Graduates have the opportunity to celebrate their achievement at multiple ceremonies, including the universitywide ceremony and their school’s or department’s ceremony.

At school or departmental ceremonies, graduates are recognized individually, with their name announced during the ceremony. Graduates will receive information about these ceremonies from their school or department office. 

These ceremonies are separate from the universitywide ceremony held on Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. At the universitywide ceremony, graduates are recognized collectively by school, with the exception of Ph.D. and Ed.D. candidates, who will be recognized individually.

Regalia will be available for purchase during Grad Fair events. Grad Fair will be held at the MCV Campus Barnes & Noble @ VCU on Tuesday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at the Monroe Park Campus Barnes & Noble @ VCU Wednesday, March 5 – Friday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please remember that you must visit your primary campus’ Barnes & Noble @ VCU to purchase your specific regalia.

Following Grad Fair, regalia will be available for purchase at the Barnes & Noble @ VCU on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses until Graduation day. If you are unable to attend Grad Fair or visit Barnes & Noble @ VCU, please order your regalia online at balfour.com/vcu. Shipping charges will apply to all internet orders. Online ordering will be available through Balfour from March 8th - April 6th.

There is no rehearsal for graduates attending the universitywide ceremony. 

We suggest graduates arrive by 9 a.m. If you plan to take Grad Portraits, please arrive earlier as they close at 9:30 a.m.

Graduates, if you arrive after 9:30 a.m., you may be unable to sit with your school.

GRCC doors will be opened for guests at 8:30 a.m. Guests should use the entrances at Third and Marshall or Fifth and Marshall streets to access the Exhibit Hall Pavilion of GRCC. Guests should allow additional time to travel and park as heavy traffic in the area is anticipated. Tickets are not required, and there is no reserved seating. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

An accessible drop-off area will be designated on Third Street, adjacent to GRCC. Family and guests seeking additional information about accessibility/ADA at the GRCC should visit the richmondcenter.com/visitor-amenities.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and typically lasts two hours.

Students who plan to participate in VCU’s universitywide Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at GRCC are asked to RSVP.

Visit go.vcu.edu/commencementrsvp to RSVP and reserve your seat. For questions, please email UNIVevents@vcu.edu.

 Yes. On Commencement day, visit the VCU homepage, vcu.edu, for the link.

On Saturday, May 10, graduation portraits will be available from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. before the universitywide ceremony at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Graduates who wish to participate in this final portrait opportunity should plan to arrive early. Registration is not required.

Accessible seating options are available throughout the exhibit halls of GRCC. In addition, closed captioning will be provided on screens throughout the exhibit halls for persons with hearing impairment. An accessible drop-off area will be designated on Third Street, adjacent to GRCC.

If you are a graduate with a disability and need accommodations at the ceremony, please contact Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity at (804) 828-2253. 

Family and guests seeking additional information about accessibility/ADA at the GRCC should visit the richmondcenter.com/visitor-amenities.

Faculty who plan to participate in VCU’s universitywide Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center should register and reserve their seat using the following link:

Teaching and research faculty can RSVP here. 

Tickets are not required for those attending the universitywide ceremony at GRCC. Seating for guests is available on a first come, first served basis. There is no reserved seating.

Tickets for school or departmental ceremonies may be required. Graduates will receive information about these ceremonies from their school or department office.

The Greater Richmond Convention Center is located at 403 N. Third Street.

If you need information about lodging and dining accommodations, download a copy of The Official Richmond Region Visitors Guide or visit visitrichmondva.com.