VCU news

By Brian McNeill

Virginia Commonwealth University will celebrate with its newest graduates at the universitywide commencement at 10 a.m. this Saturday, May 11, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Here’s what graduates, family and guests need to know before coming.

Arrival and check-in

All graduates must check in prior to entering the lineup area. Graduates should arrive at the Greater Richmond Convention Center by 9 a.m. and, after checking in, should proceed to the lineup area at the GRCC’s Fifth and Marshall streets entrance to the Ballroom Pavilion. Once inside, follow the signs located throughout that direct graduates to the Grand Ballroom.

All graduates are required to bring a VCU Student ID Card or a valid government-issued photo identification, which includes a driver’s license, a state-issued photo ID or a passport. A picture of your ID will not be accepted.

GRCC doors will open for guests at 8:30 a.m. Allow additional time to travel and park as heavy traffic in the area is anticipated. Guests should use the GRCC’s Fifth and Marshall streets entrance to access the Exhibit Hall Pavilion.

Accessible drop-off will be located on the GRCC side of Third Street.

No tickets are required for admission.

Parking and traffic

Public parking is available for a fee at the GRCC’s Third and Marshall streets parking deck and the Fifth and Marshall streets garage. Allow additional time to travel and park as heavy traffic in the area is anticipated.

To facilitate safe travel for pedestrians in the area, there are planned closures for intersections at the end of the commencement ceremony:

Safety and security

Safety and security are VCU’s top priority for commencement. All individuals arriving at the GRCC will pass through security screening (including metal detection and bag checks) upon arriving at the facility. All bags are subject to search upon entry.

Allow extra time to enter the facility. After the ceremony begins, attendees may not re-enter after exiting.

What items are prohibited?

All graduates and guests will be subject to security screening when arriving at the GRCC. If attendees are found to have any prohibited items during the screening process, they will be asked to remove those items before entering the ceremony.

For university events at the GRCC, VCU strictly prohibits the following: alcohol, backpacks, duffle bags, balloons, coolers, bottles, cans, glass objects, outside food and drink, drones, laser pointers, artificial noisemakers, firearms, weapons, tools, wrapped packages, banners (including flags), signs (other than decorated mortarboard caps), sticks over 8 inches, poles, any object or substance requiring review by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (including but not limited to any animal other than a service dog, open flame, firework, pyrotechnic, pepper spray, mace, bear spray, and aerosol spray cans or other flammable or hazardous item), and any item deemed by law enforcement or GRCC personnel to be a threat to public safety.

In addition, graduates are advised not to bring purses or other valuable items, which they may not want to leave unattended during the ceremony.

Disruptions

Commencement is a time for our graduates and their families and friends to celebrate academic achievements and their experiences at VCU. Commencement is an official university event, and disruptions will not be allowed. VCU expects that all attendees will celebrate with behavior that allows everyone to enjoy this milestone occasion. 

Anyone who engages in a disruption may be asked to leave the ceremony or could be removed from the GRCC. VCU Police and law enforcement partners are committed to supporting a safe environment for everyone who attends.

All attendees will be provided with clear guidelines about expectations regarding maintaining a respectful atmosphere to enjoy the celebration of the graduates’ milestone.

After the ceremony begins, attendees may not re-enter after exiting.

Who will speak to the graduates?

Delivering the commencement address will be Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is the latest sitting Virginia governor to address VCU graduates. He joins a bipartisan list of previous gubernatorial speakers at commencement, including Terence R. McAuliffe (2015), Robert F. McDonnell (2011), Timothy M. Kaine (2008), Mark R. Warner (2004), James S. Gilmore III (1999) and George Allen (1997).

Will there be a livestream?

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

Where do I find more information about Saturday’s event?

For more information about commencement, visit the event website, commencement.vcu.edu.