JMU Commencement-Graduation Specifics

Specifics for the Graduating Graduate Students

Make certain that you have completed the items listed on the Graduation Checklist. You can check whether or not you have submitted your application for graduation by checking with the Graduate School.

Hooding Practice
Hooding practice for graduate students for December commencement will be held Friday, December 16 at 1 p.m. in the Convocation Center. Remember that you need to bring both your hood and your hat to the practice. Please refer to the information outlined below as well as a letter The Graduate School will send to you.

Dress
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.

Processional
Graduates must be in the processional line by 9:30 on the morning of commencement.

Decorum
A traditional academic ritual, participants must wear academic regalia. This means: no signs, no bottles, no beach balls, no balloons, no cans, no drugs, and no alcohol. Graduates choosing not to abide by these rules will not be allowed in the stadium or will be escorted from the ceremony.

Residence Halls Closing
Residence halls will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 16 for undergraduates. Graduates may stay until 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 17.

Dining Services
On Friday, December 16, Dining Services closes at 2 p.m. for undergraduates. Dining services closes and fall meal plans end at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 17 for graduates.