If you have taken all of your classes online and will finish your degree program in 2009, you are eligible to participate in the 2009 Virtual Commencement. You MAY participate in a physical commencement ceremony as well as the Virtual Commencement. To be included, you must submit your photo and graduate profile.

One Time Update
The deadline has passed for the spring launch of the 2009 Virtual Commencement. However, if you have taken all of your classes online and expect to graduate in 2009, you may still submit your Graduate Profile. The 2009 Virtual Commencement will undergo a one-time update in January 2010 for those graduates who were unable to submit earlier in the year.

Create Your Graduate Profile
To be included in the January update, please submit the following materials via e-mail by October 1, 2009:

1. Your name as you wish it to appear online
2. Your student ID number (this will not appear online)
3. High-quality, professional-looking photo of yourself (800 x 800 pixels)
4. Hometown (city, state, country)
5. Tell us more about yourself—favorite class, favorite professor, hobbies, professional interests, etc.
6. Final Thought—Include a short note of advice to your fellow graduates or thanks to the people who supported you in earning your degree.

All materials should be e-mailed in one submission to virtualcommencement@strayer.edu by October 1, 2009.

2009 Virtual Graduation Schedule

Submit Graduate Profile for spring launch: Deadline has passed
2009 Virtual Commencement available online: June 2009–May 2010
Submit Graduate Profile for one-time update: October 1, 2009
One-time update available online: January 2010–May 2010

2009 Virtual Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Virtual Commencement?
  A Web site dedicated to celebrating the graduation of Strayer University’s online students. Virtual Commencement is different each year, and includes video speeches, graduate profiles, online awards, and online degree presentations, all specially designed with online students in mind.
• Who is eligible to participate in the 2009 Virtual Commencement?
  Students who have taken all of their classes online and expect to graduate in 2009 may choose to participate by submitting their photo and Graduate Profile by the posted deadlines.
• If I am eligible, will I be included in Virtual Commencement even if I don’t submit my photo and profile information?
  No, Virtual Commencement is only for students who “opt in” by submitting their photos and Graduate Profiles.
• I missed the deadline. Can I still submit my photo and Graduate Profile?
  Absolutely. There will be a one-time update of the Virtual Commencement in January 2010. Please be sure to e-mail your photo and Graduate Profile to virtualcommencement@strayer.edu by October 1, 2009.
• How do I know if the photo I send is high quality?
  In order for you to be happy with the way your photo looks on your Graduate Profile page, the photo must be a JPEG file sent as an attachment to an e-mail. It should not be copied and pasted into a Word document, PDF or e-mail. The file size should be at least 250 kilobytes, and the photo should not be dark, blurry or grainy.
• When will the 2009 Virtual Commencement go live?
  The Web site will go live in June 2009. A one-time update will occur in January 2010. All components of the 2009 Virtual Commencement will remain online until May 2010.
• How will I know the Web site has gone live?
  Graduates who opted into Virtual Commencement by the spring deadline will receive an e-mail invitation when it goes live in June. Graduates who opt in by the October deadline will receive an e-mail invitation when the update goes live in January 2010.
• If I am attending a physical commencement ceremony, can I still participate in Virtual Commencement?
  Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, you are welcome to participate in the Virtual Commencement regardless of whether you choose to attend a physical ceremony.
• What if I expect to graduate in early 2010?
  Please wait to submit your photo and Graduate Profile until you receive the call for submissions for the 2010 Virtual Commencement.
• Why is the Virtual Commencement only open to online students?
  Strayer University’s commitment to “fit your life” means that students who choose to earn their degrees online also have the option to “graduate” online via Virtual Commencement.
• Can I get a video of the 2009 Virtual Commencement?
  You are welcome to print, record or screen capture the Virtual Commencement in any way you wish.