All Things Graduation
Congratulations! This is it. You've got your cap and gown. You're ready to walk across the stage. Here are all the details you need for your big day.
Pre-Ceremony Prep
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.
Ceremonies
Graduates will have the opportunity to participate in one, both or neither of the School of Nursing ceremony and the university-wide ceremony. We strongly encourage graduates to participate in both events for a complete and meaningful experience.
School of Nursing Ceremony
At the School of Nursing ceremony, each graduate crosses the stage to be individually recognized.
Friday, May 10, 2024
7:00 p.m.
Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W Broad St., Richmond, VA 23284
Graduates should arrive one hour prior to the ceremony in order to check in and line up.
University-Wide Ceremony
At the university-wide ceremony, graduates from all VCU schools and colleges gather together to receive recognition by program.
Saturday, May 11, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N 3rd St, Richmond, VA 23219
Graduates should visit the university's commencement website for full details on this ceremony.
More Details for School of Nursing Ceremony
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 the venue's accessibility can be found on the Stuart C. Siegel Center's website.
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
Printed programs will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets
Guests are not required to possess a ticket in order to attend the ceremony.
Duration and Viewing Options
The commencement ceremony lasts 75-90 minutes. It is not live-streamed and no recording will be available.
Parking is available for free for graduates and their guests at the VCU Bowe Street Deck and the West Broad Street Deck.
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.
Questions?
If after reviewing the information on this page you still have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Student Success at sonoss@vcu.edu.
We love our alums! Stay in touch, attend events, get involved. You always have a home at VCU.