Spring 2020 Commencement

Dear Blazer Family,

As many of you know, my favorite days of every year are Commencement days. The greatest joy I have as your President is handing out degrees as our graduates celebrate their amazing accomplishment with classmates, family and friends.

And so, it is with deep sadness that we share the University System of Georgia has announced Spring Commencement ceremonies have been cancelled for all 26 USG institutions, including VSU. I know how much our graduates have longed for this day, and I am truly sorry that this decision became necessary. That said, our top priority must be the health, safety, and wellbeing of all members of our VSU community, especially during these challenging times.

Following the successful completion of academic requirements, diplomas will be mailed directly to all VSU graduates. We are also looking for an alternative way to celebrate this year’s special group of graduates. A special announcement regarding that celebration will be coming soon.

For now, please know that all of us in Blazer Nation are extremely proud of our graduates and their accomplishments. For many of you, completing a college degree changes not only your life, but the lives of your entire family for generations to come. Be proud of that, and know that your faculty and staff, your loved ones, and I are all proud of you!

Go Blazers!

Dr. Richard Carvajal

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For now, we invite you to attend any or all of the opportunities we are providing for our Spring graduates. More information is coming soon.

Virtual Ceremony - May 9, 2020
Spring 2020 graduate recognition event - Homecoming, Fall 2020
Fall 2020 Commencement - Walk the stage and celebrate in December 2020

WILL I STILL EARN MY DEGREE?

Following the successful completion of academic requirements, diplomas will be mailed directly to all VSU graduates.

DO I STILL NEED TO COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION?

Yes. The graduation fee for Spring 2020 has been waived, and we ask that you please submit your completed form as soon as possible.

WILL I RECEIVE A REFUND FOR MY GRADUATION APPLICATION FEE?

The $25 graduation application fee will be refunded to students who have paid it.

CAN I GET A REFUND FOR THE CAP AND GOWN I ORDERED FOR MAY COMMENCEMENT?

The VSU Bookstore will be processing refunds for regalia purchased this year with a copy of your receipt. Any decorated caps or personalized stoles are not eligible for return, but the Bookstore will accept the gown for a partial refund. If purchases were made with a credit/debit card, they can be mailed, along with the receipt, back to the Bookstore at the following address:

VSU Bookstore
Valdosta State University Student Union
1500 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA 31698

Once the store reopens, cash and check purchases can be processed. Any pre-ordered or web ordered regalia that has not been picked up is eligible for return. Please contact Lori Oppel for processing, 1493asm@follett.com or call 229-333-5666 or 229-333-7454. For the next few weeks, staff are going to be in the store from the hours of 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on Monday – Friday.

For regalia purchased directly from Jostens, the student will need to contact them directly. Jostens 1-800-854-7464 or https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/contact/other.mvc

CAN I GET A REFUND FOR MY 1906 SOCIETY CORD I PURCHASED FOR MAY COMMENCEMENT?

If you wish to request a refund for your 1906 Society cord, email Cassidy H. Wicker at cahall@valdosta.edu or call 706-594-8300. Please provide name, proof of purchase (email confirmation) and address that your refund check can be mailed. Please be patient with the refund process as we continue to abide by USG and CDC standards and work remotely when possible. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to Cassidy H. Wicker at the contact information above.

I’M A CADET COMMISSIONING THIS SPRING. WHAT ABOUT MY COMMISSIONING CEREMONY?

Commissioning will continue; however, the traditional Detachment 172 ceremony is canceled. Per AFROTC/CC, a virtual “Oath of Office” has been authorized, or a small (officer/member/family) ceremony can be conducted in person. Paperwork will be signed in-person during individual appointments with the Detachment cadre.