Frequently Asked Questions

Important Reminders - May 9, 2024

Be sure to review these important reminders that will allow everyone to enjoy this weekend as we honor and uplift the achievements of our graduating students.

Guests

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  • What time do doors open for guests at the Robins Center?

    Doors will open at 12:00 Noon, two hours prior to the ceremony start time. Guests of graduates will not be allowed entry into the Robins Center earlier than this time.

  • What time does the ceremony start? Will I be allowed entry if I’m late?
    The Ceremony will start promptly at 2:00 PM. Due to the processional, you will be allowed entry if you are late but may be asked to wait to minimize disruptions. RMC staff or University Staff will assist with reentry. Please be mindful of noise if entering after the ceremony start time.
  • How many tickets will we receive? When will I receive them?
    Graduating students will be issued up to 7 tickets via Marching Order. Tickets will be distributed digitally. Ticket links will be emailed to graduating students in early April.
  • How do I request additional tickets if I need more?

    Please email commencement@richmond.edu if you would like to request additional tickets. The Commencement team will keep track of all additional ticket requests, and review requests in the order in which they were received. The Commencement team will not be able to release additional tickets until late April to ensure all graduating students have claimed their tickets.

    The request for additional tickets does not guarantee additional tickets. Please monitor your email closer to the date of Commencement. We ask you respond promptly, so if you no longer need tickets we can offer them to another graduate.

    You may coordinate with other students directly if they would like to coordinate in sharing their 7-ticket allocation. Tickets are of no cost. Students are not permitted to sell tickets.

  • Where do I sit? Are there assigned seats?

    Guests will be seated in the Robins Center arena seating.  Seating is not assigned, but there is seating for all guests who received a ticket.  

  • Are outside food and drinks allowed?

    No outside food or drinks are allowed inside the Robins Center. Reusable cups and water bottles are not allowed inside the Robins Center.

  • Are balloons and other gifts allowed inside the Robins Center?

    Balloons and other gifts (wrapped gifts, food, drinks, etc.)  are not allowed inside the Robins Center. We ask you to leave these items at home or in your vehicle for after the ceremony. You will be asked to bring these items back to your vehicle or dispose of them prior to entering the Robins Center. For safety and logistical purposes, we are unable to store items for guests.

  • Are flowers allowed inside the Robins Center?

    Flower bouquets will be allowed inside the Robins Center. Flower bouquets or flower arrangements that have additional items (balloons, candies, etc.) are not permitted.

  • Are noise makers (airhorns, cowbells, etc.) and or graduate signs allowed in the Robins Center?

    We want to ensure all guests are able to see and hear the ceremony clearly and not block or disrupt other guests. No noise makers (airhorn, cowbells, etc.), graduate signs, or other items that would block a persons view will be allowed in the Robins Center.  

  • Will there be a photographer?

    Yes, there will be photographers at the ceremony. Kim Lee Photography will be capturing the overall ceremony. Grad Images will be taking photographs of graduates. These photos will be available for purchase from Grad Images after the ceremony. Please allow 3-4 weeks for Grad Images to process and post images for purchase. The website will be updated when photos are made available.

  • Will Commencement be livestreamed?

    Yes, the Main Commencement will be live-streamed. The live stream will be located on the website and accessible prior to the ceremony start time. It will then be posted on the website after Commencement weekend. A specific timeline for when the link will be available will be updated on the commencement website closer to the ceremony dates. 

  • Approximately how long is the ceremony?
    Approximately 3 hours.
  • What if I need additional assistance at Commencement?

    Mobility Assistance: If you need additional assistance in getting from the designated parking lots to the arena entrances, please reach out to commencement@richmond.edu for additional assistance.

    Accessible seating is available in the arena; please reach out to commencement@richmond.edu for additional information so RMC or University Staff can direct you to seating the day of the ceremony.  

    Audio / Visual Assistance:

    All ceremonies at Robins Center will have live captions and an ASL interpreter present.

    Other Assistance:

    A map of gender-inclusive and single-stall restrooms can be found here.

    A map of accessible paths, buildings, and other areas of campus can be found here.

  • What lodging is available in the University of Richmond area?

    A list of lodging options can be found on the Accommodation page.

  • Are pets allowed at Commencement?

    We do ask you to leave your pets and emotional support animals at home for Commencement. Service animals are allowed.

  • Where can I find a campus map?

    The University of Richmond campus map can be found here. You can utilize the Wayfinding feature to provide directions on how to get to different buildings and parking lots. Printable maps can also be found on the upper right-hand corner dropdown menu.

  • What time do doors open for guests for Cannon Memorial Chapel ceremonies?

    For the Baccalaureate and Special – Athlete ceremonies held in the Chapel, both will open one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Guests of graduates will not be allowed entry into the Chapel earlier than this time.

Graduates

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