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 completing your obligation to the university requires you to complete several surveys and an exit checklist.

These surveys will help us evaluate your dental education here at VCU. The exit checklist will ensure you have completed all required tasks prior to graduation.

VCU School of Dentistry Hooding Ceremony

When:	Friday, May 12, 2023
Where:	Dominion Energy Center – Carpenter Theatre 600 E. Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (Map)
Time:	10  a.m. (Students are to arrive by 9:00 a.m. and enter at the Rhythm Hall Entrance located between 6th and 7th street.)
Guests:	No limit on the number of guests that may attend
Parking:	See information below

Guest seating

The Carpenter Theatre will be opened for guests at 9 a.m. Tickets are not required and there is no reserved seating.

Parking

For the Hooding Ceremony, parking is available in several places near the Carpenter Theatre. Mobility impaired guests will be able to find close proximity parking in the lot across from the Carpenter Theatre on Grace Street. Visit the Dominion Energy Center website for directions and additional parking information.

VCU Commencement Ceremony

When:	Saturday, May 13, 2023
Where:	Greater Richmond Convention Center
Time:	10 a.m. (students arrive at 9 a.m. at the 5th and Marshall St. entrance)

**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 graduation office will need to contact that office to schedule a pickup time.

For details about the VCU Spring 2023 Commencement, visit commencement.vcu.edu.

Information for guests

VCU School of Dentistry Hooding Ceremony

When:	Friday, May 12, 2023
Where:	Dominion Energy Center – Carpenter Theatre 600 E. Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (Map)
Time:	10 a.m. (Students arrive by 9:00 a.m.) Guests should enter at the corner of 6th and Grace streets.
Guests:	No limit on the number of guests that may attend
Parking:	See information below

Guest seating

The Carpenter Theatre will be opened for guests at 9 a.m. Tickets are not required.  Please refrain from holding large numbers of seats before your party arrives.

Parking

For the hooding ceremony, parking is available in several places near the Carpenter Theatre. Mobility impaired guests will be able to find close proximity parking in the lot across from the Carpenter Theatre on Grace Street. Visit the Dominion Energy Center website for directions and additional parking information. Parking costs could be $20 or more depending on the parking facility. 

VCU Commencement Ceremony

When:	Saturday, May 13, 2023
Where:	Greater Richmond Convention Center
Time:	10 a.m.

For details about the VCU Spring 202 Commencement, visit commencement.vcu.edu.

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.