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  • April 14: Know Before You Go

    Dear Graduates, Families, and Guests, 

    We are looking forward to celebrating with you next month during Commencement weekend at the University of Richmond. As we count down to the ceremonies about one month away, we are writing today with our top “Know Before You Go” tips. Thank you in advance for reviewing this information and sharing it with those you’ve invited to celebrate this occasion. 

     

    VENUE, CEREMONY DETAILS, AND PARKING

    All Commencement ceremonies are held in the Robins Center Arena, located at 365 College Rd., Richmond, Virginia, 23173.

    • The main Commencement ceremony for graduates of the School of Arts & Sciences, the Robins School of Business, and the Jepson School of Leadership Studies is Sunday, May 11, at 2 p.m. Doors will open at noon.
    • The School of Professional & Continuing Studies ceremony is Saturday, May 10, at 9 a.m. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m.
    • The Richmond School of Law ceremony is Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m.

    As is routine for major events at the Robins Center, guests will pass through metal detectors when entering the venue, including if reentering.

    Late arrivals and reentry will be handled by event staff on a case-by-case basis to minimize disruptions and noise. Commencement staff will guide you to enter the arena at an appropriate time.

    Parking information is available here. Accessibility information is available here.

     

    TICKETS AND SEATING

    All seating for any Commencement weekend ceremony is general admission.

    For those participating in the Sunday, May 11, main Commencement ceremony, each guest is required to present their Commencement ticket, which has a unique code and will be scanned by event staff upon entry. Anyone over the age of two must have a ticket. We are expecting our venue to be nearly at capacity for the main ceremony and ask that guests fill every seat available.

     

    PERMITTED AND PROHIBITED ITEMS

    • Purses and crossbody bags are allowed and subject to a visual inspection.
    • Backpacks as well as outside food or drinks or reusable cups and water bottles are not allowed.
    • As part of a longstanding policy, noise makers (air horns, cowbells, whistles, etc.), signage of any kind, or any other items that would block a person’s view, including large flags and banners, will not be allowed in the Robins Center. This policy applies to all graduates, families, and guests.
    • Flower bouquets are allowed inside the arena; however, any other packages, balloons, gifts, candy, etc. are not permitted.
    • If you attempt to bring any of these items into the Robins Center, you will be asked to take them back to your vehicle or dispose of them prior to entering the arena. For safety and logistical purposes, we are unable to store items for guests. Signage reminding guests of prohibited items will be posted in each parking lot.
    • Please leave pets and emotional support animals at home. Service animals are allowed.

     

    In addition to the details above, you can also find a wealth of additional information on the Commencement website.

    We will be in touch with important details and reminders as we approach Commencement weekend. In the coming weeks, graduates will also continue to receive direct communications with ceremony-specific details from the Registrar’s office and Commencement team.

     

    We look forward to celebrating with you soon!