What is the difference between VCU’s universitywide ceremony and VCU’s departmental ceremonies?

Graduates have the opportunity to celebrate their achievement at two ceremonies: the universitywide ceremony and their school or department’s ceremony. You will receive information concerning your individual ceremony from your school or department office. Click here for a complete listing of these ceremonies. Departmental ceremonies are separate from the universitywide ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. in the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St. At the universitywide ceremony, graduates are recognized collectively by school, with the exception of Ph.D. and Ed.D. candidates, who will be recognized individually. At departmental ceremonies, graduates will be recognized individually and, typically, will walk across the stage.

What time should I arrive at the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center?

Graduates, please plan to arrive by 9 a.m. and use the Harrison Street entrance.

What time will family and friends be able to enter the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center?

Family and friends, please note that entrances to the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center will open to the public at 9 a.m.

What are my parking options?

Complimentary parking is available at the VCU parking decks located at 1111 W. Broad St. and 609 Bowe St. For maps and directions, visit maps.vcu.edu/monroepark/siegelcenter.

Where do I go once I arrive at the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center?

Graduates will enter the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center through the Harrison Street doors. VCU staff will direct you to your line-up area. All graduates will line up in the Auxiliary Gym, loacted on the main level of the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Line-up areas are organized by school or degree. Please note: All master's degree and post-baccalaureate certificate candidates from all schools and disciplines will line up together.

What if I am a double major?

For the universitywide ceremony, graduates who are double majors will need to pick one school to walk with in the processional. However, these graduates are able to be recognized by standing for each degree when their schools are announced.

What can/can't I bring to the event?

The following items should not be brought into the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center: purses and other valuable items, beach balls, Silly String, flammables of any form, alcohol, backpacks and duffle bags, ballons, coolers, bottles, cans, outside food and drink, laser pointers, artificial noise makers, weapons or tools, wrapped packages, and banners or signs. All bags are subject to search upon entrance to the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you or a family member have any questions concerning graduation, please feel free to contact the Graduation Office at (804) 828-1917 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Graduation candidates needing special accommodations for the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center ceremony may call (804) 828-1139.