VIRGINIA PENINSULA COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S 57TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Thursday, May 14, 2026, AT 2:00 P.M.
Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr. Hampton, VA 23666
Commencement is a time to celebrate our graduating students’ hard work, dedication, and achievements. It marks the culmination of academic journeys and the beginning of new opportunities. Whether you’re a graduate, family member, or friend, this page provides all the essential information about the commencement ceremony. The Commencement ceremony at Virginia Peninsula Community College takes place once a year in May. Students who graduated in the previous Summer or Fall, as well as those completing their requirements in the Spring, are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. All eligible students must log in to their Canvas account to review all the Commencement details and RSVP.
Graduation Application
- Go to www.vpcc.edu
- Log into MyVPCC
- Go to SIS: Student Information System
- Go to Academic Records & Progress (Grades, History, Transcripts, Degree Progress, Graduation)
- Click on Apply for Graduation
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Graduation Team at graduation@vpcc.edu.
Graduation Application Dates:
- Fall: opens July 15 – closes September 15
- Spring: opens December 15 – closes February 15
- Summer: opens March 15 – closes May 15
Commencement FAQ’s
Q: When and Where is graduation?
A: Commencement is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Hampton Coliseum located at 1000 Coliseum Dr. Hampton, VA 23666.
Q: Where is Parking for graduates and guests?
A: Parking for graduates and guests will be in front of the Hampton Coliseum. Overflow parking will be at the Hampton Convention Center Parking lot across the street.
Q: When do I need to be in place at the Hampton Coliseum?
A: Graduates are asked to assemble at the Hampton Coliseum promptly at 12:30 p.m. Graduates must be in place for line up at 1:00 p.m.
Q: Are tickets required for guest?
A: TICKETS ARE NOT REQUIRED. Seating for guests begins at 1:00 pm and is available on a first come first served basis.
- Guests will NOT be allowed to enter the ceremony during the graduates’ processional, so please inform your guests to be EARLY – before 2:00 p.m.!
- The ceremony will start promptly at 2:00 p.m. Doors will close, and entry will not be permitted to anyone.
- To respect all graduates, please make sure your guests do not leave their seat during the ceremony.
- Guests dress code is business attire.
- Guests with a disability should make their special needs known to an usher upon arrival for assistance.
Q: Where do I purchase commencement regalia?
A: The College Bookstore will have regalia available for purchasing starting April 6, 2026. An announcement will be sent to graduates in Canvas once you can begin purchasing. Regalia can be purchased on campus in the bookstore or online at their website.
Q: Where do I go once I arrive at the Hampton Coliseum for Graduation?
A: Graduates must enter through the front main entrance doors of the Hampton Coliseum. Once you enter the building, you will go through the metal detectors.
Then, you will go to the Name Card Table in the lobby for the corresponding first letter of your last name to complete your CHECK-IN. You will receive your name card. Check your name card information and confirm all your information is correct. You will keep this card until it’s time to walk across the stage. Before you walk on stage, you will give this card to the person at the stage who will give it to a person who will read your name card.
After you check-in and receive your name card, you will be directed to student line-up on either the North or South side of the building. There, you will be assisted to your correct program line up area. Guests are not permitted in the student line up area. We ask for guests to head to guest seating.
Q: Will there be assistance for guest that need special accommodations?
A: Guests with a disability should make their special needs known to an usher upon arrival for assistance.
Q: Can guests bring gifts for graduates?
A: Yes, we will have a vendor at the location with Graduation items for purchase. Guests are welcome to bring outside gifts; HOWEVER, you are responsible for items safekeeping and storage. Balloons or confetti are NOT allowed inside the venue.
Q: Are the diplomas handed out during graduation?
A: No, diplomas are not handed out. Only diploma cover folders are given to graduate candidates during the commencement ceremony on stage after they call your name, and you walk across the stage.
Workforce Completion Certificates Request Form: Contact our Workforce Office at WFDinq@vpcc.edu to request a printed copy of your course certificate of completion. Records will be verified and printed certificates will be processed. You also have the option to choose a digital certificate of completion emailed to you.
IMPORTANT NOTE – You are only certified in your appropriate program when you successfully pass your scheduled certification exam.
Q: Will pictures be taken on the day of graduation?
A: A professional photographer will be present during the commencement ceremony to take pictures of participants as they walk the stage to receive their diploma covers. Purchasing information will be sent to our graduates’ VCCS student e-mail. Since photography services will be available, no family members or friends will be allowed on the floor to take pictures. We ask that your guests remain in their seats throughout the ceremony please.
Q: Photographed or Video-Recorded Disclosure
A: Public events sponsored by Virginia Peninsula Community College, such as commencement ceremonies, are photographed or video recorded. Attendance at these events constitutes the consent of ALL attendees, and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication or other use of photographs or videos at the sole discretion of Virginia Peninsula Community College.
Q: Will Graduation have a live stream?
A: Yes – a live stream link will be available on the day of graduation on the event page: https://www.vpcc.edu/life-on-campus/commencement/
Q: Will there be rehearsal?
A: Details coming soon – please continue to check your email. We are planning an online graduation rehearsal on ZOOM. We will go present step by step all the expectations for your Commencement Day.
Commencement Ceremony Regalia and Dress Code Information
Virginia Peninsula Community College graduates participating in commencement exercises are required to have proper regalia to participate in the ceremony. Regalia will be available at bookstores on Hampton and Historic Triangle Campus starting April 6, 2026.
Regalia includes a cap, gown, and program tassel.
Tassel colors are associated with your Program and Academic Division.
White: Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Fine Arts (AFA)
Blue: Associate of Science (AS)
Gold: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Green: Certificates and Career Studies Certificates (Cert. & CSC)
Graduates participating in the commencement ceremony are expected to arrive on time and with their regalia.
Business attire is recommended to be worn beneath regalia. We suggest that you wear comfortable shoes. There will be long periods of standing.
Latin Honors Cords:
Cum Laude (3.2-3.4 GPA)
Cord Color- Green
Magna Cum Laude (3.5-3.7 GPA)
Cord Color-Silver
Summa Cum Laude (3.8-4.0 GPA)
Cord Color- Gold Latin Honors Cords will be given to recipients by the Graduation Specialist in conjunction with the Admissions, Records and Enrollment Services office. They will only be given to graduates attending the commencement ceremony. Notifications will be sent to graduates receiving an honors cord with the information on when and where to pick your item up prior to the commencement ceremony.
Regalia Information and Cap Decorating Standards
Decorating graduation caps (mortarboards) is a cherished tradition that symbolizes pride and accomplishment. These decorations allow students to express their achievements through quotes, images, symbols, and other personal statements. To maintain the dignity and respect of the commencement ceremony, the following guidelines must be adhered to when decorating graduation caps:
Permitted Decorations:
Decorations must not interfere with attaching the tassel to the cap.
Only the flat top of the college-issued black cap may be decorated.
Prohibited Decorations:
Advertisements, symbols, words, or slogans conveying inappropriate messages for a dignified commencement ceremony.
Decorations motivated by animosity against any person or group based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, national origin, or any other characteristic that infringes on the rights and freedoms of others.
Hate speech or any content that threatens the safety of others.
Obscene, profane, or vulgar language, symbols, and images.
Words or items that diminish or slander any individual, institution, college, faculty or staff members, and/or students.
Large 3-D embellishments that obstruct the view of students seated behind you.
Decorations that hang off the sides of the cap.
Regalia Restrictions and Guidelines:
Decorations are prohibited on academic gowns.
Stoles and Honors Cords:
Stoles and honor cords will be worn by certain graduates who are listed below. Students with these affiliations or who are members in these organizations can obtain honor, club, or activity stoles and cords from their club advisor or activity lead. These are the only stoles or cords that can be worn during the commencement ceremony. These stoles and cords may not be altered.
TRiO program participants: Contact the TRiO office for information.
Veterans: Receive stoles and cords from the Military & Veteran Services Office.
PTK graduates: Contact your PTK advisor for information.
Nursing
Athletics & Ballroom Medals
Latin Honors Cords: Contact Enrollment Management/Graduation
The decoration of stoles and cords is not permitted.
Remember – NO personal, individual stoles, cords, or accessories are allowed. Unapproved, non VPCC department issued stoles and cords are not permitted in the ceremony. You are welcome to wear your item before or after commencement.
Please note that students will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony without a college issued cap and gown. Graduation caps will be reviewed in advance of the ceremony to ensure compliance with these standards. Commencement volunteers will not have extra caps, gowns, and stoles available to exchange for unapproved items a graduate is wearing.
VPCC recognizes the importance of expressive activities for students during the commencement ceremony. However, everyone must follow the standards outlined above.
Welcome to the VPCC Alumni Community! Gators for life!
Congratulations on your graduation, and welcome to the VPCC Alumni Association. You are now part of a network of distinguished graduates who earned Academic or Workforce credentials from Virginia Peninsula Community College. Stay connected with the College by joining Association events, volunteering, engaging with us on social media, and exploring other ways to get involved. We invite you to visit the VPCC Alumni page to learn more!
We wish you the best as you begin the next chapter of your life! Gators for life!
Commencement Archives
2025 Commencement Ceremony took place on May 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Hampton Coliseum.
Watch last year’s Commencement video.