L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Please note, Wilder School graduating students are required to complete this registration form in addition to the official university graduation application.

More info on the university graduation application can be found here: https://rar.vcu.edu/graduation/graduation-application/ 

• Fall 2024 Graduates: If you wish to participate in the in-person ceremony, complete this registration form by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11.

For questions, please email wilderschool@vcu.edu.

Additional Information

Graduate Arrival Time, Line Up and Recognition

Check-in will begin at 12:00 p.m. Your Reader Card -- index card that lists your full name, phonetic spelling, and your degree(s) -- will need to be picked up at Check-in. NOTE: You MUST pick up your Reader Card in order for your name to be read on stage during the ceremony.

At Check-in you will also be grouped by your Wilder School Degree Program. The procession -- graduates walking in a line from the back of the room towards the stage -- will begin at 1:30 p.m. The Faculty Marshals (i.e. faculty member) will assist with the lineup in order of last name. They will also collect your Reader Card and provide it to the Announcer on the stage when it comes time for your program to walk across the stage.

There will be individual recognition for all graduates on the stage. Your name will be called as you walk across the stage. On your way to the stage, you will receive a scroll symbolizing a diploma that can be used for your photo op with the school Dean and keynote speaker.

NOTE: Doctoral graduates will be hooded by their advisors on stage.

Please be aware your VCU diploma will be mailed to the address you specified on your University Graduation Application. Visit the VCU commencement website for more information on diplomas and other commencement items.

Guest Tickets & Seating

Doors open at 12:00 p.m. This is not a ticketed event, and seating will be limited. Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If special accommodations are required, please email wilderschool@vcu.edu.

Parking

A public parking deck (351 N 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219) is located on the corner of 3rd and Marshall Streets and connected to the building via an enclosed skywalk. Limited street parking is also available. Exhibit Hall C is located near the corners of 5th & Marshall Streets (Exhibit Hall Pavilion; not Ballroom Pavilion) and runs parallel to 5th St.

Regalia

Regalia will be available for purchase at the Barnes & Noble @ VCU on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. You may also order online at balfour.com/vcu. Visit the VCU commencement website for more information on regalia and other commencement items.

Photography

A professional photographer, University-contracted GradImages, will be present to take photos at the stage. Proof of photos and information about purchasing will be sent to the email address provided on the RSVP form.

Registration Form

Fall 2024 graduates who wish to participate in the in-person ceremony are required to complete this registration form. Please RSVP by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11.

University-wide Commencement

On Saturday, December 14, the university will honor the achievements of all VCU graduates in person at the at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, starting at 10:00 a.m. All Fall 2024 graduates have been contacted by the University Events and Special Programs Office to register for this university-wide ceremony. Visit the VCU commencement website to learn more and RSVP to that ceremony.

We thank you in advance for your participation and look forward to celebrating you and your achievements!