Can’t attend in person? Tune in live to watch the New Student Convocation via livestream.
Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
Time: 3 p.m. EST
New Student Convocation
You’re invited to VCU’s New Student Convocation — a high-energy celebration and your official academic welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University. This signature event takes place the day before classes begin and brings all new students together to be welcomed by VCU leadership, celebrate the start of your journey, and experience your next VCU tradition: the Ram Spirit Walk, which kicks off right after the ceremony and leads you straight into the Block Party. You won’t want to miss it!
For more information and details, look to the information below.
Watch Convocation live
Event Details
Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.)
Location: Siegel Center, 1200 W Broad St, Richmond, VA
- You can also go with groups during pre-convocation events, or if you are a residential student, you will be able to travel with other students in your hall!
Attire: Ram Pride! We will provide you with a shirt to wear during New Student Convocation before the event starts. As for the rest of your outfit, we want to see you decked out in your VCU best, think prep rally and shoot to dress to impress.
Accommodation Requests
- If you are in need of any accommodations, please fill out the student accommodation form.
- If you have any additional questions, please email Antoinette Gregory gregoryad@vcu.edu
Pre-Convocation Events
We are excited to offer pre-convocation events this year! These are spaces and places that you can go to mix and mingle with other students before New Student Convocation. We are currently offering the following programs on August 18th:
This Is Your Page: Zine-Making with University College
Time: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: TBD (Tentatively da Vinci SHIFT Lab)
Take a moment before Convocation to slow down, reflect, and get creative with University College! Join us for a drop-in zine-making session where you’ll connect with fellow students and capture your story on the page. Whether you’re expressing who you are now or imagining who you want to become, this is your space to explore, create, and celebrate the journey ahead at VCU. Let’s turn the page together—Convocation is just the beginning!
CHP n' Chat: Convocation Mixer
Time: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Students in the College of Health Professions, this one’s for you! Come mix and mingle with fellow CHP students, faculty, and staff before Convocation begins. Whether you're looking to connect, ask questions, or just share some excitement, this informal mixer is the perfect space to build community and ease into your VCU experience. Stop by, say hello, and start your journey with some familiar faces by your side!
Ram Camp Reunion
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Before Convocation kicks off, join your fellow Ram Campers for a special Ram Camp Reunion to reconnect, recharge, and show your Ram pride!
Throw on your gold "I Earned My Horns" t-shirt and meet us at our pre-Convocation pep rally! We’ll have face painting, black and gold pom-poms, hair bows, and more to help you gear up and get This is your moment to shine, show off your Ram spirit, and reunite with the crew that kicked off your VCU journey. Once we’re all decked out and ready, we’ll walk together to Convocation to continue the celebration with the rest of the incoming class!
Transfer Student Mixer
Time: 1:30-2:30 pm
Location: TBD
We welcome all new transfer students to VCU to connect with their peers before New Student Convocation! Mix and mingle, snacks are provided. Hosted by Adult and Non-Traditional Student Services and the Transfer Center.
Honors College - Honors Convocation
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Academic Learning Commons (MCALC 1107)
The Honors College will be kicking off your time at VCU with the Honors Convocation on August 18, 2025. The event will run from 1:30- 2:30 p.m. at the Academic Learning Commons, room 1107. This event will introduce you to our faculty and staff, while also providing you with an opportunity to meet one another. This event is a required event for all incoming Honors freshmen.
Please note: this is a separate convocation from new students' convocation and both will need to be attended.
Sociology New Student Meet and Greet
Time: 1:30-2:00 p.m.
Location: Department of Sociology Founders Hall, Second Floor, 827 W. Franklin St.
Come meet other Sociology students as well as faculty and staff, and enjoy some snacks before heading off to convocation!
If you are a business student, while we are not offering a new student convocation pre-event, the business school would like for you to save the date for the following: Block party on Aug 28 from 4-6 p.m., and Snead Week celebration from Sept. 2-5.
What School Am I In?
If you are not sure what school you are in, you can search your major on the VCU Undergraduate programs page.
For any additional questions, please email Antoinette Gregory at gregoryad@vcu.edu.