commencement
Vincennes University Spring 2026 Commencement
Saturday, May 2, 2026 • P.E. Complex
Commencement Rehearsal
Graduates are strongly encouraged to attend one of the Commencement rehearsals located at the P.E. Complex.
- Thursday, April 30, at 11:00 a.m.
- Friday, May 1, at 1:00 p.m.
Commencement Ceremony – Saturday, May 2
8:15 AM EDT: Honors Convocation Check-In – Red Skelton Performing Arts Center
9:00 AM EDT: Honors Convocation begins
11:30 AM EDT: Check-In & Line-up – Student Recreational Center (all graduates must be checked in by 12:15)
1:00 PM EDT: Commencement begins
Graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony must stay for the duration of the ceremony.
Academic Honors
- Candidates – Graduates who have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and have earned the appropriate number of hours at the time of the preliminary graduation audit.
- Honor Stoles – Honors candidates may purchase an honor stole at the Registrar’s Office Monday, April 27, through Wednesday, April 29, for $25. If paying with a debit or credit card, payment must be made at the Bursar’s Office. Bring a copy of your receipt to the Registrar’s Office for stole pickup.
- Honors Convocation – All graduates eligible to wear the honor regalia, and their families, are invited to attend the Honors Convocation on Saturday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m. in the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center where graduates will be recognized for their academic achievement.
If you are eligible for honors, details will be included in your preliminary graduation letter. The honors category will be indicated next to your name in the Commencement program.
Calculation of academic honors for the ceremony program will be as of the semester prior to graduation. Honors recorded on transcripts will include the graduation term in the calculation.
Regalia & Tickets
- Cap & Gown – Caps, gowns, and tassels may be picked up at the Old Post Bookstore beginning Monday, April 27, through Wednesday, April 29, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
- Cost – $35.00 plus tax for Associate degree graduates and $50.00 plus tax for Baccalaureate degree graduates. Additional tassels may be purchased for $5.00 each.
- Tickets – Graduates purchasing a cap and gown will receive 6 tickets to the Commencement ceremony (graduates do not need a ticket). Tickets are only available to graduates walking in the ceremony. Students may claim up to 6 additional tickets beginning Thursday, April 30, while supplies last.
Caps and gowns will be available for preorder at http://vubookstore.vinu.edu/home. Graduation announcements are also available for purchase in the Bookstore.
Diverse Ability Seating
If you, as a student participating in the Commencement ceremony, require accommodations related to the ceremony, please contact the Office of Diverse Abilities & Accommodations.
For guests who need accessible seating, please have them arrive early. Accessible parking is located in the parking lot directly across from the P.E. Complex. Please follow the signage from there to the early access doors.
Wheelchair seating is available and an usher will assist you. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Director of Diverse Abilities and Accommodations in room 135 of the Shake Learning Resource Center or call 812-888-4501.
Graduate Photos
Grad Images will photograph graduates during the ceremony and will provide the opportunity to order enlargements from a variety of photographic packages with no obligation to purchase.
For more information visit www.gradimages.com or call 800-261-2576.
Directions
Need Directions? Visit www.vinu.edu/driving-directions or use the following GPS addresses:
- Red Skelton Performing Arts Center: 20 Red Skelton Boulevard, Vincennes, IN 47591
- P.E. Complex: 1401 N. Chestnut Street, Vincennes, IN 47591