2026 Baccalaureate
& Commencement Communique
Baccalaureate May 8, 2026
4 PM – Allix B. James Chapel
Commencement May 9, 2026
9 AM – Hovey Field
As we approach the highest celebration of academic achievement and the marking of yet another milestone in the history of Virginia Union University, please closely note the following information, which provides instructions and a schematic drawing for Commencement 2026. The en-masse ceremony –
which is mandatory for every graduation candidate to attend – will take place on Hovey Field.
REGALIA
Bachelor and Master candidates will receive an email with the schedule for regalia pickup. Doctoral candidates are responsible for the purchase of their regalia.
BACCALAUREATE & COMMENCEMENT EXPECTATIONS AT VUU
Baccalaureate and Commencement at Virginia Union University are sacred ceremonies. As such, they are conducted with decorum, dignity, and pride. Appropriate academic regalia and accessories should complement the robe. The mortarboard is to be worn horizontally – not tilted. Attire must be reflective of the importance of the occasion and follow these guidelines:
Women
Black dress of appropriate length, black shoes, skin-toned or dark stockings; no jeans. Shoes should be low-heeled and comfortable as graduates will be walking a considerable distance as well as onto the turf on Hovey Field.
Men
White, collared shirt with neck/bow tie, black shoes, black dress pants; no jeans.
Trans & Non-Binary
Polished, professional attire that is true to your identification, which may include a black suit with shirt/blouse, full-length black trousers with shirt/blouse, black dress, black skirt with shirt/blouse, neck/bow tie.
Accessories
Regalia should be worn with limited jewelry. Oversized earrings, bangles, necklaces, pins, and other pieces are inappropriate. Do not bring/wear purses, flowers, sorority/fraternity Kente cloth stoles, corsages, ribbons, scarves, and the like. Cellphone use is not permitted during the processional and recessional at Hovey Field and school locations.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in removal from the procession.
COMMENCEMENT REHEARSAL
All graduation candidates are required to participate in the commencement rehearsal, which will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026 in Allix B. James Chapel.
Please arrive early and find a seat. Bring your mortarboard and hood to the rehearsal. Graduation candidates are not to leave before rehearsal ends. Those who are unable to participate in rehearsal must inform their academic dean before rehearsal.
BACCALAUREATE
All graduation candidates are required to participate in the baccalaureate service and assemble at Ellison Hall at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. The baccalaureate service will begin at 4:00 p.m. in Allix B. James Chapel.
Appropriate attire and full regalia are required.
COMMENCEMENT ASSEMBLY
All graduation candidates must participate and arrive at 7:30 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at their respective area:
School & Assembly Area
School of Arts & Sciences
Ellison Hall
Sydney Lewis School of Business
Pickford Hall
Evelyn Reid Syphax School of Education
Martin Gray Building
Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology
Kingsley Hall
COMMENCEMENT PROCESSIONAL
Each school, led by the dean, will assemble at Pickford Hall for the processional, which
will begin promptly at 8:15 AM
Speakers & Honorary
Degree Recipients
Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr.
Baccalaureate Speaker
Former & First Dean
Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel
Tenured Professor of Religion, College Archivist, & Curator
Morehouse College
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Ambassador Abubakar Jidda
Commencement Speaker
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in New York
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan
U.S. Representative,
VA 4th District
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Dr. Boise
Kimber
President
The National Baptist Convention, USA
Honorary Doctor of Divinity
SCHOOL CEREMONIES
INCLEMENT WEATHER
PROCEDURES
In the event of inclement weather, announcements will be made via local radio and TV, the VUU web page, and the VUU campus marquee.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are not required. Seating will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
HANDICAP SEATING
& SHUTTLE SERVICE
Handicap seating will be designated for guests. Please see an usher for assistance. Golf carts will provide shuttle service for guests who may need it.
VENDORS
Food and beverage vendors will be available behind Barco Stevens Gymnasium throughout the day of Commencement.
TRAFFIC & PARKING INFORMATION
As we approach our commencement ceremony, please be aware of the following arrangements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration for all involved.
Traffic Advisory
Expect heavy traffic throughout the city, as neighboring universities will be hosting their commencement exercises the same day.
We advise everyone to plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel to and from the ceremony.
Street Closure
Lombardy Street will close at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, between the circle and Brook Road. (See image below.)
Signage and alternate route information will be provided, but please plan your travel with this closure in mind.
Gate Opening
The gates for visitors will open at 7:30 a.m. on commencement day.
We recommend arriving early to navigate through increased traffic to secure parking.
RESTAURANTS
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We’d love to see how we can streamline your hiring together.