At James Madison University, we are committed to celebrating our May Commencement in a manner that gives families many years of wonderful memories. We are very fortunate to have the wonderful outdoor setting of Bridgeforth Stadium which allows many, many invited guests to join together at this great moment. Occasionally extreme weather conditions occur and when that happens, the following inclement weather policy will go into effect:

The main ceremony for May commencement is cancelled only in the event of extreme weather conditions.  However, college ceremonies will be moved to the alternative schedule (see below) if the university officials determine that weather conditions make it more desirable to have all college ceremonies in indoor locations. If the inclement weather policy is put into effect, the college ceremonies will move to the following revised schedule:

Inclement Weather Plan for College Ceremonies

Inclement Weather Plan Announcements

Announcements initiating the inclement weather plan will be made no earlier than 6:30 a.m. on the day of commencement and could occur as late as during the main ceremony.   When or if a decision is made to alter the day's schedule, the announcement will be posted on the main JMU homepage, the main commencement web site, phone-in message line, 540-433-5300, Radio 1610 AM and area radio and television stations and at the main ceremony if occurring.   (In the event of impending lightning, the following announcement could be made from the podium at the beginning of the ceremony: If the lightning prediction system for Bridgeforth Stadium goes off, the following announcement will be made:

JMU has installed a lightning prediction system that will provide an audible signal.   The audible warning will be one-fifteen second horn blast.   You should immediately seek an appropriate safe shelter (large buildings, vehicles, etc.).  You may resume activities only after the all clear sign has been given: three, five-second horn blasts.

Weather related stadium evacuation message:

Due to the impending severe weather, we must temporarily suspend the main commencement ceremony in the interest of public safety.   Please exit the stadium and proceed to the parking deck on the south side or Godwin Hall on the north side for shelter.  Please wait for direction from the university officials either from the public announcement system or radio station AM 1610 or the all clear signal from the lightning detection system, which consists of three horn blasts which are five seconds in duration.

If the severe weather plan is enacted, it will be very important for families and graduates to arrive no sooner than 30 minutes prior to their ceremony.   This is to allow the participants in the prior ceremony to clear the building and parking lot.   If you arrive more than 30 minutes before your ceremony, you may be turned away from the parking lots or building.   Please help us avoid this situation.

In addition, there may be times that the ceremonies (main and/or college) may have to be modified due to current or impending weather conditions.

Inclement Weather Plan's Impact on Other Activities

If the inclement weather plan is put into action, the plan will affect other activities scheduled for Commencement day. Some of these events will include: