WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Instructions for GraduationR.S.V.P. Please help us accurately plan for the graduation festivities by contacting us via phone, email, or website to let us know if you plan to participate in the ceremony and reception for graduates and guests: (804) 828-3382, or e-mail rsvpsoe@vcu.edu, or website at www.soe.vcu.edu/graduation .
1. CAPS AND GOWNS
Caps and gowns are required for participation in the Commencement Exercises and the Diploma Presentation Ceremony. Final cap and gown distribution session will be held at the VCU e2 Bookstore at 1111 West Broad Street, December 6 & 7, from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The regalia is yours to keep as a memento of the occasion.
The VCU e2 Bookstore is accessible to those who are mobility impaired. If special accommodations are needed, please contact the VCU e2 Bookstore at (804) 828-1678.
2. UNIVERSITY GRADUATION
Commencement exercises will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the VCU Siegel Center, 1200 West Broad Street. Candidates should plan to arrive at the Siegel Center by 9:00 a.m. Please use the Harrison Street entrance. Candidates should follow the signs to their school assembly areas where faculty marshals will provide further information. Free parking will be available in the VCU parking decks located at 801 West Main Street, 1111 W. Broad Street, 1101 West Cary, and at 609 Bowe Street. You may not park in the parking lots or in the “N” and “D” decks. You are encouraged to meet your friends and family after the Diploma Ceremony at the Reception for Graduates.
3. SCHOOL OF EDUCATION DIPLOMA PRESENTATION CEREMONY
The School of Education Diploma Presentation Ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 1:15 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (400 East Marshall Street). From the Siegel Center, you will travel east on Broad Street for several blocks and turn left on 3rd Street; the parking deck is on the right. There is a $6 fee for parking in the Convention Center deck. Enter the Convention Center from the third level of the parking deck.
If you don’t mind walking several blocks, free parking is available in the VCU 8th Street Parking Deck at 659 N. 8th Street. From the Convention Center parking deck entrance, continue traveling north on 3rd Street and turn right on Jackson Street. Continue east on Jackson and turn left on 8th Street. The VCU Deck is on the right. To get back to the Richmond Center from the 8th Street deck, go to the corner (8th and Jackson) and turn right on Jackson Street, walk three blocks and turn left on 5th Street. The Convention Center entrance will be on 5th near Marshall Street.
The processional will begin promptly at 1:15 p.m.
4. LINE UP AT THE CONVENTION CENTER
For the Diploma Presentation Ceremony, you will line up for the processional in the lobby area outside of Ballrooms B and C. Follow the signs for line-up. Line up behind the signs which indicate your degree. There will be little time to line up 250 graduates so your full cooperation is required. You will be assisted by Faculty Marshals who will help you take your place in line.
5. RECEPTION OR GRADUATES
Immediately following the Diploma Presentation Ceremony, The Reception for Graduates will be held in the Lobby at Ballrooms B and C.
6. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
For the Commencement Exercises, mobility impaired guests may park on the ground floor of the Bowe Street Parking Deck (609 Bowe Street) and unload at the Siegel Center UU lot located at the corner of Broad and Ryland streets. The Siegel Center is accessible to those who are mobility impaired. Please use the entrance at the southwest corner of the building. Candidates needing special accommodations should contact Joyce Knight, Disability Support Services at (804) 828-1139.
For the Diploma Presentation Ceremony, mobility impaired guests will use the entrance on the third level of the parking deck. There are several reserved spaces for individuals with handicaps on the third level. If you are being dropped off at the Convention Center, please use the 5th Street entrance and take the elevator to the second floor. Follow the signs to Ballrooms B and C. If special accommodations are needed for the Diploma Presentation Ceremony or the Reception for Graduates, please contact Jewell Davis, Dean’s Office, at 828-3382.
7. DIPLOMAS
Diplomas will be available in the Graduation Office, 827 West Franklin Street, Room 328, during office hours on or after Wednesday, January 16. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Diplomas not picked up by January 31 will be mailed starting February 1. Diplomas for August 2007 graduates are currently being mailed.
8. GUESTS
Due to time constraints, please do not try to meet your guests between the Commencement Exercises and the Diploma Presentation Ceremony. Instead, arrange to meet your guests at the Reception for Graduates immediately following the Ceremony in the Lobby at Ballrooms B and C.
9. SAFETY
For your safety, please be advised that beverages, wrapped gifts, balloons and/or flammables are strictly prohibited. Persons will not be admitted to the Ceremonies with such items. Please turn off cell phones and walkie talkies prior to the ceremonies. To maintain the dignity of the Ceremonies, security officers may confiscate such items that interfere with the programs. We want you to enjoy the festivities, and we expect graduates to comply with these policies for the safety of all of our guests.
10. PHOTOGRAPHS
During the ceremony, a photograph will be taken of you as you receive your degree from the Dean of the School of Education. Chappell Studio, Inc. will contact you directly with proofs.
The School of Education takes great pride in recognizing its graduates at both ceremonies on December 8 and we hope you will participate. If you have any questions, call the Dean’s Office at (804) 828-3382.