Baccalaureate Ceremony

Date & Time

Sunday, May 10, 2026
10–11 a.m.

Location

Cannon Memorial Chapel
134 UR Drive
Richmond, VA, 23173

See parking and accessibility information.

About Baccalaureate

The Baccalaureate service is inherited from the universities of Western Europe and has been associated with the commencement exercises of American colleges and universities since colonial times. The service remains an integral part of graduation festivities for many institutions of higher education, symbolizing the connection between these institutions and their religious origins. The University of Richmond was founded by Virginia Baptists, though it no longer has a formal religious affiliation. The service is a time for worship and thanksgiving that reflects the diversity of faith traditions on our campus and recognizes the important milestone of graduation. We give thanks for the University of Richmond class of 2026, and their many achievements, and we look forward to the contributions each will make in the years ahead. 

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  • Attending Baccalaureate

    All are welcome at Baccalaureate. No tickets or reservations required. Seating is first come, first served, and doors will open at 9:30 in the morning.

  • Parking

    Parking is available in Lots U17, U21, and W93 and accessible spots are available in Lot W76. A campus map with Baccalaureate Ceremony parking lots marked is available for your reference here. 

    For guests requiring accessible accommodations or with limited mobility, a drop-off area is available at Cannon Memorial Chapel. These guests may load/unload on the square brick patio directly beside the handicapped entrance to the Chapel. After loading/unloading, the vehicle must be moved to one of designated lots.

  • Religious History of the University of Richmond

    Founded by faithful Baptists who believed that the life of the spirit and the life of the mind were intertwined, the University of Richmond has always been committed to supporting moral and spiritual values in an atmosphere free of sectarian bias.

    Now as a secular institution, the University strives to support Spiders of all religious and spiritual traditions as well as those identifying with no tradition. 

  • Is Baccalaureate a religious service?

    Featuring prayer, music, and reflections from a variety of traditions, the service celebrates the milestone of graduation, gives thanks for our graduates and their achievements, and looks forward to the contributions each graduate will make in the years ahead.

  • What is the history of Cannon Memorial Chapel?

    The Baccalaureate service is held in Cannon Memorial Chapel, which was dedicated in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Chapel hosts significant events in the life of the University including lectures, musical performances, academic symposia, formal traditions of the first-year class, and religious services.

  • What do I wear to Baccalaureate?

    You are invited to wear what you are comfortable in and is meaningful to you! As there is a lot of programming in the lead up to commencement, many students and guests wear what they will be wearing at the main commencement ceremony later in the day. To that end, many individuals tend to dress between business and smart casual.

    Students: Caps and gowns are not required and are not typically worn for this celebration!