preferred name is reflected in the program and in announcements.

Diplomas are not distributed at the commencement ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to graduates to the address they indicate on the graduation application 6-8 weeks after the degree is conferred. Students can update the address for their diploma by contacting their academic advisor if the address changes after they’ve submitted the graduation application.

Accessibility

Information regarding accessibility at the Greater Richmond Convention Center can be found on the Greater Richmond Convention Center's Visitor Amenities page.

Arrival

Guests are welcome to arrive up to one hour prior to the start of commencement. We kindly request that guests adhere to any regulations posted by the venue pertaining to the use of celebratory items.

Programs

Graduates will receive a link to a digital program ahead of time. An abbreviated printed program will be available at the ceremony on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets

Guests are not required to have a ticket in order to attend the ceremony; however, it is important to note that this policy is subject to potential revisions.

Duration and Viewing Options

The commencement ceremony lasts 60-75 minutes. It is not live-streamed and no recording will be available.

Parking is available at the convention center for a fee. More information about parking can be found on the Greater Richmond Convention Center's Directions and Parking page.

Graduates are required to store any personal items brought to the ceremony beneath their seat. To avoid the risk of items being misplaced, forgotten or stolen, it is highly recommended graduates consider leaving personal belongings in their vehicles, at home or in the care of their accompanying guests.

A professional photographer is present during the ceremony to capture high-quality images of graduates. These photographs are available for purchase directly from the event photographer in the weeks following the ceremony.

The pinning ceremony for undergraduates is integrated into the ceremony as graduates cross the stage.