Information for graduates and guests
This site provides important information regarding graduation for you and your guests. Please familiarize yourself with the dates and times of all events. Should you have any questions, please contact Cindy Cheely in the Dean’s Office for further clarification.
Part of finishing your obligation to the university requires you to complete several surveys and an Exit Checklist. (Located in the right column) These surveys will help us evaluate your dental education received here at VCU School of Dentistry. The Exit Checklist will ensure you have no other outstanding obligations to the school or university.
Senior Awards Ceremony
|
When: |
Thursday, May 7, 2026 |
|
Where: |
1301 E. Marshall St. (Map) Richmond, VA 23298 |
|
Time: |
10 a.m. |
On Thursday, May 7, the VCU School of Dentistry will hold a senior award ceremony to recognize students who have been selected by their faculty to receive awards, for excelling, in the various specialties within the dental field.
Military promotion Ceremony
|
When: |
Thursday, May 7, 2026 |
|
Where: |
|
|
Time: |
2 p.m. |
The students on military scholarship will be recognized at the Military Promotion Ceremony on Thursday, May 7. Parking is available on site, and the building is accessible for those with mobility challenges. We look forward to honoring those students who will be serving our country in the dental corp.
VCU School of Dentistry Hooding Ceremony
|
When: |
Friday, May 8, 2026 |
|
Where: |
Dominion Energy Center |
|
Time: |
10:00 a.m. (Graduates are to arrive by 9:00 a.m.) |
|
Guests: |
No limit on the number of guests that may attend **NOTE: New bag size policy for guests |
|
Parking: |
More details below. |
Guest seating
The Carpenter Theatre will be open for guests at 9:00 a.m. NO tickets required and there is no reserved seating. There are seats available with easy access for those with mobility challenges or who are in wheelchairs. Strollers are not permitted inside the theater. Please note the new bag policy below.
Parking
For the Hooding Ceremony, parking is available in several parking decks near the venue. Handicapped Parking is available in the flat surface parking lot behind the venue on Broad St. and the lot in front of the venue on Grace St. Visit the Dominion Energy website for directions and additional parking information.
VCU Commencement Ceremony
|
When: |
Saturday, May 9, 2026 |
|
Where: |
|
|
Time: |
10 a.m. (students arrive at 9 a.m. at the 5th and Marshall St. entrance) |
For details about the VCU Spring 2025 Commencement, visit commencement.vcu.edu.
**All students are required to attend both the School of Dentistry Hooding and VCU Commencement Ceremonies. Information on diploma distribution will be provided at a later time. Diplomas not picked up during the scheduled distribution will be returned to the graduation office. Students whose diplomas have been returned to the VCU Monroe Park graduation office will need to contact that office to schedule a pickup time.
Restaurants and dining
Search local restaurants for your favorite cuisine or check out the below sampling for a taste of what the Richmond restaurant scene has to offer. Many of the city’s best spots are within minutes of the Dominion Energy Center and downtown Richmond.
Hotels
Search local hotels to find one with the amenities to make you feel right at home during your stay. This site contains links to external (non-VCU) websites. VCU is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such websites