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 be 9:00AM – 11:00AM, Friday, May 12, 2023 at MPC for all participants.
How will Name cards, cords, and tickets be distributed?
Name cards, cords, and tickets must be picked up, in person, by the graduation candidate with a photo ID. on Friday, May 12th immediately following rehearsal at Daniel gymnasium until 1:00P.M.For students unable to pick during the above time, distribution will resume from 2:00PM- 5:00PM in the following locations:
Colleges |
Location |
College of Agriculture |
Owens Hall, room 103 |
RFL College of Business |
Singleton Hall, room 106 |
College of Education |
4th Avenue Building-20716 (2nd Bldg. on the left) |
College of Engineering & Technology |
Engineering Building, room 315 |
College of Hum. Soc. Sci. |
Lula Johnson Hall, rooms 004 and 005 |
College of Natural & Health Sciences |
Hunter McDaniel, room 161W (In front of Main entry doors) |
College of Graduate Studies |
Sponsored Research & Graduate Studies Bldg. (1st Floor) |
Will tickets be required for guests to attend?
Yes. Each graduate will be provided with five (5) general admission tickets. No additional tickets will be provided.
How will tickets be distributed?
Tickets must be picked up, in person, by the graduation candidate with a photo ID. Tickets will be distributed on the day of rehearsal.
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 ceremony participation. View graduation guidelines and requirements.
Will the commencement ceremony be recorded and live-streamed?
Yes. The ceremony will be recorded and can be viewed live on the VSU webpage. More information will be forthcoming.
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 you require any assistance beyond what is listed here, please email Commencement@vsu.edu and provide 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. Please advise the ushers if you need to make use of the interpreters and they will seat you in a section with a clear view of the interpreters.