VCU news

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University will award more than 5,000 degrees during its 2015 May commencement exercises on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Media credentials are required for access to the floor of the coliseum and reserved media seating in section 15L.The credentials can be obtained from University Public Affairs during business hours at 912 W. Grace St., sixth floor, or from a staff member at the Seventh Street entrance of the coliseum on the day of commencement. Proof of media affiliation is required to receive credentials.

Due to construction near the Richmond Coliseum, media parking is extremely limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for media who request parking in advance. Media vehicles either should be marked or should display a media placard.

Students will receive professional, graduate and undergraduate degrees. Join the VCU commencement conversation on Twitter by following @vcu and using the #VCU2015 hashtag.

More information on VCU’s 2015 May commencement, including the schedule of departmental ceremonies, can be found at http://www.commencement.vcu.edu/. The ceremony will be live-streamed at www.vcu.edu.

Due to construction around the coliseum, guests are encouraged to give themselves extra time for travel and parking prior to the event. VCU Police and Richmond Police officers will be directing traffic in the area; signage will indicate detours. The 7th Street Bridge over Leigh Street is closed; Leigh Street between 5th Street and 8th Street will also be closed.

The traffic circle on 5th Street is a drop-off point for graduates; the traffic circle on 7th Street is designated for handicap parking (with overflow parking at the Coliseum Deck). Guests can enter the Coliseum at the 6th Street entrance starting at 9 a.m.

Public parking for a nominal fee is available at the deck located at 5th and Marshall Streets and the Coliseum Deck on 7th Street (accessible by 7th Street).