Information and resources for December Virtual Commencement
Dear Graduates,
As you may have read in President Rao’s email earlier this month, VCU will celebrate our August and December 2020 graduates on Dec. 12, 2020 in an interactive virtual commencement celebration.
The celebration will kick-off at 9 a.m on Dec. 12 and feature an interactive virtual experience, a student speaker, degree conferrals by your dean, and video clips and photos submitted by you featured throughout the celebration.
Class of 2020 Virtual Pre-Party
We want to see how you are celebrating your achievements with family and friends on graduation day! Join the Class of 2020 Virtual Pre-Party, beginning at 9 a.m. Put on your caps and gowns and get the confetti ready as we will go live into your homes to share your special moment with all your classmates, professors and the VCU community.
Regalia & Announcement Orders
You can shop regalia at VCU’s Barnes & Noble bookstores or you can order online from the VCU Balfour website. Students graduating from the Monroe Park and MCV campuses must purchase their regalia from their respective campus bookstore. You can also celebrate your outstanding accomplishment by ordering your VCU class ring and Graduation Announcements on the VCU Balfour website.
A Division of Student Affairs fund provides relief for students needing financial assistance purchasing regalia. Regalia is sold through the Barnes & Noble@VCU campus bookstores. Regalia prices, including cap, gown, hood and tassel are determined each year. Please visit the Dean of Students Financial Support website for more information and to submit an application. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 6. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until they ran out.
Graduate Photo & Video Submissions
Throughout the celebration, we will feature a selection of pre-recorded videos and photos submitted by our graduates. You will receive a secure link to upload videos and photos. All videos and photos must be submitted by Nov. 30, 2020 to be included in the celebration. We invite you to showcase your creativity, share what VCU has meant to you, and highlight your accomplishments in these brief video clips.
Student Speaker
This year, VCU will feature a student speaker for the virtual commencement celebration. The addition of a student speaker will provide a unique opportunity for graduates to take part in this special celebration and highlight the tremendous work accomplished by the class of 2020. If you are interested in applying, please visit the Student Affairs Blog for more information.
Printed Programs
Graduates will also again have the opportunity to request printed programs that will be shipped to them free of charge. To request up to two copies of your keepsake Commencement program, please complete the Commencement Request form by Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. Please follow the directions on the form and provide complete information. The Fall 2020 Commencement program will include the names of students with an active August or December graduation application at the time of printing. On Dec. 12, a digital copy of your program can be found at VCU Commencement website.
Graduate Portraits
During the last week of classes, graduation photography will be available in the University Student Commons by appointment only. Graduates must provide and bring their own regalia, regalia will not be provided. Portraits are taken free of charge, you will receive proofs of the images and at that time you can determine if you would like to purchase photos. Information will be available here with the appointment information.
Additional information regarding video and photo submission, as well as the ways to join the celebration on Dec. 12 will be released in the following weeks.
Please contact univevents@vcu.edu if you have any questions.
Best,
Reuban B. Rodriguez, Ed.D.
Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students
Categories Fall 2020 - Spring 2021