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COMMENCEMENT DAY is a momentous event in the lives of graduates, their families and friends. James Madison University’s philosophy of inclusiveness - known as "all together one" - extends throughout the student’s years at college and beyond. Consistent with that philosophy, the university does not restrict the number of family members and guests that a student may bring to graduation, and tickets are not required.

May 2013 Commencement Ceremonies

The final schedule for the May 2013 ceremonies is as follows:

Please note that there WILL NOT be a main ceremony in Bridgeforth Stadium.

For questions regarding the academic side of graduation, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

Commencement is one of the most memorable life experiences for our students and their families as they celebrate an amazing accomplishment uniquely special to each graduate and his or her loved ones.  Commencement is a time to celebrate, express appreciation, reflect and look ahead.  It is an opportunity to acknowledge the life-changing experience that results in earning a college degree.  It is also a time for each student to say 'thank you' to all those who made a college education possible.

For all these reasons and more, James Madison University remains committed to providing the best possible commencement experience for our graduates, their families and friends and the larger JMU community.  A part of this ongoing commitment is to identify ways to improve the commencement experience.  Measures that ensure the safety and well-being of all those attending commencement, improving traffic management, and improving event transportation and parking are important considerations.  With all these factors in mind, James Madison University’s May 2013 commencement programming will follow the format which proved successful two years ago.

A senior convocation will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013 in the JMU Convocation Center and will begin at 7:00 pm.  The senior convocation allows those graduating to celebrate together with student speakers and a convocation address.  In addition, the alumni association will participate in welcoming the seniors as alumni. 

The graduate commencement ceremony will be Friday, May 3, 2013 in the JMU Convocation Center and will begin at 7:00 pm.  Those graduating with doctorate, educational specialist, and masters’ degrees will be individually recognized.

Undergraduate students will be individually recognized during the undergraduate commencement that will take place during the college ceremonies on Saturday, May 4, 2013.  Times and locations will be determined.  There will not be a separate, university-wide ceremony on that morning so as to allow everyone to attend and focus on the ceremonies where students will be individually recognized.

This return in 2013 to our previous commencement schedule follows a two year review.  Feedback from surveys and focus groups, that involved students, faculty, staff, and alumni concluded that the university’s commencement ceremonies needed to be reorganized. The college ceremonies provide an appropriate environment to preserve the recognition of individual graduates walking across the stage as their names are called, while the senior convocation provides an opportunity for the undergraduate class of May 2013 to celebrate together with the university leadership.

We look forward to making the upcoming commencement celebrations wonderful and memorable for all of our students, families and friends.

Amenities

Restrooms: All commencement ceremony locations are handicap accessible. There will be wheelchair seating which allows for one attending person in addition to the wheelchair.

First Aid: Crews will be stationed at all commencement ceremonies.

Weather: In case of inclement weather, the university's inclement weather plan will be put into place. 

Food and Water: Water will be available for purchase at the commencement ceremony location. Snack items will also be available.  Alcohol is not allowed.

 

Due to space constraints and security reasons, coolers, backpacks and baskets are not allowed at any commencement ceremony location. Strollers must be able to fold and fit under a chair. All carry-in items are subject to check by security personnel.