Commencement Ceremony, December 2024

FAQs and Important Information

Commencement Ceremony

Friday, December 20
4:00 p.m. (doors open at 3:15 p.m.)
Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center
Virginia Wesleyan University
5817 Wesleyan Dr., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455

Commencement Speaker
Virginia Delegate and Speaker of the House Don Scott

Mandatory rehearsal will take place on  Thursday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center

Commencement Announcements

Graduate announcements may be purchased through the University Store website. The University Store in Batten Plaza will be open on Commencement Day. VWU diploma frames, apparel, and other University memorabilia will be available for purchase.

Graduation Cap and Gown and Commencement Fee

Students participating in the Commencement Ceremony must submit their Graduation Cap and Gown and Commencement Fee (which includes the cost of ceremony regalia) by October 18, 2024.

Graduates are also able to contribute to the Graduate Giving Cord to receive:

  • a coastal blue Giving Cord to wear at Commencement
  • a VWU alumni t-shirt
  • a VWU alumni car decal

Local pickup only starting December 2 outside of Campus Life. All packages need to be picked up by Commencement rehearsal.

Commencement Tickets

Due to occupancy restrictions associated with fire code, tickets are required for the Commencement Ceremony. Four (4) tickets are available for each graduate and will be distributed as needed when caps and gowns are collected. Students may request additional tickets. Tickets will be collected prior to the ceremony upon entrance to Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. 
Read more in Commencement FAQs and Important Information

Request Additional Tickets

Photography and Video

GradImages provides photographs of each graduate who crosses the dais during Commencement. Photos may be purchased at gradimages.com (graduates will receive a coupon for 20% off photo orders when they pre-register before Commencement Day). Questions can be addressed to 800.261.2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Candid photography will also be available for download on the University Flickr page. An archived video of the ceremony will be available through the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.

FAQs and Important Information