Commencement

Greetings JMU family and friends, 

All of us in the JMU community are looking forward to the excitement of this special event and celebrating your accomplishments.  Since we have two ceremonies for graduates again this year, we want to provide additional details about the events.

On Friday, May 8 at 3:00 pm., we will hold the University Ceremony in Bridgeforth Stadium; tickets are not required and seating is available first come first serve. This ceremony will include a commencement speaker, a student speaker, a faculty speaker, and involvement from the Alumni Association. This is the last time the JMU class of 2015 will be together in one place and they will be able to sit with their friends while wearing caps and gowns. Graduate names will not be called and they will not walk across the stage (that occurs at the individual college ceremonies.) The JMU faculty and platform party will be wearing full regalia and will process. Special music will be performed by the JMU Wind Symphony. Following the ceremony, there will be a celebratory event on Godwin field (just outside the stadium) where the graduates, their families, friends can meet, have some refreshments, take photos, etc.  We expect the ceremony to last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, with the event afterwards lasting 30-45 minutes.

Parking lots and gates to Bridgeforth Stadium will open at 1:30 pm. If the ceremony is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will announce a decision by 12:30 pm on the Commencement home page, via social media (FB-James Madison University Commencement and Twitter @JMUcommencement) or on radio station 1610 AM. Parking information will be detailed on our website in April, as well as what items you may bring into the ceremonies. If you choose to take one of the many shuttles that we provide from local hotels, student apartment complexes and other locations, go to the Commencement parking information page for details. Please note that parking will be different for each college ceremonies.  Handicapped parking is available for all ceremonies, please see our website for specific locations. A valid handicapped hang tag or license plate from your state is required for access.

The College of Business ceremony will be held Friday, May 8 at 7:00 pm in Bridgeforth Stadium. All remaining ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 9:00 am at various campus locations. The students will be individually recognized as they cross the stage during these ceremoies. Diplomas will be mailed to the student’s home address on file, but the student will receive a scroll while on stage. GradImages will be at each of the college ceremonies to photograph each graduate receiving his or her degree.  The photographer will contact you following graduation about purchasing options.  If you would like to purchase a video of the university and college ceremonies, please check the commencement photography/videography page for instructions. These ceremonies last from one to two hours depending on the size of the college. If the inclement weather plan is required, the announcement will be made by 6:00 am. Updated parking information will be on our posted by April with detailed shuttle/parking information for each college ceremony.

Tickets are NOT needed for any commencement ceremony. If you or a guest requires a sign language interpreter, please contact University Events (540-568-7787) by Friday, April 24.  While we will make every effort to consider accommodation requests after this date, please understand that we may not be able to guarantee late requests. If you have a mobility issue, please park in a designated handicapped parking lot for your college ceremony and ask the nearest usher for the best seating area.  The University does not provide wheelchairs. 

For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions page. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!

University Events Team

Ramona, Kris & Tammy

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May 2015 Commencement Schedule

released 8/26/14 

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.

The college ceremonies will only adhere to the “inclement weather” schedule if weather conditions appear life threatening (lightning, tornado warnings, etc.). Changes due to inclement weather will be posted on the JMU website and announced on the AM 1610 radio station. JMU’s public safety department makes the decision to alter or cancel ceremonies due to inclement weather.

Handicapped Seating

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 available 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. You may bring one unopened bottle of water per person, however opened bottle of drinks will not be allowed into ceremonies. All other food items, except baby food, and special food due to allergies, are not allowed.