Commencement Information

FAQ’s                            

Where will Commencement be held? 

Commencement will be held at VSU Multi-Purpose Center (MPC), 20809 2nd Avenue, Petersburg, VA 23803

View Campus Maps and Directions   

Will there be a commencement rehearsal? 

Yes. Commencement rehearsal will begin at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 13th, at MPC for all participants. There will be a senior reception immediately following the rehearsal.

How will Name cards, cords, and tickets be distributed? 

Name cards and cords must be picked up in person by the graduation candidate with a photo ID on Friday, December 13th, immediately following rehearsal in the MPC practice gymnasium until 4:00PM. For students unable to pick up during the above time, distribution will resume the morning of Commencement at 7:00AM for the 9:00AM ceremony.

Will tickets be required for guests to attend? 

Yes. Each graduate will be provided with eight (8) electronic tickets. Per MPC policy, children ages 2 and under will not require a ticket. No additional tickets will be provided. Tickets are free, and sales are prohibited.

How will tickets be distributed? 

Tickets will be distributed electronically via your VSU student email.

How long will the ceremony last? 

The actual ceremony will last approximately two hours.

Do I need to participate in commencement to graduate? 

No.  All students who meet their academic requirements, regardless of whether they will attend the ceremonies, will still receive their diploma in the mail.

If I don’t want to participate in the ceremony, do I need to apply to graduate? 

Yes.  You must apply to graduate regardless of participation in the ceremony. View graduation guidelines and requirements. 

Will the commencement ceremony be recorded and live-streamed? 

Yes.  The ceremony will be recorded and viewed live on the VSU webpage.  More information will be forthcoming.

How do I obtain a cap and gown?

Caps and Gowns can be purchased at the bookstore. The deadline for ordering online to ship to home is Tuesday, November 19th.

Special Needs Accommodations 

Commencement ceremonies at Virginia State University are accessible to all graduates and guests.  Accessible parking is available in designated areas at MPC.

If graduating students require any assistance beyond what is listed here, please email Commencement@vsu.edu with your contact information and particular need, and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

Hearing Impaired 

Sign language interpreters will be stationed on the stage. If you need to use the interpreters, please advise the ushers, and they will seat you in a section with a clear view of them.