Events timeline
Please note: Dates, times and locations are subject to change.
Class ring event
March 2-4, 2020, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., University Student Commons, outside of P.O.D. Market
Order your official class ring! Students who have completed 53 credit hours, or are professional and graduate students finishing their degrees, are eligible to wear this prestigious symbol of achievement at VCU. Meet with representatives from Balfour to discuss options and interest-free payment plans. You must purchase your ring at this time in order to receive it in time for the Ring Ceremony and Commencement. For more information, visit balfour.com/vcu.
Grad Fair – Monroe Park Campus
March 30-31, 2020, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Barnes & Noble @ VCU Monroe Park Campus (Monroe Park Campus graduates only)
Grad Fair provides a one-stop opportunity to prepare for graduation. In addition to being the place where you will purchase your cap and gown, the Grad Fair will feature many other services and activities. Representatives from various departments and offices will be available during the Grad Fair to help you prepare for graduation, including VCU Alumni, the University Career Center, the Graduate School and many more. During the Grad Fair, you can also have your first graduation photo taken in full regalia, order graduation announcements, select an official VCU class ring and purchase graduation accessories. First-generation graduates can also pick up “You First at VCU” pins. When you attend the fair, you will be eligible to enter to win a free graduation trip sponsored by Contiki.
Grad Fair – MCV Campus
April 1, 2020, noon-6 p.m., Barnes & Noble @ VCU Medical Center (MCV Campus graduates only)
Grad Fair provides a one-stop opportunity to prepare for graduation. In addition to being the place where you will purchase your cap and gown, the Grad Fair will feature many other services and activities. Representatives from various departments and offices will be available during the Grad Fair to help you prepare for graduation, including VCU Alumni, the University Career Center, the Graduate School and many more. During the Grad Fair, you can also have your first graduation photo taken in full regalia, order graduation announcements, select an official VCU class ring and purchase graduation accessories. When you attend the fair, you will be eligible to enter to win a free graduation trip sponsored by Contiki.
Lavender Graduation
April 24, 2020, 6 p.m., Academic Learning Commons, Room 1107
This event is a celebration for graduating gender and sexual orientation minority students. Rainbow cords will be distributed. Members of the LGBTQIA and ally communities are invited to attend, but you must register in advance at lavgrad.vcu.edu. There is no fee and up to three guests can attend with each graduate. December 2019 and August 2020 graduates and their guests are also invited. A reception will follow in the lobby.
Veteran Graduation Recognition Ceremony
April 27, 2020, 4-6 p.m., James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall, Room 303
This event is a celebration for graduating veteran students, who will receive certificates of achievement and veteran honor cords. Invited guests should RSVP to the VCU Military Student Services Office at militaryserv@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6563.
Rams in Recovery Graduation
May 1, 2020, 5:30 p.m., Grace and Broad Residence Center 2, Innovate Living Learning Space
This event is a celebration for graduating students in recovery. Purple and gold cords and recovery graduation “chips” will be distributed. RSVP is encouraged but not required; email recovery@vcu.edu.
Grad Bash
May 2, 2020, 5-8 p.m., University Student Commons, Commons Plaza
You’ve worked hard, and now it’s time to enjoy one of your greatest accomplishments. Come celebrate your graduation with VCU Alumni on May 2. RSVP online at vcualumni.org/students/grad-bash.
VCU Ring Ceremony
May 4, 2020, 5:30-7 p.m., James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall, Room 303
Ring recipients and their families are invited to the VCU Ring Ceremony, where class rings will be presented. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with light snacks and beverages available, followed by the ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. An RSVP link will be sent to recipients.
Doctoral Recognition Reception
May 5, 2020, time to be announced, James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall, Room 303
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute and the Women’s Network at VCU will host the annual Doctoral Recognition Reception. This event serves as a celebration and recognition of achievement for female doctoral graduates of summer 2019, fall 2019 and spring 2020. For information on how to RSVP for this event, please contact gehli@vcu.edu.
Donning of the Kente Ceremony
May 5, 2020, 4 p.m., Greater Richmond Convention Center
The annual ceremony for students graduating in spring 2020 is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and serves as a celebration of achievement for black undergraduate and graduate students and Ph.D. candidates. This event is open to all students. For information on upcoming interest meetings and registration, please visit omsa.vcu.edu.
Latinx Achievement Ceremony
May 7, 2020, 4 p.m., University Student Commons, Richmond Salons
This annual ceremony for students graduating in spring 2020 is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and celebrates the accomplishments of Latino/a undergraduate and graduate students and Ph.D. candidates. For information on upcoming interest meetings and registration, please visit omsa.vcu.edu.
VCU Commencement
May 9, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon, Greater Richmond Convention Center
VCU’s universitywide Commencement ceremony brings graduates from all schools and colleges together to celebrate their academic achievements. The biannual ceremony features the president of the university and a keynote speaker. This event is open to the public. Tickets are not required, and seating for guests is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.