Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I order my commencement photo?

  • RBC Creative Services is the official photographer of the 2024 Ceremony. Photos can be downloaded for free at the link below within 30 days of the ceremony.

    2023 Commencement Photos

• When do I arrive at RBC?

  • Graduating students must be on site and checked in with staff by 4:00 pm.

    Richard Bland College of William & Mary – Outside New Academic Innovation Center
    11301 Johnson Rd, VA 23805

• Where do I go once I arrive at RBC?

  • RBC staff will direct graduates to the pre-commencement holding area.

• Where is the pre-commencement holding area?

  • This area is in the Parsons Café located across from Statesman Hall.

• Where do I park at RBC?

  • Parking will be available on campus for free, right off of Johnson’s Road. Staff will direct you to the closest space. Handicapped parking will also be available in designated areas next to the building.

    Richard Bland College of William & Mary
    11301 Johnson Rd, VA 23805

     

• Where do my family and friends park?

  • Please see above. There are no special parking areas for family and guests.

• Where will I connect with my family after the ceremony?

  • In and around the outdoor Academic Innovation Center area to connect with family. At the end of the ceremony, the faculty and student recessional march flows away from the building to that area.

     

• How many tickets do I get?

  • No ticket is required for entrance. There are plenty of seats available  for family and friends. 

• How do I receive my diploma?

  • After crossing the stage, you will receive a diploma cover. Your actual diploma will be mailed to your permanent home address in 60 to 90 days.

• Is there a viewing area for handicapped or the elderly?

  • Limited space/seating is available on the floor for handicapped or elderly family and friends needing floor space.

• Do I need to wear my mask during the ceremony?

  • At the time of the ceremony, students, families, and guests will be expected to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID mitigation policies that are in place. 

• Can I bring Flowers and balloons

  • Balloons are not allowed.

• How do I order my cap and gown and what is the deadline?

  • Graduates
    Regalia sets (cap, gown, hood, tassel) will also be for sale in The Grove prior to Commencement. Payment for all orders is due at time of pick up. Graduates will be notified via RBC email when orders arrive. Total price for Associate Degree regalia set (cap, gown, hood, tassel) is $40. Rentals are unavailable for graduates. Note: Payment due by March 29th. Caps & Gowns are available for pickup in the Grove Market Campus Store  – date coming soon. 

    Faculty
    Faculty will have the option to rent regalia. Information to follow in RBC email.

    The Grove Market
    Jessica Mahoney
    Retail Manager
    The Grove Market
    jmahoney@rbc.edu
    804-862-6100, ext. 6500
    campusstore@rbc.edu