JMU Commencement-FAQ (Winter)

Frequently Asked Questions-Winter

When do I apply for my degree?
What is appropriate dress for under commencement gowns and for guests at commencement?
Have I (or has my son/daughter) already applied to graduate for December 2011?
How do I apply for a degree?
How do I indicate on the application that I am pursuing two degrees?
How many hours do I need to complete a double undergraduate degree?
Do students receive an additional diploma for a double major?
How can I order a replacement undergraduate diploma?
What is the difference between graduating with "distinction" and graduating "with honors"?
How do I graduate with honors?
Will my minor or my concentration show on my diploma and my transcript?
Will my major show on my diploma and my transcript?
What GPA will show on my transcript?
What is the size of the diploma?
If I graduate during the fall, how long will it be before I receive my diploma? To which address will my diploma be mailed?
What if I realize I am not going to complete degree requirements by the end of the term for which I applied, what should I do?
What should I do if I want to transfer in the final credit needed to complete my degree?
How long after the ending date of the term do I have to complete degree requirements and still graduate that term?
If students have questions about meeting departmental requirements, with whom should they talk?
Whom do I contact with further questions?

Q: When do I apply for my degree?
A: For graduation in Winter 2011, applications are due to the department head by June 1, 2011.

Q: What is appropriate dress for under commencement gowns and for guests at commencement?
A: Commencement is a formal ceremony and dress should reflect this. Please refrain from wearing clothing such as sneakers or jeans. Business attire is considered appropriate. Also, consideration should be made when selecting footwear. The ceremonies take place in the Convocation Center, but parking is limited and significant walking may be required. In addition, significant amounts of standing are possible.

Q: Have I (or has my son/daughter) already applied to graduate for December 2011?
A: To make certain that you have applied for graduation, you can check here.

Q: How do I apply for a degree?
A: Undergraduate degree candidates should complete the "Application for a Bachelor’s Degree" available at the Office of the Registrar (Warren Hall 300 or 504A) and submit it to their major advisor by the deadlines stated on the forms. Degree applications for Graduate students are available through department offices and at the Graduate School office or here.

Q: How do I indicate on the application that I am pursuing two degrees?
A: Check the appropriate box(es) on the application for a bachelors degree.

Q: How many hours do I need to complete a double undergraduate degree?
A: Students earning a double undergraduate degree at JMU must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours, including a minimum of 60 hours at JMU. Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from another institution, earning a second baccalaureate degree at JMU must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours and two regular semesters (including the semester in which the requirements for the second baccalaureate degree are met) at JMU.

Q: Do students receive an additional diploma for a double major?
A: Undergraduates who complete two majors (for instance, English and History) will receive one diploma. Students who complete two undergraduate degree programs (i.e., a BBA degree in Accounting and a BS degree in Computer Science) will receive two diplomas, but to do so they must earn at least 150 credits and satisfy requirements for both degrees and both majors. The policy on earning a Second Baccalaureate Degree appears in the JMU Undergraduate Catalog.

Q: How can I order a replacement undergraduate diploma?
A: Contact the Office of the Registrar, MSC 3528, Harrisonburg, VA 22807. There is a $15 charge for replacement diplomas.

Q: What is the difference between graduating with "distinction" and graduating "with honors"?
A: Graduation with distinction denotes a student who completed an Academic Honors Program. To graduate "with honors," students must meet the criteria for graduation with honors.

Q: How do I graduate with honors?
A: In order to be eligible for graduation with honors, the student must have been enrolled at JMU for a minimum of four semesters and have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours at JMU during that time. The student must also have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 at James Madison University and have a cumulative average, as specified below, in all course work, including all course work taken at all other colleges the student has attended:

3.50-3.699 for graduating Cum laude.
3.70-3.899 for graduating Magna cum laude.
3.90 and above for graduating Summa cum laude.

Q: Will my minor or my concentration show on my diploma and my transcript?
A: No. Only the degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts) and graduation honors (if appropriate) appear on the diploma. They will, however, appear on your transcript.

Q: Will my major show on my diploma and my transcript?
A: Only the degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts) and graduation honors (if appropriate) appear on the diploma. Majors will appear on the transcript.

Q: What GPA will show on my transcript?
A: Your semester and your cumulative GPA are printed on your transcript. The semester GPA is calculated only on course work completed for an individual semester. The cumulative GPA is based on ALL courses you have taken at JMU.

Q: What is the size of the diploma?
A: The diploma is 12x16" and is displayed horizontally (landscape).

3.50-3.699 for graduating Cum laude.
3.70-3.899 for graduating Magna cum laude.
3.90 and above for graduating Summa cum laude.

Q: If I graduate during the fall, how long will it be before I receive my diploma? To which address will my diploma be mailed?
A: Diplomas will be mailed to the home address approximately three to four weeks after the date the individual degree is awarded. Students who want the diploma mailed to a different address may notify the Office of the Registrar by completing the "Diploma Address" form available in the registrar's office, Warren Hall 300 or 504A.

Q: What if I realize I am not going to complete degree requirements by the end of the term for which I applied, what should I do?
A: The December ceremony is only for students who will complete all requirements during the fall semester. Students who complete requirements in the spring semester cannot participate in the December ceremony.

Q: What should I do if I want to transfer in the final credit needed to complete my degree?
A: Graduation requirements include enrollment at James Madison University during the semester in which degree requirements will be met. However, students who are unable to complete their final semester in residence may request permission to take final hours at another institution by submitting a "Permission to Take Courses for Transfer Credit" form to the office of the Dean of their major college. The forms are available at the following web site: http://www.jmu.edu/registrar/forms.

Q: How long after the ending date of the term do I have to complete degree requirements and still graduate that term?
A: All requirements for the degree must be completed by the date the degree is conferred. For instance, the degree conferral date for Winter 2011 is December 17, 2011. To receive a diploma dated December 17, 2011, degree candidates must complete all course work for the degree by December 16, 2011.

Q: If students have questions about meeting departmental requirements, with whom should they talk?
A: Students with questions about meeting departmental requirements should consult their academic advisor or another departmental representative.

Q: Whom do I contact with further questions?
A: For all questions concerning the graduation process, please contact the Office of the Registrar, (540) 568-6281, Warren Hall 504 or by e-mail. For questions about the commencement ceremony, please contact the Office of University Events, (540) 568-1789, JMAC 2 or by e-mail.