JMU Commencement Home Page

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.

Main Ceremony

Commencement begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2008 in Bridgeforth Stadium. Students graduate as a group at the main ceremony and are recognized individually at the College ceremonies. (College ceremonies begin at appx. 11:30 a.m.).

Please arrive early; the stadium will fill to capacity quickly. For those who have difficulty walking up steps or who wish to avoid the large crowd and congestion at the main ceremony in Bridgeforth Stadium should go directly to the indoor, large-screen projection site closest to the college ceremony's location. Large screens will be located in the College Center Ballroom, the Convocation Center, Godwin Hall and Wilson Hall.

Graduates must be in the procession line no later than 8:00 a.m. Saturday.

College ceremonies
Programs at the following locations will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m.

College of Arts & Letters

Communications
Wilson Quad

Humanities & Social Sciences
Hillside Field

College of Business Convocation Center (indoors)

College of Education
Godwin Hall (indoors)

College of Integrated Science & Technology

Graduate Psychology, Health Sciences, Psychology and Social Work Festival Center Lawn

Communication Sciences and Disorders, Computer Science, ISAT, Kinesiology and Nursing

Bridgeforth Stadium

College of Science & Mathematics East Campus Library Lawn

College of Visual & Performing Arts Duke Sculpture Garden

Amenities

Restrooms: Those located at Bridgeforth Stadium and all college ceremony locations are handicap accessible. A mobile restroom will be located at Hillside Field.

First Aid: Crews will be stationed at the main ceremony and each college ceremony.

Weather: In case of inclement weather, the University's inclement weather plan will be put into place. Umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium.

Also be reminded that the direct stadium sun, even during the morning hours, can be very warm and bright. Bring hats or visors, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Food and Water: There is no lunch break between ceremonies. Coffee and donuts will be available for purchase from the concession stands at the west end of the football stadium from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Water fountains are located outside the stadium behind the stands, and in all buildings. Following the main ceremony, only water will be available for purchase at the stadium concession stands. Water only will be available for purchase at or near all college ceremony locations beginning at 10:00 a.m. and during the ceremonies. Snack items will be available only at the stadium prior to 11:30 a.m. and will not be available at any other location. You may wish to bring a bottle of water and a small snack. Alcohol is not allowed.

Due to space constraints and security reasons, coolers, backpacks and baskets are not allowed in the stadium or at college ceremony locations. All carry-in items are subject to check by security personnel.