Spring 2021 Commencement Reminders
Dear Graduates:
As previously announced, the universitywide virtual commencement will take place on Saturday, May 15, 2021. The celebrations will begin at 9 a.m. EST with a Zoom pre-party for students, and feature video clips and photos from graduates to commemorate their accomplishments, as well as traditional ceremony elements to celebrate the occasion of their graduation, including speeches and music.
Keepsake Programs and Celebration Boxes
Each graduate may request up to two printed copies of the Spring 2021 Commencement program and / or a Commencement celebration box, please complete this form below by Wednesday, April 14, 2021. The Commencement celebration box will feature a few items that celebrate the Class of 2021.
Graduate Photo Submission Form for Spring 2021 Graduates
This year we have a unique opportunity for you to share your graduation photos with us, so that we can display them for your family and friends during our virtual celebrations.
Please submit your grad photos via this form to be included in the celebration by May 7.
Family & Friend Video Submission Form
We are excited to collect video shoutouts from family and friends of the VCU Class of 2021. We invite your family and friends to upload 10-12 second video clips using this registration form. Please follow all form instructions to ensure the most high-quality video submission possible. Videos must be submitted by April 23.
Student Speaker
Similar to last fall, the universitywide virtual commencement will feature a student speaker representing the spring 2021 class and I encourage you to apply. Interested students should submit an audition video of not more than four minutes addressing how their experience at VCU has “made it real” for them. Videos should be submitted to dsa@vcu.edu in either a MP4 or MOV format by Wednesday, April 7. For more information, please visit our commencement FAQ page.
Grad Portraits
VCU will host graduate portrait sessions at the Stuart C. Siegel Center on Tuesday, May 11 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for May 2021 graduates. Graduates must sign up for a reserved time slot and will be sent additional instructions for arrival and social distancing protocols. Professional graduate photos will be taken by GradImages and graduates will be able to take portraits as well as pose on the commencement stage, during their registered time period. Graduates can register for their portrait sessions here.
Regalia Assistance
Undergraduate, graduate and professional students who will graduate in May 2021 may apply for assistance. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis. Assistance will be for one set of regalia (cap, gown and hood). Students must complete the application form. Applying for assistance does not automatically grant it. Applications will be accepted through Friday, April 16. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis until funds run out. For more information, please visit the Dean of Students Financial Support page.
As information becomes available, the university commencement website will be updated with the latest schedule for school, college and department celebrations at commencement.vcu.edu.
Best,
Reuban B. Rodriguez, Ed.D.
Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students