JMU Commencement-Graduation Specifics

Specifics for the Graduating Undergraduate

Make certain that you have completed the items listed on the Graduation Checklist. In addition, you may want to review the letter from the Office of the Registrar again. You can check whether or not you have submitted your application for graduation by going here.

Rehearsal
There is no rehearsal for May commencement. More information will be posted here in March and April.

Dress
Commencement is a formal ceremony and dress should reflect this. Please refrain from wearing clothing such as flip-flops, sneakers or jeans. Business attire is considered appropriate, however, weather considerations should be made as the ceremony is outdoors. Also, consideration should be made when selecting footwear. The ceremonies take place all across campus and significant walking may be required. In addition, significant amounts of standing are possible.

Processional
The use of processionals will be determined by the individual college. Details related to each college ceremony will be available on the individual ceremony page located here.

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 ceremony site or will be escorted from the ceremony.

Residence Halls Closing
Residence halls will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 6 for undergraduates. Graduating seniors may stay until 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 7.

Dining Services
On Friday, May 6, Dining Services closes at 2 p.m. for undergraduates. Dining services closes and spring meal plans end at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7 for graduating seniors.