Graduation Info
Commencement announcements
Standard announcements are $12 for a package of 10. Announcements, which can be purchased separately, include two envelopes and a blank name card. Standard announcements are available for sale at the Barnes & Noble @ VCU on the Monroe Park Campus and the MCV Campus.
Personalized announcements are available at a price of $45 for 25 announcements. These announcements incorporate the graduate’s name, degree and major into the text; announcements must be ordered by April 2 to guarantee a May delivery.
VCU official class ring selection
Information on custom-crafted class rings is available during the Grad Finale and regalia fitting sessions at the Barnes & Noble @ VCU on the Monroe Park Campus and the MCV Campus. For additional ordering information please visit the Web site at www.jostens.com/college or call (800) 854-7464.
Diplomas
If you cannot attend the Commencement exercises, you may pick up your diploma at the Harris Hall Student Services Center, 1015 Floyd Ave., Room 1100, during office hours — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — beginning on Wednesday, May 26. If a third party will pick up your diploma, you must notify the Graduation Office at (804) 828-1917 on the same day to authorize the pick up. The diploma mailing process will begin July 6, and will include those intended to be mailed as well as those not picked up by June 30.
Cap and gown fitting and distribution
Caps, gowns and hoods are awarded free of charge to all eligible graduates in recognition of their achievement. This memento of the occasion will be distributed during a Grad Finale event on each campus. In addition to receiving your cap and gown, the Grad Finale event will include representatives from various departments to help you prepare for graduation. You also may order announcements, select a class ring and purchase graduation accessories during the Grad Finale. Locations and dates for the Grad Finale are:
Monroe Park Campus
Cap and gown fitting and distribution session will be
held during the Grad Finale at the University Student
Commons on March 1 and 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
MCV Campus
A cap and gown fitting and distribution session will
be held during the Grad Finale at the Jonah L. Larrick
Student Center on March 8 from noon to 6 p.m.
The final cap and gown distribution sessions will be held at the Barnes & Noble @ VCU on the MCV Campus, May 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at the Barnes & Noble @ VCU on the Monroe Park Campus, May 19, 20 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If special accommodations are needed, please call Barnes & Noble @ VCU at (804) 828-1678 on the Monroe Park Campus or at (804) 828-0336 on the MCV Campus. If you are unable to attend the Grad Finale or the final cap and gown distribution session, please order your regalia online at www.jostens.com/college. Shipping charges will apply to all Internet orders. Caps and gowns will not be available the day of Commencement.
Baccalaureate Service
The Interfaith Campus Ministers Association will sponsor an interfaith baccalaureate service for graduates from both VCU campuses.
The 2010 baccalaureate service is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 21, and will be held in the Commons Theater of the University Student Commons, located at 907 Floyd Ave. The Commons is accessible to those who are mobility-impaired.
The service will feature a baccalaureate address and an interfaith service incorporating representatives and special music from various religious traditions. All 2010 graduates, faculty, staff, and friends and family of the Class of 2010 are cordially invited to attend. Candidates are invited to wear caps and gowns at this event.
Graduates Reception Gala
Celebrate your graduation with a party in your honor sponsored by the VCU Alumni Association and the MCV Alumni Association of VCU. Don’t miss this exclusive event: Your Passport to the World. Enjoy foods from around the world, beverages and music. The big event will take place on Wednesday, May 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St. Prize drawings will be held at 8 p.m. Open to all 2010 graduates and one guest each, the entry fee is only $10 for two tickets — but you must register in advance. Register online at www.vcu-mcvalumni.org or at Grad Finale, or visit the Alumni Association houses at 924 W. Franklin St. or 1016 E. Clay St. Deadline for $10 registration (one fee, two tickets) is Friday, May 13. The fee at the door will be $20 per person.
Assembling and Robing
All candidates should plan to arrive at the Coliseum by 8:30 a.m., using the lower Leigh Street entrance, which is handicap accessible, and entering directly off Leigh Street. Candidates should follow signs to their school assembly areas where faculty marshals will provide further information.
Graduation Portraits
GradImages will take studio-quality graduation portraits featuring your choice of background plus cap and gown at Grad Finale on March 1 and 2 on the Monroe Park Campus and March 8 on the MCV Campus. This is the best time to have your photo taken, so please come prepared. A final opportunity will be available before Commencement exercises, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., May 22 at the Leigh Street entrance of the Richmond Coliseum. Sponsored by the university’s alumni associations.
Commencement Exercises
Commencement exercises will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at 10 a.m. in the Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come basis. Please see “Guest seating” below for more information.
Special Note
The Coliseum policy strictly prohibits alcoholic beverages, balloons and/or flammables of any form being brought into the building. Be advised that the police will confiscate these items. We want you to enjoy the day, but we expect our graduates to comply with these policies for the safety of all our guests.
Guest Seating
The plaza-level doors to the Coliseum will be opened for guests at 9 a.m. The Leigh Street entrance is for graduates only. Tickets are not required and there is no reserved seating. Once the capacity of the Coliseum is reached, no one will be allowed admission. If guests exit the Coliseum during the ceremony, they will not be readmitted as long as the seating capacity has been reached.
Special Accommodations
Sections 14L, 15L, 30L and 31L at the Coliseum are wheelchair accessible. Hearing-impaired guests may want to sit in Section 17L, where an interpreter can be seen more easily.
Mobility-impaired guests and candidates may park on 7th Street at the Coliseum entrance. Graduation candidates needing special accommodations should contact Joyce Knight at Disability Support Services by calling (804) 828-1139.
Visitor Information
If you need information about lodging and dining accommodations, “The Complete Visitor’s Guide” is available from the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, 401 N. 3rd St., Richmond, VA 23219. Call (804) 782-2777 or (888) 742-4666, or visit www.visit.richmond.com/visitors.
Parking
For a nominal fee, parking is available through private contractors in decks and lots adjoining the Coliseum. Mobility-impaired guests and candidates may park at the Coliseum entrance on 7th Street. Visit http://richmondcoliseum.net/visitor.asp for directions and additional parking information.