Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I order my commencement photo?

  • Eric Carlson Photography is the official photographer of the 2022 Ceremony. Photos can be purchased at the link below. 

    2022 Commencement Photos

• When do I arrive at Virginia State?

  • Graduating students must be on site and checked in with staff by 4:45 pm.

    Virginia State University Multi-Purpose Center
    20809 2nd Ave, Petersburg, VA 23803
    (804) 524-3300

• Where do I go once I arrive at VSU?

  • RBC staff will direct graduates to the pre-commencement holding area.

• Where is the pre-commencement holding area?

  • This area is in the Multi-Purpose Center located right behind the main commencement stage.

• Where do I park at VSU?

  • Parking will be available at the Multi-Purpose Center. Staff will direct you to the closest space. Handicapped parking will also be available in designated areas next to the building.

    Virginia State University Multi-Purpose Center
    20809 2nd Ave, Petersburg, VA 23803
    (804) 524-3300

     

• Where do my family and friends park?

  • Please see above. There are no special parking areas for family and guests.

• Where will I connect with my family after the ceremony?

  • The grassy area located outside the front doors of the Multi-Purpose Center is the area to connect with family. At the end of the ceremony, the faculty and student recessional march flows to the front of the building and out into that area.

     

• How many tickets do I get?

  • No ticket is required for entrance. There are plenty of seats available in the Multi-Purpose Center for family and friends. 

• How do I receive my diploma?

  • After crossing the stage, you will receive a diploma cover. Your actual diploma will be mailed to your permanent home address in 60 to 90 days.

• Is there a viewing area for handicapped or the elderly?

  • Limited space/seating is available on the floor for handicapped or elderly family and friends needing floor space.

• Do I need to wear my mask during the ceremony?

  • At the time of the ceremony, students, families, and guests will be expected to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID mitigation policies that are in place. Click this link to visit the CDC Web site.

• Will I remove my mask for a photo when receiving my diploma?

  • Please see above.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• How do I order my cap and gown and what is the deadline?

  • Graduates
    Regalia sets (cap, gown, hood, tassel) will also be for sale in The Grove prior to Commencement. Payment for all orders is due at time of pick up. Graduates will be notified via RBC email when orders arrive. Total price for Associate Degree regalia set (cap, gown, hood, tassel) is $23. Rentals are unavailable for graduates. Note: Thursday, May 12: Caps & Goans are available for pickup in the Grove Market Campus Store. 

    Faculty
    Faculty will have the option to rent regalia. Information to follow in RBC email.

    The Grove Market
    Jessica Mahoney
    Retail Manager
    The Grove Market
    jmahoney@rbc.edu
    804-862-6100, ext. 6500
    campusstore@rbc.edu