Helpful hints

Guests

We recommend that elderly guests and those with special needs arrive 1 hour before the ceremony.
VSU Student Ambassadors will be on-site to assist you as you make your way into the venue.
We recommend that before the ceremony you and your graduate decide on a place to meet once the ceremony has ended. This will avoid unnecessary confusion and excessive foot traffic.
Please acknowledge that Commencement is a formal academic ceremony to be conducted with respect and dignity. Please turn off all cell phones and remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.
Please do not bring food, drink, balloons, or noisemakers into the venue.
Each ceremony will last approximately 1 hour.

Graduates

We recommend that graduates arrive no later than 1 hour before the ceremony.
Regalia wear is NOT available for purchase at the Commencement venue. All gowns, caps, tassels, and hoods must be purchased beforehand.
We recommend you leave purses, coats, and other belongings with your guests or at home. Students and faculty will not be able to check coats or purses at the venue.
Graduates should wear their tassels over the right eye until the degree is awarded and on the left eye afterward.
Diplomas are mailed to the graduates at their permanent or diplomas addresses within four to six weeks. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the Registrar’s Office has the correct mailing address. Please note that diplomas cannot be mailed if the student still has a financial obligation to the University.
Each ceremony will last approximately 1 hour.